On our way home from Brussels we took a little detour and visited the Orval Abbey. Here is where trappist monks make some very famous beer, called "Orval". It's become one of Dave's favorites so we bought a case ("It's a great deal!"), a couple of special beer glasses, and a big hunk of the cheese that they also make here. We even got to see a couple of monks, which is very unusual. Both were super smiley, friendly and I felt like they were celebritities because they make this famous beer and nobody ever sees them. The main buildings, including the brewery and cheese making area are off=limits to visitors. We watched a short movie (in German–so who knows what we missed) and they showed the making of the beer and cheese. Both processes looked like they took place any other factory. Lots of stainless steel, conveyor belts, etc. it wasn't like a few of men in robes were standing around a big barrel or vat, tasting from a big wooden ladle.
This is part of the old ruins. Some pieces are from the 10th century.
The main entry of the Abbey.
This is the part of the Abbey that is off-limits to visitors. No monks to be seen.
A 300 yr-old oak tree.
Part of the medicinal garden.
More of the old ruins.
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