One Silly Day in Belgium
‘When in Belgium chocolate calories don’t count.’ - Anonymous
It was in summer when the sun was shining brightly and the Ice coffee was between your fingers. My little sister and I decided to spend our weekend in Antwerp, Belgium. It was the largest city and most populous city in Belgium. We booked bus tickets from Utrecht Centraal to Antwerp Central Station. It took approximately 2 hours by Bus from 2 different countries. Amazing right ? hahaha
We had plenty of breakfast before going straight to Utrecht Central Station. We headed to Belgium at 9:00 AM. And we arrived around 11:00 AM in Antwerp Central Station. We went straight to the information board. We planned to rent a bicycle from the Station, but we could not operate the system. Because it just needs to insert a coin (money) to release the leashes. But we could not do that. Wkwkkww
Antwerp Centraal Station
We gave up and went straight to the Grotemarkt. We first went to Starbucks to grab some Coffee and chilled for a while. I had Iced Caramel Macchiato and Andini got Ice Vanilla Latte. Andini got asleep during our chilled time in Starbucks. hmmmmm.
At Starbucks and the Fish Restaurant
After cooling down for a while, we started walking around the Grotemarkt of Antwerp. There was the Cathedral of Ourlady, Antwerp city Hall and Statue of Brabo, the young hero who cut off the giant’s own hand and flung it into the river. The buildings are Renaissance. Beautiful and artistic for me who really likes old buildings. There were a lot of chocolate shops around since Belgium is famous for the Chocolates and Waffles.
Cathedral of Ourlady
We toured around the Grote Markt while taking a few of pictures. Then at the afternoon we decided to have a lunch at the Fish Restaurant in the Grote Markt. They sell kind of traditional meals in Belgium. Kind of fried fish with Knoflook (Garlic) sauce with potato. The restaurant has 2 floor and we ate in the second floor near the window so we can see through the window. We spent 30-50 minutes for our lunch.
Grote Markt
After that, we walked again to the Port of Antwerp. It is one of the biggest ports in the world, ranking second in Europe. We enjoy the beautiful scenery with the summer breeze and laugh with our random jokes. Then we headed to the Het Steen Castle, which had been built after the Viking incursions in the early Middle Ages; in 879 when the Normans invaded Flanders. It is Antwerp’s oldest building. I dreamt of going inside the Castle but sadly that the Castle is not open to the public.
Het Steen Castle
We just walk through the way and we do not know where our destination is. We just follow the path hahahahah. We went to the Shopping center too of course. Almost afternoon when our Bus’s schedule was near, we decided to go back to the Antwerp Central Station to wait for our Bus there and look for our dinner in the restaurant near the station. We went to the Halal fried chicken restaurant near the Station. We had an Ice Cream and Waffles too. And we also bought Belgian Chocolate.
When our Bus schedule was near, there was an information that the Bus departure to Utrecht Central Station got delayed for 1 hour because there was an error engine. That never happened before. But we patiently waited for our Bus with an exhausted body in the hot Summer season. After waiting for 1 hour, finally our bus arrived. We went inside faster to get a nap because we were so tired after a long journey in Antwerp. But we really love our great escape to this amazing city. Thank you Antwerp.
Tips when you are visiting Antwerp ;
You must try their Waffles and Chocolate. There are best.
Wear comfortable clothes in the Summer and tight jacket in the Winter.
Do not be afraid when you cannot speak Dutch or Flemish, the Speak English really well.
Be aware for your belonging. It was a safe city but we need to be careful for the worst.
For Muslim friend, there are plenty of friendly meals or restaurants there in Antwerp.
With love,
Elviera
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