What do you think?
Rate this book
Walloon Ways: Three years as a weekend Belgian
In 2003, Val Poore bought her a barge with a garden in Brussels. With her partner, Koos, she embarked on a life of weekend residency in Belgium. For three years, they explored the lovely Walloon countryside as well as the Belgian river and canal network while they made their floating home habitable. This collection of recollections, anecdotes and observations focuses mostly on its waterways, towns and rural areas, not to mention their encounters with the charming French-speaking Walloons. However, it also includes the areas around Brussels and a few not-to-be-forgotten forays into Flanders. If you don't know Belgium, this could be the starter that gives you a taste for more!
156 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 27, 2015
22 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 16, 2021
The thing I love most about Val Poore’s memoirs is that, whether they are set in the heat of South Africa or on the canals of the low countries, she transports the reader along with her.
In this, the sixth or seventh I’ve read, Val tells of her three years of weekending in Belgium on her liveaboard barge. Val writes with a humour and self-deprecation that is endearing. In Belgium she adds a fear of depths to her fear of heights and scripts chatter between ducks on the water. Val talks with wonder of the engineering marvels of the boat lifts on the Belgian canals and of a place where she can ‘listen to the silence and stretch my eyes.’. As ever, it is Val’s descriptive prose which brings this book to life. From people to places, Val introduces us to somewhere new and exciting.
I, and I suspect have many others, have dismissed Belgium as uninteresting but Val’s prose makes me want to revisit my ideas of this green land. Her stated aim of ‘warming up’ the image of Belgium has been achieved in full. Thank you Val.
In this, the sixth or seventh I’ve read, Val tells of her three years of weekending in Belgium on her liveaboard barge. Val writes with a humour and self-deprecation that is endearing. In Belgium she adds a fear of depths to her fear of heights and scripts chatter between ducks on the water. Val talks with wonder of the engineering marvels of the boat lifts on the Belgian canals and of a place where she can ‘listen to the silence and stretch my eyes.’. As ever, it is Val’s descriptive prose which brings this book to life. From people to places, Val introduces us to somewhere new and exciting.
I, and I suspect have many others, have dismissed Belgium as uninteresting but Val’s prose makes me want to revisit my ideas of this green land. Her stated aim of ‘warming up’ the image of Belgium has been achieved in full. Thank you Val.
January 12, 2021
Walloon Ways is not just an ordinary travel book, it is a memoir,
written by the author while traveling on a boat in Belgium. So, it
is very interesting to read. It also is written from a different view.
She describes her life on the water.
The book has beautiful pictures and clear maps of the waterways
in Belgium. It is written structured, with humour and flair, which I like.
I discovered new places while reading Walloon Ways.
I would recommend this book to friends, family, colleagues who
want to know more about Belgium from the point of view of the
water! Without no hesitation, I give a 5 star rating for Walloon
Ways!
April 17, 2017
Walloon Ways is an enchanting memoir. In it Valerie Poore describes her weekend trips to the Walloon area of Belgium. If you ever thought that Belgium was boring then think again. If you ever thought that life on a barge is idyllic then think again. It certainly can be but it also involves a great deal of hard work. She and her partner Koos spend weekends in her barge Volharding exploring this unspoilt area of the country. The descriptions are so vivid that you will travel with her and see the sights and savour her love and enjoyment of the places they visit. Travelling with them is her nervy and excitable dog Sindy who actually hates life aboard! This makes for some interesting moments. I love her enthusiasm and sheer enjoyment of all she sees and experiences, for example the various locks and the inclined plane at Ronquieres. I marvelled at these as well. I was also reminded of a lovely Belgian speciality which I had the pleasure of enjoying once on a trip to Belgium ‘Verwenkoffie’ it’s a sheer indulgent delight. Reading this will surely make you want to go to Belgium and see all these beautiful and historic places, such as Ghent, for yourself.
April 15, 2016
Walloon Ways is a lovely read - the Author writes so as to 'bring you along' on her journey. You don't have to know about barges and Belgium to enjoy this Memoir. It's an easy read and manages nicely to 'take you away from it all'. Some nice photos included and lots of useful and interesting info about the surrounding area. You also get to know more about the author and her partner Koos - not forgetting Sindy the dog - their trips around Belgium the people they meet - the descriptions are just lovely.
September 6, 2016
As one who has owned a boat, I found this book very interesting. Valerie Poore writes a very descriptive story. The book takes place along the waterways in Belgium as she and her boyfriend lived on their boats mainly on week-ends. I enjoyed this book very much and would recommendit to anyone who loves boats and boating.
