Lily’s Corner

17/07/2025

Most of the time when my kids fight, I do not tend to interfere unless it goes beyond the bounderies.
So today story is about their playing time with their new video game console. The console got only 1 remote control hence they were fighting very badly in the beginning with who can play first. After 15mins arguing, Felix came to a solution with playing schedule. It works well so far and everyone is happy now.
Problem solving is always the 🔑 lesson that I want them to learn at all time.

04/07/2025

Did you know one of the world’s first printing houses is tucked away in the heart of Antwerp?

I always tell people that Antwerp is seriously underrated — and every time I walk around this city, it finds a new way to prove me right. Today’s surprise came in the form of the Plantin-Moretus Museum, and honestly, I’m still in awe.

This isn’t just a museum. It’s the former home and printing workshop of Christophe Plantin, one of the earliest and most influential printers in Europe. Together with his son-in-law Jan Moretus, he turned this 16th-century building into a powerhouse of knowledge that reached far beyond Belgium.

I learned so much — from the painstaking process of printing in the old days, to seeing the world's oldest surviving printing presses, to early examples of printed books like the first modern atlas (Theatrum Orbis Terrarum), which was first published right here in Antwerp. And as someone who’s fascinated by how people organized life centuries ago, I was equally impressed by their meticulous bookkeeping. Plantin didn’t invent the balance sheet, but the museum holds some of the earliest surviving business records, offering a glimpse into how he ran one of the most sophisticated publishing houses of his time.

And then there’s the house itself — oh wow. From the creaking wooden floors to the warm glow of the library, the peaceful courtyard, the art, the atmosphere… it’s just too beautiful not to get lost in for a while. One of the most striking details? An entire wall covered in embossed leather — a subtle but stunning reminder of how wealthy and influential this family once was. Every room tells a story, not just of printing, but of pride, taste, and timeless craftsmanship.

So next time you’re in Belgium, don’t just go for the waffles and chocolate. Go for the stories — and trust me, this city has plenty.

04/07/2025

Hello, long time no see 🧋Gong cha

01/07/2025

🌲✨ Just found a great spot for camping or spending a fun outdoor day with the kids — and it won’t break the bank!

We stayed in a tent for €40/night, but if you're just up for a day trip (8:30–22:00), it's only €4/person. Super affordable!

The place is packed with activities for all ages — from toddlers to teens. We were there for two days and still didn’t manage to try everything! 😄

Some of the extras like mini golf, go-karts, or paddle boats (you’ll see them in my photos) cost a bit more, but the prices are really reasonable.

Check it out here for more info:
👉 https://webshop.zilvermeer.be/en

Let me know if you go — happy to share tips! 🌞⛺️🚣‍♀️

20/06/2025

🌿 Leuven, Belgium — More Than Just a Pretty Town

I’ve always heard people refer to Leuven as a “university town”, and it made me wonder — what exactly gives a place that title? 🤔

After spending time here, I get it. This charming Belgian city breathes student life. Cozy cafés are filled with people studying, debating, dreaming. Bikes outnumber cars. And at the heart of it all is KU Leuven — a university that’s been shaping minds since 1425! 🎓✨

That makes it one of the oldest universities in Europe — older than many countries as we know them today. And it’s not just about age. KU Leuven is world-class, consistently ranking among the top universities globally, known for its research, innovation, and international vibe.

But what struck me the most? It’s how the university and the city seem to grow together. Leuven isn’t just home to a university — the university is part of the soul of the city. 💛

Whether you’re here for a degree, a day trip, or just a wander, Leuven has a quiet magic that invites you in and makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger.

📚🧠🍻

18/06/2025

🌿 The Great Beguinage of Leuven – Where Herstory Lives On 🌿

In a quiet corner of Leuven stands a village within the city — cobbled lanes, red-brick homes, and flower-filled courtyards that seem frozen in time. But don’t let the calm fool you. The Great Beguinage (Groot Begijnhof) holds a story that is radical, relevant, and quietly revolutionary — even today.

💫 800 Years Ago, These Women Rewrote the Rules
In the 13th century, a group of women — Beguines — chose a life that defied expectations. They weren’t nuns. They didn’t marry. They didn’t retreat from the world, but shaped it — caring for the sick, educating the young, and earning their own way.

Without taking permanent vows, they built a life of faith, freedom, and sisterhood — at a time when women had few choices.

💪 They Were Independent. Purpose-Driven. Fearless.
While the world tried to define women through marriage or religion, Beguines carved out a third path — one that was theirs alone.

Today, as conversations around gender, independence, and spirituality continue, their story feels surprisingly modern. Almost like they were centuries ahead of us.

🏡 A Place That’s Still Alive
The Great Beguinage isn’t just a monument. It’s now home to scholars, students, and quiet thinkers from all over the world. Walking its alleys, you don’t just see history — you feel it, still breathing. The same spirit of learning, reflection, and quiet resistance continues.

🌍 More Than a Pretty Place
It’s easy to call it beautiful (and it is) — but its real beauty lies in the reminder that women have always found ways to live authentically, even when the world told them not to.

📍If you're in Belgium this summer, put this on your list.
Not just for the photo, but for the story.
One that still whispers to all of us who walk a path slightly different.

12/06/2025

When it is hot outside, Vietfood with cold salad and springroll is the best. "Bún chả giò".
Tip: Carrefour Springroll is acceptable when you don’t have time.

