Belgium Adventures Day 9: Liege Day

Before leaving New Jersey, I made plans to have lunch with Andre and Renee (my second host parents). They invited me to ASTI, which was Andre's favorite restaurant when he was a student at the University of Liege. Once a year he splurged and treated himself to a meal there. I knew the place holds dear memories for him as they took me there on my last visit. I was honored at the invitation.

Unfortunately, ASTI was closed that day. They were open in the days leading up to our visit, and the days afterwards. They are always closed on Wednesdays, but open on Thursdays.

Instead we wandered around Le Carre ("the square") in search of a different restaurant. We went to San Domingo's inside the Passage Lemonnier. It was nice to visit with them. Andre pointed out that the Passage Lemonnier, built between 1836 and 1838, was the first covered shopping area in Belgium. The one in Brussels was built a decade later. Each night as I walked back to my VRBO apartment I was drawn to the archway, often taking pictures of people sitting outside the restaurants, yet covered by the archways of the crossed passageways.

It was good to see them. Andre is 85. He told me he remembers seeing General Patton ride down the street near his home 81 years ago. Renee is not much younger. They have been married for over 60 years. 

The restaurant

Renee, Andre, and myself

We had a "Lingot" for dessert with a cup of tea. They then took a bus back to Ans, and I opted for a 4-mile run along the Meuse.

Andre's favorite dessert
(we all shared one)

 The weather was stunning. For once I did not note the temperature. I went into it thinking how hard could it be ... two miles down one side of the river, and two miles back up along the other side. I forgot there is an island in the middle of the river, which meant the one side ended at the mile mark, I had to cross a bridge to find someplace else to run. 

As is true in the United States, running has taken off as a hobby since the 1980s. In the late afternoon, many people were doing exactly what I was doing.

My only problem was I saw a phone call from Ashley's new landlord (and friend of mine) appear on the screen. A quick text proved she meant to text Ashley and that all was fine. Whew! 

I could not have had a nicer run. It gave me the confidence boost I needed for Sunday's 7k race (4.2 miles).

After a shower, I had dinner in Liege, and walked around the city. As a student, I was never given the opportunity to wander unaccompanied at night. I enjoyed walking past my former school, my favorite bar, and other familiar sights.

Pictures from the run: