Ann, don't be a Twerp...

May 19 holland home Antwerp

As Tony Kornheiser would say, pardon the interruption.  We hosted our good friends from San Diego for a few days, and things like chasing prairie and black throated blue warblers kind of halted the Netherlands trip, but they are back home on the other coast and after a wonderful visit with them (several Feeders possible), they are back on the other coast.  So we can return to the Netherlands.

As you might recall, we had just docked in Antwerp, and the next morning we headed out for a walking tour of the city.

They (Viking cruises) have a pretty good way of handling the over 150 guests by breaking them into groups of 15 or so, let by (usually) a local guide who holds up the “lollipop” (that little red thing) with your assigned group’s number on it.  Useful for locating the guide as he/she troops off into a crowded city.

Our first stop was at the “Het Steen” (stone castle) the oldest building in Antwerp, parts of which date back to the ninth century.

Our group gathered on an overlook of the River Scheldt near the castle while the guide gave us some history and an overview of what we were looking at.

MFO is prominently attired in her LLB Gore Tex jacket, a must for anybody travelling to anywhere it might rain or have high winds (the Netherlands qualifies for both).  Another relatively pricey item but worth it..   Anyway, a benefit for the Feeder is the color she chose.  I am not the most rapid walker and also easily distracted by such things as menus and restaurants, so quite often I tend to lag behind the group.  That yellow coat is like a beacon for me..

We then hiked over to the “Cathedral of Our Lady” started in 1352 after growing from a small chapel dating from the 9^th to the 12^th century. It features this wonderful Gothic tower as seen from the streets

Inside, there are three (original) Peter Paul Rubens depicting various scenes from the crucifixion of Christ, such as the “The Raising of the Cross”

There it is, right in front of you, finished in 1610 by a Master, and what an awe inspiring work it is, regardless of your religious leanings.  Just amazing.  Our guide expounded for quite a while on the meanings of such things as the color of the Virgin Mary’s clothes, where people were looking and various other symbolic images.  One has to wonder if Peter Paul thought all this out..  most likely.  Another of Ruben’s paintings “the descent from the cross” is also on view

Besides the paintings there is magnificent statuary

Once outside we gathered in front of the City Hall, located on the Market Square, another impressive building

Which features the famous statue “Silvius Brabo”

While the guide was telling us about the City Hall and the statue, I spied "the Rascal"

And sort of sidled over and grabbed the beverage menu (the little red cards on the table).  While it did contain coffee drinks it was mostly given over to…. Wait for it…. Beer!  In Belgium of course, with a (top) section for Cask Ales and a more expansive list of Bieren Fles (bottled beers)

You might be able to see some vaguely familiar names.  We then continued our trek around the city seeing various sights (over here we see an example of ….)  oops!  What’s that?

Look! They posted a menu (and in the 14^th Century, King….) it shows the luncheon fare with starters (voorgerechten)

and main (Hoofdgerechten) courses

“Sir, will that be the grilled brill with Statice and the fried fillet of Seabass, or the sirloin steak with red wine and shallot jam?”  

and dessert for 40€.. with a distant: "and on this spot King James…”  Sir! are you paying attention?  oh excuse me.. where’s that yellow jacket?   On the way back to the ship we passed several shops such as this one

Purveyors of another famous Belgian Product displayed in their window, all fresh

And all this was before LUNCH!!   After lunch there was the optional “delicious Antwerp” a culinary excursion..  that will have to wait for the next course..

DFW(alking!)