09/06/2025

🇻🇳 [VIETNAMESE]
Giữa lòng Antwerp có một báu vật kiến trúc ít người biết – Tòa nhà Sở Giao Dịch Cũ (Handelsbeurs)!
Được xây dựng từ thế kỷ 16, nơi đây từng là trung tâm giao thương đầu tiên của châu Âu. Ngày nay, sau nhiều lần trùng tu, tòa nhà đã được "hồi sinh" thành một không gian tổ chức sự kiện và triển lãm, vừa sang trọng vừa đậm chất lịch sử. Nếu có dịp đến Antwerp, đừng bỏ lỡ cơ hội chiêm ngưỡng công trình tuyệt đẹp này!

📍Handelsbeurs, Antwerp
📸 Lý tưởng cho các sự kiện, triển lãm và khám phá kiến trúc

🇬🇧 [ENGLISH]
Tucked away in the heart of Antwerp is a lesser-known architectural treasure – the Old Stock Exchange Hall (Handelsbeurs)!
Originally built in the 16th century as one of Europe’s first trading centers, the building has been beautifully restored and now serves as an elegant venue for events and exhibitions. A perfect blend of history and modern use – don’t miss it if you're in town!

📍Handelsbeurs, Antwerp
📸 Ideal for events, exhibitions, and architectural discovery

02/06/2025

English:

Dinant is a picturesque town 🌄 located in the Wallonia region of southern Belgium 🇧🇪, nestled along the banks of the River Meuse 🌊. Known for its dramatic cliffs 🏞️, historic architecture 🏰, and the stunning Collegiate Church of Notre Dame ⛪, Dinant offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage 🎨. It is also famous as the birthplace of Adolphe Sax 🎷, the inventor of the saxophone. With its charming riverfront 🚤, cable car to the hilltop citadel 🚡, and nearby caves 🕳️, Dinant is a popular destination for both history lovers 📚 and outdoor enthusiasts 🚶‍♂️.

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Tiếng Việt:

Dinant là một thị trấn thơ mộng 🌄 nằm ở vùng Wallonia, phía nam nước Bỉ 🇧🇪, dọc theo dòng sông Meuse hiền hòa 🌊. Thị trấn nổi tiếng với những vách đá hùng vĩ 🏞️, kiến trúc cổ kính 🏰 và nhà thờ Đức Bà (Collegiate Church of Notre Dame) tuyệt đẹp ⛪. Dinant cũng là quê hương của Adolphe Sax 🎷 – người phát minh ra kèn saxophone. Với bờ sông quyến rũ 🚤, cáp treo lên pháo đài trên đỉnh núi 🚡 và các hang động gần đó 🕳️, Dinant là điểm đến lý tưởng cho những ai yêu thích lịch sử 📚 và thiên nhiên 🌿.

31/05/2025

VNM 🇻🇳 - English below

🧀⛪ Điểm dừng chân tuyệt vời sau khi đạp xe đường ray tại Les Draisines de la Molignée ⛪🧀

Sau một hành trình đầy thú vị trên những chiếc draisines (xe đạp đường ray) ở Les Draisines de la Molignée 🚲 — len lỏi qua những khung cảnh xanh mướt và tuyến đường sắt cũ kỹ — tụi mình ghé thăm Tu viện Maredsous, chỉ cách đó một đoạn ngắn, trước khi quay xe trở lại. Tu viện Benedictine yên bình này được thành lập từ năm 1872, nổi tiếng với không gian thanh tĩnh, phô mai thủ công và bia đặc trưng 🍺.

Một cách thư giãn để kết thúc ngày dài. Rất khuyến khích combo này nếu bạn đang khám phá miền nam nước Bỉ! 🧡



ENGLISH 🇬🇧

🧀⛪ Perfect Stop After Railbiking at Les Draisines de la Molignée ⛪🧀

After a fun ride on the draisines (railbikes) at Les Draisines de la Molignée 🚲 — pedaling through lush green landscapes and old railway tracks — we stopped by Maredsous Abbey, just a short distance away before riding back. This peaceful Benedictine abbey, founded in 1872, is known for its serene atmosphere, artisanal cheese, and iconic beer 🍺.

A relaxing and delicious way to wrap up the day. Highly recommend this combo if you're exploring southern Belgium! 🧡

📍 Denée, Namur Province

28/05/2025

🍜🇻🇳 My Homemade Bún Bò Huế – A Fragrant Bowl of Comfort 🇻🇳🍜 my most favourite Vietnamese noodle soup over Phở.

Craving something bold and soulful, I made my own version of Bún bò Huế—the spicy noodle soup from central Vietnam with a twist!

💥 Broth base: Simmered slowly with oxtail and pork ribs for that rich, deep flavor—no shrimp paste this time (I love my house, and my neighbors too 😅).

🍖 Toppings: Vietnamese ham, fish cake, and tender slices of meat from the broth—each bite brings comfort and nostalgia.

🌿 Greens & garnish: Morning glory, bean sprouts, spring onion, and a handful of fresh Vietnamese coriander (rau răm) to brighten up the bowl.

It’s not 100% traditional, but it’s 100% made with love ❤️
If you've ever been curious about Bún bò Huế but hesitant about some of the stronger ingredients, this version might just be your perfect intro!

Would you give this a try? 😋✨

06/05/2023

https://vt.tiktok.com/ZGJutCgFN/

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