On Antwerp.

I heard mixed reviews about Antwerp before we went, so I was not expecting much. It is an understatement to say that it blew us all away. Granted, we all know that it is because we went in with such low expectations... it's amazing what perspective can do to an experience. 

Expecting only a shopping and diamond district, we were blown away when the Rick Steves' walk led us to the most beautiful square. It had a historic church with a 400 foot "gothic rocket" as the spire, but even more than that, the square was filled with the most uniquely shaped buildings with just the right amount of light shining through. Suffice it to say, we went at the right time of day.

The journey to and through Antwerp was enjoyed with a lovely family that has become very special to my roommates and I. Ben and Julie, who are headed to Japan after Belgium, were the perfect family to travel with. They have the same trust and admiration for Rick Steves that I do. Not only do we both have his book for Belgium, but we read around from his book in a circle as we huddled in a grocery store to get warm. I didn't think that I could be happier until Ben made a toast to him at dinner that night. 

OK. So, you are starting to think I'm crazy because I think this guy I never met is so awesome. Just think though... because of him, I have followed my sister on several tours through countries and led (this time around) many people through some beautiful cities because he has comprehensive maps and great suggestions on what to do and where to eat. So yes, my day was made because Ben, Julie and I proudly toasted the man that made all of this possible.

Oh yes, we also got some melt-in-your-mouth waffles as we walked along the beautiful streets of Antwerp.

As the sun was setting, we headed to the water because Amy was dying to see some water... or something like that. To our surprise there was a beautiful castle that we happened upon as we headed to the bridge for a good look of the Scheldt River. Ben and I, both confused, looked frantically through our guidebooks to see if this was actually a castle or not, and as we both found at the same time, the walking tour pointed out that it was indeed "old castle." Rick said nothing else about it, so that is still all we know about it, but we got some pretty great pictures there!

Maybe it was the company, maybe it was the sights... Ok, clearly it was both. But Antwerp really took our breath away.

Pictures of the square that we loved and ended up having dinner on. Ben and I went out into the square during dinner to capture the beauty of the square at night!

As you can see, the "gothic rocket" is truly impressive... the 400 foot spire basically disappears into the clouds. We also went into this church to see three of Rubens' paintings... and of course to see the beautiful interior of the church. I can't even tell you how many European churches I have been into... 30? At least? But they never cease to leave me speechless. The confusing history and triumph that each church has gone through to be able to have visitors is astounding and just doesn't really make sense. Stories of bombs hitting everything surrounding a church, but missing the church itself are truly awe-inspiring.

Well, what can I say... I was going to recount many more tales from the day, but pictures speak a thousand words. You can now see why a trip should be planned for this city.