My First Venture in Mons... To the Church of Saint Waltrude!

Today was the first day I ventured out in Mons by myself!

The weather was beautiful so instead of unpacking boxes, I decided to venture out of the apartment to see what I could find!  My first sight was a man peeing in a little potty they have for the men!  It's so weird, just a little walk in so they can turn their backs and relieve themselves.  Quite sexist I must say!

Sammy & I's Newly Claimed Hang Out!

I didn't go much farther before I found a great little park!  I think this will be Sammy and I's daily place to chill!  It is right next to the big church that is at the top of the hill of Mons, the Church of St Waudru.  It is absolutely stunning and one of those places to go to get you out of the slump and remind yourself why you are so lucky to be here!

Church of St Waudru

Come to find out the Church was founded by Saint Waltrude (duh!) who is actually the patron saint of Mons.  Well it's actually Saint Waldru in French!  After raising her four children, her husband went to the abbey and she became a nun.  She founded the Church of St Waltrude as a convent upon which the entire city of Mons grew around.  The shrine of the saint is kept in the church, only taken out during Ducasse de Mons festival, when it is carried through the city on a gilded cart.  So amazing all the history present here!

I decided to explore a little more and met a few new people.  One group of people had a gentleman with him who spoke a little English.  They were very nice and we chatted for a few minutes.  They had asked me to grab a drink, but I knew Dustin would be home soon and I probably should be that friendly to strangers, so I politely declined.  Maybe when my body guard, Sammy, is here, we can take up some of these offers! Haha

Dustin and I spent the rest of the afternoon bargain hunting and found some great finds for the apartment.    We just finished dinner and are going to find a pub to have a quick drink and get off these computers for a while!

It's off to Gens tomorrow to purchase some furniture and to visit the markets there!