You don't often hear too much about Antwerp, mostly because it's not really a huge tourist destination. However, I found the city to be quite lovely. Rich with Flemish culture and Dutch architecture similar to that in Amsterdam, Antwerp is a great place to visit if you choose to go to Belgium. The Cathedral of Our Lady is immaculate! Many travelers of Europe often get sick of cathedrals(me), but it really is special in its' own way. Food of course is a good reason to visit anywhere that boasts something unique, and although not unique to Antwerp alone but to all of Belgium, is their ability to produce superior chocolate. They are not afraid to show it off either, with a chocolatier tempting you on every corner. Belgian beer is something worth mentioning. Strong and thick, served in a chilled glass and if you like beer or not, simply delicious.
I was not able to stay in Antwerp for as long as I would have liked, but the city left a good impression. An important attribute for a city is to have good people. I found the people there to be really enjoyable, helpful and happy. During the lunch period, it seemed as if everyone left their shops to have a beer and dance in one of the city squares for some event written in Dutch, that I couldn't read. I was told though, that Flemish Belgians have a bitter rivalry with the French speaking Belgians from the south in Brussels. I find these odd rivalries more frequently since I've been talking to people. I met a family from Pisa,Italy who say that those from Pisa do not like those from Florence, which is only an hour away, and vice versa. You see this all over the world.
Before leaving Antwerp we visited an amazing market square, teeming with booths full of cheese, spices, breads and dried meats. The smell is a sensation of its' own, sampling is another! We left Antwerp with a full belly, a light heart and fantastic memories.
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