Turnhouts Vennengebied is an important heathland in Flanders with moors, heaths and meadows. The nature reserve covers an area of more than 500 ha. Many animals can be seen, including magical moments with grazing sheep in the woods.✨

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It is important that some areas are kept free through grazing so that the unique habitats are not lost due to bush and forest cover. In 1999 a nature development project started to restore the landscape. Land was exchanged in consultation with farmers. Particularly sensitive areas were renovated in this way.

Huge and colorful Manneken Pis sculpture in Maasmechelen Village in July 2020.

The Manneken Pis is a landmark of Belgium. Its original is a 61 cm bronze sculpture, close to Brussels Grand Place. It was designed by Jerôme Duquesnoy in 1619 and depicts a naked boy peeing into a fountain.

The outlet center Maasmechelen Village is located about 20 km north of Maastricht. It's nice to walk through, but of course I wasn't there for shopping. Nearby you have interesting destinations like the National Park Hoge Kempen.🏞️

Still my favorite train station ⭐😍

Sculpture by Josue Dupon above the entrance to the Antwerp Zoo.🐫

Last Wednesday I had the fun to spend the whole night in Antwerp. A privilege as the curfew is from midnight to 5 am. But I had an urgent reason, so it was ok. Only a few homeless people were still on the road. Homeless... That's what I became on that Wednesday. My supposed home in Berlaar suddenly became a guesthouse. And I became a guest who didn't feel welcome anymore. So I left the place that I helped build. 💔

Nice wandering Berlaar-Gestel-Kruiskenberg-Berlaar

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Doel, in whose brick houses more than 1000 people used to live, is to disappear. It's empty in the streets. You can hear the metallic creaking of the jackdaws. Windows and doors are locked with plates. Plants overgrow the buildings. Few tourists walk the streets, just like us. We admire the beautiful murals, enjoy the calm atmosphere. All of this will soon be gone. The port of Antwerp needs space to grow.

The restaurant "De Molen" is located in an old windmill from the 17th century. In the background you can see the Doel nuclear power plant. It's one of two nuclear power plants in Belgium and the one with the most densely populated area in Europe. Around nine million people live within a radius of 75 kilometers. In my home country, Germany, the last nuclear power plant will be taken off the grid at the end of next year. After the disaster in Fukushima, a rapid nuclear phase-out was decided, which will be completed in 2022. Belgium is also in the process of phasing out nuclear power. Both nuclear reactors are to be taken off the grid by 2025.

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We have to keep distance. But not too much. Follow your heart. Spread love, not viruses. The gray days will soon be over. 💙🌞

The most beautiful train station I have ever seen. So many lovely details.😍