September 3, 2020
Weekend Retreat
Another great read from Val
I love the way Val narrates a story, it is full of emotion for the places visited and seen, the challenges undertaken. There is always a bit of magic that pulls you in to experience her journeys and adventures with her.
Having bought the Volharding as a weekend retreat for 3 years she enjoyed it´s magic with Koos and le chien terrible, Sindy. Spending their weekends in Walloon and traveling as much as they could to see surrounding areas.
They have certainly had many adventures and the Walloon sounds so beautiful, I do love Belgium. Her telling of weekends away and normal days had me sighing with longing to be there. There is always some comedy involved along with a lot of hard work. Val is certainly not frightened of getting her hands dirty and getting stuck in to the job in hand and who better than to have by your side than Koos who spent his childhood living on a working barge.
The freezing cold of their first winter had me shivering and then on the other extreme waking up on a list and finding a waterless canal, oh dear her adventures are certainly not simple and straight forward. Koos going out for a rece on his scopter not knowing that back at the Volharding it is snowing, maybe not as bad as Val made out but hey ho it got him back home.
Their sadness at having to sell up and say goodbye but after Koos heart op it was not a viable prospect to keep it on. Onward and upwards to the next chapter in their colorful and varied lifestyle.
I have never been on a barge and would like to think that one day I will eventually get round to it. I cannot say my adventures would be as great as hers but they would certainly be memorable. I highly recommend all of Val´s books. Thank you Val for another great read x
Another great read from Val
I love the way Val narrates a story, it is full of emotion for the places visited and seen, the challenges undertaken. There is always a bit of magic that pulls you in to experience her journeys and adventures with her.
Having bought the Volharding as a weekend retreat for 3 years she enjoyed it´s magic with Koos and le chien terrible, Sindy. Spending their weekends in Walloon and traveling as much as they could to see surrounding areas.
They have certainly had many adventures and the Walloon sounds so beautiful, I do love Belgium. Her telling of weekends away and normal days had me sighing with longing to be there. There is always some comedy involved along with a lot of hard work. Val is certainly not frightened of getting her hands dirty and getting stuck in to the job in hand and who better than to have by your side than Koos who spent his childhood living on a working barge.
The freezing cold of their first winter had me shivering and then on the other extreme waking up on a list and finding a waterless canal, oh dear her adventures are certainly not simple and straight forward. Koos going out for a rece on his scopter not knowing that back at the Volharding it is snowing, maybe not as bad as Val made out but hey ho it got him back home.
Their sadness at having to sell up and say goodbye but after Koos heart op it was not a viable prospect to keep it on. Onward and upwards to the next chapter in their colorful and varied lifestyle.
I have never been on a barge and would like to think that one day I will eventually get round to it. I cannot say my adventures would be as great as hers but they would certainly be memorable. I highly recommend all of Val´s books. Thank you Val for another great read x
February 10, 2024
This is a gem of a memoir. I enjoyed reading Val's previous memoirs - Watery Ways and Harbour Ways - and this third book is surely the crowning glory of the trilogy. It is delightful. If I could give it six stars I would. I absolutely loved it from start to finish (particularly as Belgium is a country I have visited and also fell in love with). As a reader, I was right there alongside Val experiencing the joys and delights of Belgium, learning about barge life on the canals, and savouring the eateries and cafes (and I simply must try and make Vervenkoffie - or at least have a go at it, it sounds wonderful!), the characters and of course, getting to know the "sinful" Sindy - Val's rescue dog who we were introduced to in Book 2. I'm now hooked on learning more about "le chien terrible" and story about Sindy's rescue along with Val (and Koos) dedication and commitment to take this damaged dog under their care. Alongside all the wonderful descriptions, Val's authentic voice rang through the pages as she disclosed her fears and caution over things (often in sympathy with the neurotic Sindy-dog!) and I had to laugh when Val had got Koos dead and buried after his snowy disappearance, I laughed because I totally related to that level of catastrophising, and it's scenes like that where Val's humanity shines through the pages and gives an added depth to the memoir. I now can't wait to read Val's "Living With My Sin - the Story of a Dog's Life" to learn more about Sindy.
October 21, 2021
There is something reassuring about the way in which Valerie Poore writes about her experience living and travelling on a canal barge in Wallonia. In addition to her wistful descriptions of the Belgian countryside in every season of the year and picturesque villages viewed from the waterways, I found reassurance in the fact that she evidently enjoys a means of transport the technical aspects of which she is wholly comfortable with, as well as a way of life and in which she is completely at home.
