We had a wonderful week in Leuven! Our three kids loved the beautiful garden with lots of space to run around, the superb collection of toys. We spend some quality hours of fun in the beautiful town, biking around everywhere, which was so easy!, ate our way through every single waffle and fries vendor and fell in love with the nice and nearby recreational park just around the corner. We adults loved the castle of Marijke and Simon and felt truly home away from home. They provided a very kind welcome (we even found the fridge prepared with everything for a great dinner and the recipe to prepare ist) and super travel recommendations for the near surroundings and also for more distant activities. It always was easy to communicate with them. Even though we (unfortunately) haven´t met in person, we are very glad that we got to know such a great and welcoming family.

We had a great time swapping home with Marijke, Simon and their three small children. The house in very well located in a very calm neighborhood, just in front of an Abbey. By bike, which where available, it takes only 10 minutes to the inner city of Leuven. The house itself is very nice and plenty space is available, and a nice big garden, too. Plenty of board games where available. Simon prepared a very exhaustive and helpful home and tourists guide, which explains very detailed how things work at home, and the best places to visit. Communication was excellent and always very quick. It was a lovely and uncomplicated exchange. Belgium is always worth a visit, both because of lovely places and Museum to visit, but also because it is simply in the heart of Europe. Everything is nearby. Our highlight were • The city centre of Leuven, with the fantastic city hall and the beautiful cathedral • Leuvens Park Abbey with its unique stucco work on the library ceiling • Antwerp, with its harbor • The city of Aachen with the cathedral of Charlemagne and the thermal baths • The Belgian beer, especially in the nearby restaurant of the Vlierbeek Abbey Thanks to the comfort and beauty of the house and its garden, and the kindness of the owners, we have spent a wonderful holiday in the heart of Europe.