Day 142
Antwerpen, Belgium
Our last morning in France was a bit of a painful goodbye really...because we both loved it so much in Paris. It's a place that has such history and so many things to see and do..it's a place of romance..and of husstle and busstle in a good way. We became familiar with the metro's and way of travel and always felt rejuvinated because there was so much to be amazed about...it's a place we know we'll go back to...because it will beckon..we know.
It was also exciting to be leaving to go to Belgium. My friend Jaak, whom i've been corresponding with for 10 years lives in Antwerp and we were off to meet up with him and his family and some of his friends. We were both looking forward to it.
Especially because we were about to put a real face to the face behind the words and pictures we'd seen for so many years behind a computer screen! I was nervous really, wondering what what each of us would think..
And so we arrived in Antwerp, via a high speed train. (at an extra cost, beyond the eurail pass of 50 euro..which we weren't impressed about!) But it was first class, we had allocated seats and a snack was served!
Antwerp Central train station is amazing..it has the highest ascent to the top platform!!! And it's arty..and gorgeous. The clock was a stand out, as was the statue of the steer!!
The outside of the train station had a series of elephants pointing toward the zoo that is right next door!
What a quiet, relaxed, beautiful atmosphere that awaited us....it was weird, everyone is so quiet...the 'feel' of the place was quite different to any other city i've been to. We found the hotel easily, and Greg commented that the layout of the city was really well organised! Very important when you're on foot trying to find things!!!!
We booked into the Billard Palace and msg'd Jaak because the phone was unhooked in the room (there's always SOMETHING remiss!)
And he, Anne and Shana came to collect us in the hotel. AND...it was like meeting old friends....just so strange, considering we'd never met face to face before. Like family almost. We all trotted off to the car and headed to Frank and Karine's house for dinner...
But first we did a tour of the city with Jaak as the tour guide! And gorgeous Shana also filling in the gaps. 16 years old with a wisdom and beauty that does not reflect her years! We learned very early on that Jaak and Anne had a great humour..and we felt right at home.
Then to meet Frank and Karine! And Pasquale and Robyn.
Which is where the belgian hospitality really continued and then really exploded!!!
The food, the belgian beer, Duvel which Greg was very impressed with..and a better one with a long name that he can't now remember the name of...? (he was um..what's the word - slightly obliterated) the sunshine, the food, pasta, chile con carne and the almond cake...all homemade! By Karine! (hehe) (ok, not quite, and was helped by Frank!) haha
The wit, the jokes, the food, the WINE.....and the french, the sicillian wine..gosh....what wasn't there in the way of wonderful drinks...the belgian chocolates...and the russian tea...which was so beatiful...I learned what tea lights are for here at Karine and Franks...they are actually used to heat up the tea pot of all things. Of course. But iàd never thought of that before.
And then the Isle of Jura whiskey came out...for Greg. He felt so privileged!
What wonderful hospitable people.
Just being in Antwerp, with these people felt so wonderful. We heard about the likes and dislikes of different countries and different cultures..and had a humourous conversation about the Moroccans, the French, the Germans, the Polish and everyone else and of course, heard about the Dutchman! (Shana's friend!) Who got the approval vote in the end!
Antwerpens have their cultural tastes it seems..it made us really laugh! They even seem a different breed from Belgians somehow...which we noticed in the shops we went into.
Even to the extent Antwerpens seem more advanced than even the Brussel ians? They speak excellent English in all the shops and it is almost as if it is their first language. Jaak and Frank certainly sound very English even though i know Flemmish is their first language. (which is likened to Dutch). Frank sounded more Aussie than we did...which could be because he works with Aussies./
The diversity in the European way of thinking also made us think of the origin of their attitudes and after some research of the history, we could see why. One thing that Europe has, that we in Australia do not, and that is a very long past, with takeovers upon takeovers and a deep response to these takeovers.
I have realised since being in Europe that we are very tolerant of other cultures and have very high acceptance of other cultures.
Perhaps, at times, we let down, only our own. Our Aborigines. Thats an ongoing political issue and a ,which seems very covert, as other countries dont seem to be familiar with the issues surrounding this. Or maybe Australia is so remote, our issues are too insignificant to try to understand.
We have such a mix of races and cultures in Australia though and our countrz made up of such a diverse bunch. So we accept all and sundry and dont know much different. Especially being that we are only a young country. (We get told we are New World, just as America does as well).
Although, with John Howard at the realm i think we are also aware as a countrz of our limitations.
Thatàs one thing iàve noticed too, and that is people from Europe seem to think little Johnnz is a complete legend for his stict immigration policies and his handling of such things as prohibiting our cricket team from going to Zimbabwe (Due to Magabe).
Interesting what people think of Australia...
I feel they are very tolerant of Australians...or are they just being polite???
I can see why the countries of Europe are so deeply ingrained. And to a certain extent opinionated about itàs neigbours. They are very culturally aware. And very stubborn and proud about their own countries. Seems verz complex.
BACK TO ANTWERP+
We had a great night that night thats for sure..and one day hope these wonderful people can come and experience aussie beers and Aussie hospitality!!
Our first night (and only night, for now) in Antwerp will always be memorable!
Maybe we will make it back there for Franks birthday. I hope so. Not sure where we will be at that point though...but if there is a high speed train...well be on it./
Felt sad leaving here..aw.
