The weather was so fantastic today, the kids and I decided to take Grandma to see another castle. (Poor Russ had to work.) Actually, it's a Land Commandery more than a castle. Alden Biesen, to be exact.
She's a beauty. This was the first castle our family visited in Europe, so she'll always have a special place in my heart.
I can't believe it's already been two years since we moved to Europe! We're on our final countdown already. Less than a year to go, and we will be on our way back to the states. Grandma only has a week or so, and her visit will be over. Time is flying by!
After a quick check of the map, we decided to head for the Water Castle. (The main building here is surrounded by a moat, and is called the Water Castle.)
You can't even see the moat as you approach it. It just looks like the grass goes right up to the edge.
Here is a side view of the entrance and the moat. 
At first glance, the building appears to be solid, but when you enter the front, you see that there is a covered courtyard inside. 
The sail like covering is pretty cool, and gives the courtyard a cave like feeling. Apparently they have special events in this area. 
There are only 3 rooms that you are allowed to tour inside the castle. These are the original floors, so they ask you to put slippers over your shoes before entering this section.
After wandering around a little bit, we left the Water Castle and headed back to the outer courtyard. To the right in this picture is the Information Office and a small museum. It's free, so be sure to check it out.
This is the Church and Gallery. The last time we visited, there was a wedding taking place in there.
Here is a quick look inside the Church. It was constructed between 1633 and 1635.
For a few euros, you can go inside the French Garden. It's worth it, because it's very pretty, and it also gives you another great view of the castle.
This is the view of the Church through the French Garden. 
This is the other entrance of the Water Castle, facing the parking lot and street.
There were lots of interesting statues in the French Garden. I'm told that these exhibits change all the time. This one looked a little familiar.
What did you do today? I hung out at the castle. Just another typical day in Europe.
Soon, it was time to go. We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the castle restaurant and headed for home. Grandma won't know what to do soon, when there aren't any castles to visit and eat lunch at. Applebee's just won't be the same.
If I could choose one thing that I've always want to see in person, it would have to be a castle. Today, I got my chance. We headed about 45 minutes away to Alden Biesen. It was worth the wait. It was beautiful. Alden Biesen is a 13th century mediecal castle, who's roots start back in 1220. That was when they received the land on which it stands. Slowly, over hundreds of years, the structures were added. 
There is a beautiful church on the grounds. They were having a wedding there today. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful setting. Beside the castle is a lovely little cafe where we had our lunch. Grilled chicken salad, with fresh vegetables and sliced pears on the side. If this is what European life is all about, sign me up.