After leaving the movie early to catch our train, my friend and I went to Antwerp to meet up with a friend of his sisters who said that we could stay with him for a night. He met us at the train station and have us a great walking tour of Antwerp : from the more modern/shopping area, to the historic old town, and ending up in the non-touristy section he frequented most.
Apparently, Antwerp is known most for Rubens (the artist), Diamonds, its fishing port, and fashion. It is described as being a small city with all the elements of a large one. The architecture was really impressive: Gothic and historic with cobbled stoned streets. Everywhere was decorated for Christmas as well.
We went to eat at a non-touristy cafe that he liked. We stayed a long time talking about religion in Europe, European and Belgium history, differences in European and U.S. culture/education system, differences between Belgium and other EU countries, music, books (always ;) and much more. It was especially funny because it turns out that Peter (the guy we stayed with) and I like a lot of the same music including: Sufjan Stevens, Sigur Ros, Belle & Sebastian, the Flaming Lips, etc. He even made us both a CD of some of his favorite music (that we didn't have or hadn't heard of, mostly other European bands/Belgium bands) and recommended good books/authors ;).
After the cafe we went to a bar that a famous Flemish author Peter liked used to frequent and that hosts literary events during the summer. As I said in an earlier blog, Belgium is known for its beer and Peter explained also that each comes in a different shaped/size glass which somehow enhances the flavor or something. I got a rose hip tea served with an orange slice and Belgium chocolate and we stayed here awhile talking more about the topics above.
Then we walked and took a short tram ride back to his apartment where we listened to music and talked some more before bed. It was wonderful to stay with a local and not feel like such a tourist for once! I was sad to say goodbye to him the next morning as my friend and I headed to Luxembourg as he was just so fun to be around and interesting to talk to. I hope our paths will cross again someday in future travels.
HIGHLIGHT OF ANTWERP: Getting to see the non-touristy side of a city with a local and having intellectual discussions about Europe.
1. Various Night Scenes of "old town" Antwerp with authentic Belgian rain (see last photo)!
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