Valerie Poore’s many pleasing stories gave me the satisfaction of knowing that there are still communities who value the centuries-old canals of Belgium and its neighbouring countries. While the commercial barging community is still strong, it is slowly giving way to road haulage. This change offers increasing opportunities for those who wish to live aboard barges and use them as a gentle means of transport that gives a perspective on countryside, towns, and historical industrial neighbourhoods that most of us never imagine, let alone see.
I enjoyed learning about Wallonia the French-speaking region of Belgium, the technicalities of barge conversion and maintenance, the many and varied protocols and social customs associated with the bargee community, and the wide range of fascinating characters who have chosen barging as a way of life.
Valerie Poore’s many pleasing stories gave me the satisfaction of knowing that there are still communities who value the centuries-old canals of Belgium and its neighbouring countries. While the commercial barging community is still strong, it is slowly giving way to road haulage. This change offers increasing opportunities for those who wish to live aboard barges and use them as a gentle means of transport that gives a perspective on countryside, towns, and historical industrial neighbourhoods that most of us never imagine, let alone see.
I enjoyed learning about Wallonia the French-speaking region of Belgium, the technicalities of barge conversion and maintenance, the many and varied protocols and social customs associated with the bargee community, and the wide range of fascinating characters who have chosen barging as a way of life.
January 6, 2025
Valerie Poore’s memoirs in ‘The Traveling Aboard’ series are my first introduction to the world of canals that are highways and country roads and a way of life. To me, the Belgian lifts (Ascenseur de Strepy Thieu) and the incline plane (Sloping lock at Ronquieres) are absolute wonders of the modern world and a testament to the problem solving skills of mankind. I find myself wondering how I got to be this age with so little awareness of Belgium besides beer and chocolate! What an incredibly modest country Belgium is.
In Book 3, Walloon Ways, the author wrote as if she reached into a box of keepsakes and pulled out the best to share, one literary vignette at a time, each begging to be its own memoir, but letting the reader hungrily move in to sample the next. How else to cover three such special years without turning it into a six pack, though she still could.
This one is like a box of Belgian chocolates, each specially wrapped bite was delicious.
In Book 3, Walloon Ways, the author wrote as if she reached into a box of keepsakes and pulled out the best to share, one literary vignette at a time, each begging to be its own memoir, but letting the reader hungrily move in to sample the next. How else to cover three such special years without turning it into a six pack, though she still could.
This one is like a box of Belgian chocolates, each specially wrapped bite was delicious.
April 9, 2022
What if you wake up and think your barge is sinking? Whether getting to know your neighbors or traveling on Valerie’s new barge, Volharding, on the gorgeous Belgium canals, Valerie’s recollections are so descriptive you will want to see these places yourself. A barge needs a lot of upkeep because of the constant water exposure. There was never a dull moment in the whole Living Abroad series. Be sure to read Watery Ways and Harbour Ways along with this book to get the complete picture. Valerie brings everything to life, and you won’t be able to stop turning the pages.
September 17, 2024
I'm very happy that pictures were included in this ebook! Another great book by this author.
April 1, 2016
This is Valerie's third book of memoirs documenting her life on a barge. This one tells the story of her life as a weekender barging in Belgium where once again Val falls in love with a barge (The Volharding) that needs work done to it. Given the terrible news about Belgium I think it's good to focus on this book and the beauty of the country and it's people.
I'm wondering why I love Valerie Poore's books so much. I have never set foot on a barge and I have never heard of Wallonia. I think I've just answered my own question. I enjoy reading about places I have never been and things I have never done. I never knew that Belgium was so beautiful or housed such an eclectic mix of people. I do know that Val Poore's words could make the reader love anywhere, she even makes me want to live on a barge,as long as I had someone else doing all the hard work for me.
Val is not work shy. Her barges have called for her to be a plumber, joiner, boat painter, fixer upper and everything else it takes to make an old barge pretty as well as livable. The Volharding is no different.
Of course Val's trusty sidekick and partner Koos is always on hand to steer Val through the problems one can find living on the water. Koos spent his childhood living on a working barge so there's no one better than him to have by your side.
We are taken on Val's week end journeys through Belgium. My favourite has to be Ghent the Venice of the north with it's waterways and bridges, I would love to visit one day.
Val is an unconscious comedienne and her books are full of her mishaps. One morning she awoke to the barge lying at an angle and found out that the water had drained through the lock and they were on a boat sitting on muddy land. Her description of trying to get herself and Sindi her slightly mad dog down a wobbly gangplank was hysterical. Val eventually had to throw a hysterical (large) dog to Koos to get her off the barge.
