Hello Antwerp and Bruges

OK, this will be a jumbled blog and have a lot of pictures of me and Nancy since we had someone to take our pictures.  On our first day off the ship in Antwerp, we were met by my friend and former colleague, Severyn Hanusz, who has lived in Belgium from almost 10 years. We were looking forward to seeing him, and he offered to give us a tour.  He met us at the ship with a box of Belgium cookies and chocolates which I took back onto the ship.  There are still a few left today.  He also arrived with a plan which we immediately altered to include a little of Antwerp since we had been looking at it from the ship for several days. By the way, there are statues all over of Brabo throwing the hand of the giant which explains the name of Antwerp (Brabo)

After look around Antwerp, we hopped into Severyn's car and headed to Bruges, a World Heritage Site, and a city that had been largely spared during WWII.

I so have to show these pictures of Fries which are a feature of Bruges and are eaten with mayonnaise which you can get in a variety of flavors.  There is even a museum in Bruges for the history of the fries.

Oops, here are a few more pictures of Antwerp and Brabo.  I told you this would be jumbled. With my internet connection, I'm having trouble moving things around.

Bruges is spectacular with lots of cobblestone streets, sculptures, varied architecture and horses.       

One featured spot was a convent hospital that is a little off the beaten path, and is a nice feature of having your own personal tour guide.

Mr. Poe even got to interview a swan as a possible theme for a future poem.

Bruges if filled with cafes, shops and little alleys that could fill a week. The coffee in Belgium is delicious.

We just missed a book fair, but the poster was still appropriate for the way I feel about the library on the ship. After we headed out, we made a stop by the site of the famous battle of Waterloo. There is a lot of construction going on here for a big visitor center.

And a last stop in Brussels on the way to Severyn's city.  This is the Atomium at the site of the Brussels Worlds Fair in 1984.  It still attracts hundreds of visitors each day (including us).Then we finally rolled into Walcourt (more later) for a late dinner of excellent cheeses and breads and a chance to meet Claire, Severyn's beautiful wife, before we walked down the quaint little cobblestone street to our B&B for a good night's sleep after a long day of good company, good food and great sights.