2....

So here we are again, back in Mechelen and looking the other way across the square. The best bit about this place is the absence of cars. When I started coming over about 7 years ago this was full of parked cars, so the council put up the cash and dug it all up, carried out an archaeological dig, built a massive underground car park and re-laid the original pave. You can still get taken out by a fast moving bicycle but it is a nice place to wander. Anyway, this is the view from the Town Hall across to St. Rumbold's Tower and Cathedral.



The first part of the Cathedral was started in the 13th century, around 1217 (just after lunch), and was continually enlarged throughout the 14th & 15th century with work starting on the tower in 1452 (just before afternoon tea).
The tower was to remain un-finished due to financial constraints and the Religious Wars of the 16th century.
As you can see, they still can't afford enough scaffolding to clean it all.



Today the tower stands just over 97 metres high but was originally designed to be 160 metres.
It houses 98 bells weighing in at a slender 80 tons and it all works, I've heard it.
Every Monday evening from June to mid September the bells are rung for an hour and it's very impressive.

Below is a model on display inside the Cathedral which shows the original tower design. (WOW)!!!

The inside is not too shabby either. (WOW again)!!!

Just behind the Cathedral is a smaller square with an excellent Greek restaurant called........ "Zorbas". Honestly.

Nearby is what must be the smallest balcony in the World. I think the pots contain bonsai and cress.

Now, if anyone can tell me what the f*ck this is all about I will send some Belgian choc's.

It is, as you can see, a small shiny cow tied to someones front door.
I am thinking of starting a campaign to find good homes for such unfortunate creatures. It has nothing to eat or drink and it's movement is restricted to the length of the pink string with which it is so cruelly bound.

Or maybe they couldn't afford a dog.

Just to finish this bit here is some fun with paint and half a bug.

Next stop Antwerp and the giants.