This book is a delight to read. I learnt about the people, the customs and about somewhere I would never have thought of visiting. I know that a boot is a barge, helling is a slipway and a ligger is a harbour resident. I had a laugh and a cry and a lovely journey around Belgium and it cost me less than a fancy coffee. Who can say better than that.
I'm wondering why I love Valerie Poore's books so much. I have never set foot on a barge and I have never heard of Wallonia. I think I've just answered my own question. I enjoy reading about places I have never been and things I have never done. I never knew that Belgium was so beautiful or housed such an eclectic mix of people. I do know that Val Poore's words could make the reader love anywhere, she even makes me want to live on a barge,as long as I had someone else doing all the hard work for me.
Val is not work shy. Her barges have called for her to be a plumber, joiner, boat painter, fixer upper and everything else it takes to make an old barge pretty as well as livable. The Volharding is no different.
Of course Val's trusty sidekick and partner Koos is always on hand to steer Val through the problems one can find living on the water. Koos spent his childhood living on a working barge so there's no one better than him to have by your side.
We are taken on Val's week end journeys through Belgium. My favourite has to be Ghent the Venice of the north with it's waterways and bridges, I would love to visit one day.
Val is an unconscious comedienne and her books are full of her mishaps. One morning she awoke to the barge lying at an angle and found out that the water had drained through the lock and they were on a boat sitting on muddy land. Her description of trying to get herself and Sindi her slightly mad dog down a wobbly gangplank was hysterical. Val eventually had to throw a hysterical (large) dog to Koos to get her off the barge.
This book is a delight to read. I learnt about the people, the customs and about somewhere I would never have thought of visiting. I know that a boot is a barge, helling is a slipway and a ligger is a harbour resident. I had a laugh and a cry and a lovely journey around Belgium and it cost me less than a fancy coffee. Who can say better than that.
February 8, 2016
4.5 stars
There's something about Val Poore's books that's always a bit magical, and this is no exception. For three years in the last decade, she and her chap, Koos (and le chien terrible, Sindy), spent their weekends in Wallonia, the French-speaking part of Belgium, on their barge Volharding, and this book tells me more about that country than anything else I've read; yes, it's more than 'just a place you stop and buy refreshments on the way to France'!
I loved the descriptions of some of the places in Brussels, in particular; the run-down Bohemian atmosphere of The Marolles and the beauty of Parc Duden (yes, I'd like to live in either of those places, too!). Just her accounts of normal days during those many wonderful weekends made me go 'ahhh' with longing, and nostalgia for her, too, now that circumstances has made them a thing of the past.
Many of Val's experiences can't have been fun (waking up to a canal with no water in it, Koos out on his own in a scooter in a blizzard, winter in a freezing on-board bedroom), but she relates them with the canal life, Belgian 'c'est la vie' attitude, if not humour, in this delightful tribute to a country she loves. If you have any interest in barge life, or indeed Belgium itself, I'd whole-heartedly recommend this book - but as with all of Val Poore's books, I'd recommend them to anyone, anywhere, anyway!
There's something about Val Poore's books that's always a bit magical, and this is no exception. For three years in the last decade, she and her chap, Koos (and le chien terrible, Sindy), spent their weekends in Wallonia, the French-speaking part of Belgium, on their barge Volharding, and this book tells me more about that country than anything else I've read; yes, it's more than 'just a place you stop and buy refreshments on the way to France'!
I loved the descriptions of some of the places in Brussels, in particular; the run-down Bohemian atmosphere of The Marolles and the beauty of Parc Duden (yes, I'd like to live in either of those places, too!). Just her accounts of normal days during those many wonderful weekends made me go 'ahhh' with longing, and nostalgia for her, too, now that circumstances has made them a thing of the past.
Many of Val's experiences can't have been fun (waking up to a canal with no water in it, Koos out on his own in a scooter in a blizzard, winter in a freezing on-board bedroom), but she relates them with the canal life, Belgian 'c'est la vie' attitude, if not humour, in this delightful tribute to a country she loves. If you have any interest in barge life, or indeed Belgium itself, I'd whole-heartedly recommend this book - but as with all of Val Poore's books, I'd recommend them to anyone, anywhere, anyway!
July 30, 2017
I felt like I was with them on this journey
I've never been to Belgium, but I feel like I have after reading this wonderful memoir. I hated to see the journey end.
I've never been to Belgium, but I feel like I have after reading this wonderful memoir. I hated to see the journey end.
April 18, 2017
Very intesting to see how people juggle working all week with what they really want to do. Buy a boat, fixing it up, cost cost cost and finally taking the vacation you wanted--and all that happens on board. I recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews