We took a drive to Le Rœulx, Hainaut, Belgium (at 45 minute drive) to ride in the Strépy-Thieu boat lift on the Canal du Centre that links one level of the canal to another. Instead of being a lock, it is like a gigantic bathtub-elevator that goes up and down. The boats go into the tub, and the tub lifts or lowers the boats 240 ft (73.15 metres)! Currently the boat lift is the second tallest in the world, the Three Gorges Dam boat lift in China being the largest. The construction of the lift began in 1982 and completed in 2002 with an estimated cost of 160 million euros. One of the reasons for the lift was to conserve water, but it's hard to imagine that this behemoth could possibly be the most efficient way to get boats along the canal. It replaced 2 locks and 4 lifts. The older canal is still in operation for only recreational purposes. Awesome was Jackson's response.
We had a picnic on the hillside and enjoyed Anja's cheesecake and a rice tart, a Brussels speciality. We had a fantastic dinner that Anja prepared: salmon, rice and many vegetables. It was excellent. The kids aren't going to eat this well ever again! For dessert we enjoyed ice cream including Speculoos and toppings from Australia called Hokey Pokey chocolate and a cherry sauce. Jamie Olivier and Martha Stewart are put to shame.
No comments:
Post a Comment