Antwerp Centraal from the outside!
Next to the train station is Antwerp Zoo. It is the seventh oldest zoo in the world, opening in 1843. The Zoo, its architecture and gardens, has been listed as a world monument.
The area around the Station and Zoo is the start of the Diamond District. Eighty-five percent of the world's rough diamonds move through this area every year, with about 50% of them staying in Antwerp for cutting and polishing. For the record, NO. Dutchboy did NOT buy me a diamond, rough or otherwise. He, himself, is a diamond in the rough.
Our purpose for being at the station so bright and early in the morning, was to travel a bit outside the city to the Cogels-Osylei neighborhood, in the Zurenborg District, with it's fantastic Art Nouveau and Tudor architecture. The Belle Epoque of Antwerp is showcased on the streets of this area. After visiting the Horta House in Brussels, we were eager for more. I'm certain we spent much of the day, squealing with glee at the jaw-dropping beauty. Get ready. You're about to be pic-spammed.
This was just as random and weird to us, as it appears to you. Disembodied heads peeking out of a window. Art? Someone mocking the tourists? I don't know. It's just odd. Or we could call it eclectic?? Who watchers the watchers.
Yes, Dutchboy faced down the tram to take a photo. Yes, I yelled at him. I'll own up to that.
At an intersection, the houses on each corner had a mural for a different season.
Even the water towers in the area are beautiful.
Then it was time to head back to the station, pick up our bags and go home to Amstelveen.
Waiting for the train, we encountered this little fella. His owner tied him to the pipe while he headed into the men's room. I wanted to comfort the pup, he looked so uncertain. He wanted nothing but to have a direct line of sight to the door where his master disappeared. He stared at it intently until the man came out, patted him on the head, and off the went.
The daily posts are winding down. I have nothing to share for the next couple of days, only family photos and I will spare you that!! Never fear, I shall return with a post or two more.
Until then... Tot Ziens! xx
