On Saturday, October 10, 1998, we mounted up our baggage, and slogged our way the 4 blocks to the train station, where we awaited our train. After an hour ride, we arrived at the magnificent main train station in Antwerp, Belgium. There we put our larger suitcases in lockers, and located a decent hotel 3 blocks from the station.

The rain held off, but the day remained overcast and cloudy. After retrieving our monster luggage cases from the train station, we set out to explore Antwerp.

We immediately like Antwerp better than Brussels and we toured the many squares and the fantastic cathedral.

In Antwerp's own Grote Markt we saw a town crier, attired in medieval garb, whom stood forth on the fountain, rang a bell, and screamed forth in Flemish. We of course had absolutely no idea what he was proclaiming, but we found it entertaining never the less.

We enjoyed a quick lunch of pumpkin soup at an outdoor café, complete with a beer or two, and served by a clever fellow on rollerblades. We than meandered down towards the river, where there was a sailboat race that ended at our position. As each competing boat passed the finish line, their achievement was punctuated by three mad Belgians on a barge, firing a large black powder cannon. We found the lure of good beer in this environment irresistible, and we continued to enjoy this fine water substitute riverside.

Eventually we ended up at an Irish pub, where I enjoyed an excellent black pudding, chased down by pints of Guinness.

On Sunday the 11th., we continued to explore Antwerp and its riverfront. Much to my delight, we found ourselves deep in the red light district, which was open for business at 11:00 AM on a Sunday! The first Belle du Jour we saw we both thought was a carved statue, as she sat in a window, open to public view, and didn't move as we walked up. We jumped when she moved as we moved past her, and were amazed at how early in the day they start. Enterprising to say the least.

Early afternoon found us in a Cyber café where I spent 30 minutes arguing with the damn computer, until the staff was able to help us out. At long last we were able to check and send our email out, despite the handicap of the Flemish keyboard. Leaving the café we discovered the true prize of Antwerp, a small bar named "Paters Vaetje", a fantastic place for beer lovers of any size, as it stocks over 100 different Belgian beers! (see list).

After arguing our way to dinner, we finally had a decent plate of mussels, matched with the excellent local beer. For desert we decided against more touring, and instead returned to "Paters Vaetje", where, after a number of additional beers and another visit to the ATM we met two local nationals, Dave and Peter. Dave spoke almost no English (what is it with guys named Dave anyways?), but Peter was fluent, and we can only hope that they hurt as much as we did the next morning.