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Welcome to the 'Oude Markt' of Leuven!
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If you just take a minute and turn your back
to this impressive building,
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– the Holy Trinity College –
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you'll face the Old Market Square.
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Now imagine: World War II has just ended
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and all these buildings are gone
because of the bombings.
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It's horrible, isn't it?
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Thankfully, they've rebuilt everything
so wonderfully!
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The people of Leuven call this
'the longest bar in Europe'.
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Since the Middle Ages,
people have been drinking beer here.
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Even Victor Hugo said:
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The secret of the Flemish is in their beer.
What a wise man!
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Some historical facts:
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during the 12th century, the first city hall
of Leuven was constructed here.
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Since then, it's been the economic
hub of the city, producing bread, textiles,
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but especially beer, really.
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Let me introduce you to the kotmadam.
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Although technically a landlady, she's like a mother
to many of the students here,
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taking care of them in the dormitories.
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Although, most 'kotmadammen' are not nearly
as ravishing or thin as this one.
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Selfietime!
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Actually, the only thing you have to
remember about this square
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is that is serves the best beer in the world.
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Cheers!