KU Leuven is a Catholic university founded in 1425, making it the oldest university in Belgium.  I went walking through the halls of the school’s library today.  Here’s the reading room:

Just a few diehard studying humans on a Friday afternoon but the audio guide voice said the place is packed when exams are closing in.  I thought of the thousands of students who have sat in those chairs and climbed the stairs to the books of the second and third levels.

The library was on another street in 1914 when German soldiers burned it to the ground, with the loss of 230,000 books.  It was rebuilt on the site where I stood, only to burn again in 1940.  The sadness of war.

A plaque hangs outside the reading room:

This gentleman was head librarian from 1921 till 1961.  He supervised the restoration of the library only to see it destroyed again.  And one more time he led the renewal.  No doubt he loved reading the treasures within those pages.  Is there sorrow in the face?

Today was my day to explore Leuven before the Gravel World Championships of cycling on Saturday and Sunday.  I knew, however, that accumulating touristic attractions wasn’t real life.

So at breakfast I talked to the Thai owner of Rosetta while savouring the mysteries of avocado, egg, cheese and soft bread.  She’s happy in Leuven, and no doubt her smile contributes her rating of 4.9 out of 5 on Google Maps.

Although in general I live in the moment rather than questioning tomorrow, I spent an hour on a bench, trying to figure out how I’ll see the women cyclists in the middle of the race, not just at the start and finish.  And sadly I couldn’t find a public transportation solution.

Tomorrow morning I’ll take the train to Halle, where the riders start.  I’m praying that race officials there can help me in my quest.  Eventually I’ll take a train back to Leuven for the finish.  Whatever happens, I’ll be immersed in the gravel cycling world.

I saw marvelous sights at the university.  Here are a few photos:

A Buddha created about 1800 in Burma (now Myanmar)

Another hour of my non-touristic time was devoted to conversation about life with Lieze, the barista at Izy Coffee in Leuven centrum.  Happily there were very few customers so I got to float in her wisdom.  I said a few cool things too.

Dinner on the Oude Markt:

There’s a gentle slope just in front of the guy in the red pants.  I loved watching cyclists swoop down.  Actually I loved finding the eyes of countless diners, strollers and pedallers … though very few of those eyes noticed mine.  That’s okay.

An hour ago, as I was stumbling towards my bus, I came upon rhythm – loud, infectious smile-creating rhythm:

Thanks, guys and gals

And now my bed, please

(Not quite … it’s only 7:24)