Always known as a port and diamond centre Antwerp, Belgium’s second city has made an name for itself as a cultural centre of late. Following the renovation of the city’s public buildings after it was named European City of Culture Antwerpen (Anvers, Antwerp) finds itself well and truly on the tourist map. The best way to get here is via Brussels from which there are frequent train services to Berchem and Centraal stations. Through trains stop at Berchem where there is a connection to Centraal. Check the TV screens for the first train and platform (spoor in Flemish).
As we are coming from Den Haag we choose to take the Thalys rather than the normal hourly service. Reservations are compulsory with a system similar to Easy Jet’s in that there are quotas for different types of ticket with a limited number of cheap tickets so you are advised to book early and be flexible and read the small print” of the brochure very carefully before making a booking. A rare bitch about train travel but the booking clerk required me to think quickly and did not state the alternatives properly. This is standard practice in travel agents but we expect something better from railway staff. The Easy Jet booking policy by contrast is clear unambiguous and straightforward. Bear this in mind if you choose to book at the ticket hall rather than by Internet.
Obviously with the completion of the Hoogsnelheidlijn timings will be better though Haagenaars will have to change at Rotterdam but we found ourselves stuck behind a sneltrein that stopped at two stations before Rotterdam. Phschologically very frustrating but a short term problem.
Here comes our French built train
The coaches are numbered so passengers know which point to stand on the platform. Second Class accomodation is at the rear
Here's out connection to Antererpen Centraal at Berchem. We missed the first one due to trying to operate an ice cream There’s one every ten minutes or so – no problem. On exit from the air conditioned Thalys we immediately noticed a rise in temperature perhaps it was because we were further South or just that and hour and 15 minutes had passed by.
It's difficult to capture the splendor of the station with a compact camera but here is the roof and as you can see renovation is still underway and the bar on the left of the station reminiscent o the golden age of rail travel appears to be a casualty of the modernisation programme. Surely someday it will be restored to it’s former glory as it was so good it made you want to miss the train and get the next one an hour later. A sad loss.
Another attempt to capture the feel of the station. Perhaps if you look at the height of the people you get an idea of the scale.
Red man green man and we have included this to remind tourists that it is absolutely verboden to cross while the red man is showing. It is in Holland but nobody takes any notice one thing you always spot when stepping off the train. The trick is to act as the locals do. More important when driving of course !!
A tram from De Lijn in the Sun. It was seriously hot day and from now on most of the pictures have been deintensified to improve contrast. Trams also run underground from the river, under the main shopping area to Centraal Station.
Looking back towards the station in case you wonder why there is nobody about it's because the shops are closed
One of the many figures that adorn the buildings main shopping street around Meir underground tram station.
This gentleman guards the torture museum. Surely former cabinet ministers should't be reduced to begging for money. I mean they used to be guaranteed directorships. Don't show your kids the next one.
And now a good old fashioned caption competiton with a few to get you going ….
Chromarty low 8 deepening good, German Bight gales expected 6, South West Iceland fair to moderate
I shouldn't really be at this party I've got to open the innings at 11:00 a.m tomorrow morning.
Excuse me do mind me asking who your dentist is ?
Over to our radio car parked round the corner from on St. Steven's Green …
I believe that going into the single currency at this stage in the economic cycle is fraught with danger even though conditions are definitely right as Lucy is in the sky with diamonds on a champagne supernova – no where the hell do you get a cab at this time of night.
A2 Amsterdam-Utrecht bij Breukelen langzaam rijden.
A perfect fit sir but would you prefer the pinstripe ?
Here we see the famous painter Antoon van Dyck.
A refreshing sight in the midday Sun.
Here we see Antwerps magnet for the toursist hordes.
Time to seek some shade and refreshment.
The entrance to the Grote Kerk..
More attempts to use religion too sell beer. Roughly as some of it is in old Flemish. Our beer is good for you therefore all good men should drink in the shadow of Our Lady.
The tower of the Grote Kerk
Characteristic Flemish rooftops which can also be seen in Ipswich by the way.
Thank God some water. I reach the Schelde in one piece and some space almost free of tourists.
A modern viewing tower by the river. Far too hot to climb up.
Yes it’s that time again.. I’m calling this one Spiegel
Looking back to the Grote Kerk we seek a tourist free route back to the station.
The arty theatre district and some fancy fencework.
And now for a bit of politics for our British readers. Here we see the Belgian, Flemish and European flags flying together representing the three tier structure of Belgian government.
Another attempt at art – It was just the atmosphere – in the theatre district away from tourists and moody out of work actors at the next table.
It was so relaxing that I forgot the time but manage to make it to Berchem for out train home.
Our train arrives to take us home and being Europe we don't have to worry about making "Last Orders".