When I arrived in Antwerp during the final days of August, life did not seem quite so foreign to me. It was the second time in my life that I would be living and studying in Belgium, which for many seems like quite a peculiar path being that Beautiful Belgium is not a frequented destination. The probability of having two stints during one's lifetime is rather low. However, this time things were quite different.
During my previous stay in Belgium, I lived in Brussels, which can most aptly be described as the "Capital of Europe". For me, this title goes beyond the fact that it is home to countless European Institutions and boat loads of foreigners. I came to realize what Brussels really was when I began to try to describe it to my loved ones back home. For there is nothing that one can really describe as typical Brussels, in a culturally deeper sense beyond Beer, Fries, Chocolate and a small peeing statue. However, it never stopped me from falling head over heels for the place that I called home and that shaped my life in a myriad of ways. But that is not what this post is about... Maybe one day when I have enough time to rack my brains for the memories I will write a post on that matter. Now, I just introduce Antwerp, or A-town as it is affectionately called by locals. et Voilà, the "locals" are a good place to start.
It has been said that the people of Antwerp are more proud that New Yorkers and I have to say that it would be possible to agree. One does not spend time in A-town without once hearing the saying, in Dutch of English, "Antwerp is the City, the rest of Belgium is Parking". A fair explanation of the Antwerpen people. And as mentioned before, in this Flemish city, they speak Dutch (as well as English and a funny style of French). The culture of A-town is undeniably flemish infused with people who take their time to enjoy life. Whether your interests lay with food, fashion, art, music, maritime, diamonds or anything "trendy", you can find home to it in Antwerp. And don't forget to tell the locals how much you love the Central Station!
During my previous stay in Belgium, I lived in Brussels, which can most aptly be described as the "Capital of Europe". For me, this title goes beyond the fact that it is home to countless European Institutions and boat loads of foreigners. I came to realize what Brussels really was when I began to try to describe it to my loved ones back home. For there is nothing that one can really describe as typical Brussels, in a culturally deeper sense beyond Beer, Fries, Chocolate and a small peeing statue. However, it never stopped me from falling head over heels for the place that I called home and that shaped my life in a myriad of ways. But that is not what this post is about... Maybe one day when I have enough time to rack my brains for the memories I will write a post on that matter. Now, I just introduce Antwerp, or A-town as it is affectionately called by locals. et Voilà, the "locals" are a good place to start.
It has been said that the people of Antwerp are more proud that New Yorkers and I have to say that it would be possible to agree. One does not spend time in A-town without once hearing the saying, in Dutch of English, "Antwerp is the City, the rest of Belgium is Parking". A fair explanation of the Antwerpen people. And as mentioned before, in this Flemish city, they speak Dutch (as well as English and a funny style of French). The culture of A-town is undeniably flemish infused with people who take their time to enjoy life. Whether your interests lay with food, fashion, art, music, maritime, diamonds or anything "trendy", you can find home to it in Antwerp. And don't forget to tell the locals how much you love the Central Station!