APRIL 2021

LIMBURG (BE) ~ VESPA RIDE THROUGH THE BLOSSOMS

Well hello there …

It has been a while that I have posted a blog post. The great culprit: COVID-19 … like expected.
In the first lock-down period, 1 year ago, I saw it as an opportunity, to discover more of my own country. But if I look back now, I didn’t make a realistic estimation. The lockdown imposed strict rules: cafés, restaurants, shops all closed for a long time, wearing mouth masks continuously, only little bubbles of people to go outside with. For me personally these rules overshadowed my enthusiasm to go out and to discover my own country. The rational mind decided that now is/was the perfect time to save a little and to invest in the house and garden. Instead of spending our money on small trips, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy at the fullest. But more and more I realize what travelling does for my mental health. What energy I get from it, … creating prospects! So I can’t suppress it for long.

The 30th of April a day off for me and my partner, weather forecast: cold temperatures and wind, for this time of year … But the urge is too big, I have to get out of the house, I have to go and discover again, enjoy and recharge my batteries.  As we had to pick-up the children in the late afternoon we didn’t had a whole day to spend. So my choice fell on a vespa ride in Limburg, through the beautiful blossoms and along “Reading between the lines” ( the see-through church ), one of the landmarks of Haspengouw.

Haspengouw is the second largest fruit region of Europe, after South-Tirol.
Beautiful hiking and cycling paths are hidden between the orchards. Especially in April, when the focus lies on the millions of blossoming fruit trees. Each region has its own character.

Practical Wisdom

We rented a vespa at Vesparoute – www.vesparoute.com

We opted for a standard vespa, as this was the only one in stock. But they also offer Vespas with a top case, electric bicycles, e-scooters and Twizy’s ( a small electric car from the brand Renault )

We started from their pick-up point in Sint-Truiden.
For a half day between 10h00 and 14h00, 1 vespa for 2, we paid € 60,-.
For a full day you would pay € 80,- ( 10h00 – 18h00 )
At the reception desk, they show you the different routes you can drive.
We went for “ Klein Rondje Loon” a trip of 62km, driving time more or less 3hrs. Subsequently they set-up a GPS for you, you have to leave a car key or credit card as a guarantee (€ 300 deductible in case of accident, unless total loss ) and your escorted to the garage. After selecting a suitable helmet and a short explanation how to handle the vespa, your good to go.

Due to Covid-19 the local cafés and restaurants where closed, except from a few take-away bars. So we only stopped for a short picknick lunch and some photo stops. We arrived neatly within time, but I think if it would have been nicer weather and the bars would have been open, we would have been short in time.

Next time I would also hire 2 vespa’s instead of one as it’s a bit more comfortable.

They also offer picknick lunches for you to take with you. But in my opinion they are a bit standard and pricy and I prefer to provide it myself.  Even without a top case you have some storage space under the saddle and a hook to hang up your backpack if you don’t want to carry it on your back all the time.

Dashbord.jpg

The Route

On average, the fruit trees bloom about 2 weeks, in calm spring weather. Because there are early and late varieties, you can enjoy the blossom for longer. Fertilization takes place in April and May. This ensures the growth of delicious apples, pears, cherries etc …

More info to find on following website: www.visithaspengouw.be

Our tour focused on the western part of Haspengouw: Sint-Truiden, Borgloon, Tongeren and Heers. Along the route we passed across beautiful castles, churches, wine estates and abbeys. And 2 contemporary landmarks: “The Floating Chapel” in Helshoven and “Reading between the Lines” in Borgloon.

The last one you can not see from the street. You have to parc your vehicle and walk 5 minutes to get there.

Numerous picnic benches are provided along the way, for you to relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Goodnight, sleep tight.

Due to COVID-19, and as we were limited in time, we did not stay overnight. But this region has so much to offer, that next time I would book a B&B to enjoy the Limburg hospitality at the fullest.

Here are some nice and extraordinary addresses I found:

Tranendreef.jpg

  • Het Goed van Gothem – Guestrooms & Glamping
    Heers
    www.goedvangothem.be

    “AWAY is a place where it’s not about the money you spend. It’s about the moments you share”