Here begins my Spring Trip for 2016.  I flew from Charlotte to Toronto and on to Amsterdam on March 18th.  Air Canada wasn't that bad at all.  I would fly them again.  After landing in Amsterdam, I started my Eurorail Pass and hopped a train to Antwerp, Belgium.  This trip would be a train heavy trip, which I enjoy.

 

Why Antwerp instead of the capital Brussels?  In hindsight, this was a very good decision.  I see Antwerp as being more of the cultural capital and Brussels being the business capital.  Plus, if I hit any travel problems, I would get to Antwerp before Brussels.  My other trip to Bruges, would have went through Antwerp anyway.  It all made sense to me. 

 

 

The Antwerp Train Station is one of the prettiest I have ever been to.  Hopefully I have some more pics of it coming up.  The main hall is an open area of 4-5 vertically stacking train platforms.  Plus there were 2 waffle stands at the entry, which solved Breakfast and snacking.

 

I selected a very prime hotel location, the Old Town Hilton off Groenplaats Square.  This is one of the main squares here.  As you can tell, I didn't really pick a sunny and warm week to travel.  It was about 2.00ish by the time I made it to Antwerp.  I took a bit to settle in and then I ventured out for awhile.

 

The Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp almost shadowed over my hotel.  I loved the area that I selected.  Perfectly walkable and several touristy type shops and restaurants.  I had plenty to occupy my early evening. 

 

The square in front of the Antwerp City Hall.  Yeah, I may have missed the temperature by a couple degrees, but it was still fine.

 

Today was an exploring type of a day.  Leisurely stroll where I could figure out what all I left across the pond and the lay of the land.  I was very close to the Schledt River, which allowed me to sit back and people watch.  Oh, I had forgotten a power converter.

 

 

Het Steen medieval fortress, the oldest building in Antwerp.  As I have said before, I love the oldness of Europe.

 

Pretty simple day after all the traveling.  I had a waffle and some frites, then that was it.  Ha, no one said I had to eat healthy, but I wanted to try what they were famous for also.  Both were delicious and had an abundance of topping and sauce choices.  On to the next day.....