4 October 2023

It was definitely a little cooler today, but I’m not complaining. Nothing a brisk 25 minute walk to another highly recommended coffee joint couldn’t fix.

We had a very slight detour as Grahame spotted this little beauty a street away from our destination. We just had to get a closer look.

Research indicates that Het Bootje “stands as a unique example of amped-up Art Nouveau, and a testament to a time in which architecture was strange, wondrous, and fun.” (Google). Yep!

Andy’s Roasters win “Coffee of the Trip So Far”award for their 10/10 coffee. It was so good Grahame went back for seconds!!

It was time to say goodbye to the Grote Markt. We loved our little bolt hole in Antwerp.

Being “almost natives” now, we decided we had the skills to catch the light rail to the main train station rather than lug our bags the 25 minute walk. We’d sussed it out and were pretty confident that if we went to the light rail stop around the corner, and jumped aboard the next tram, we would end up in the right place. A very kind young man, seeing us sitting at the stop, alone, walked over and introduced himself and then explained that the trams weren’t running and we would have to sit there for a month before one would finally come. He pointed us in the direction of the metro instead. Thank you kind man.

The “Hand of Peace” takes on both the shape of a hand ( symbol of Antwerp) and a dove ( symbol of peace ) Very clever!!

We ventured outside Antwerp station to have a quick look around before we left Belgium for good. The Ferris Wheel called “The View” was a big draw card with people lining up all the way around the square outside the train station.

An hour later, I received my Vodafone text telling me we had crossed the border and were now in the Netherlands.

We emerged from Amsterdam train station and there was a another noticeable drop in temperature. Just as Hayley had advised yesterday. At last, autumn is starting to have an impact. Maybe I will get to wear all that winter stuff I’ve been lugging around after all.

We didn’t have to walk far before we came across a canal ….

….. and a lunch stop , where we were introduced to these little gems !!

Made from a thick meat laden stew rolled in breadcrumbs and then deep fried, these little morsels of goodness where a delight. I think there will be a whole lot more consumed in the coming days.

As an added bonus, while having our lunch snack , two guys arrived by the canal and began “Magnet Fishing“. Only a few nights ago, we were watching a BBC travel type show where Lee Mack ( “Would I Lie to You?”) went magnet fishing while his mate was actually fishing. So imagine my delight when I got to see the real thing.

Almost every “cast” caught something. Bicycles, locks, bike chains, bits of metal! And this was just one spot. Imagine what must be down there along the whole canal network!!!

We are staying on a barge!! Of course!!

It’s a little hotel on the water. Grahame and I both have a little room with an adjoining bathroom. Compact but serviceable. And we’ve become very good at compact over the last month or so.

We headed off to explore the city as soon as we had settled in. We had no plan, or goal. We just walked… and walked….. and walked!!

Now my friends know that I am a big “Ted Lasso” fan and I couldn’t resist finding the spot where Rebecca falls into the canal and is rescued by the handsome pilot.

I went looking for the Pilot!!!

We also found the “Skinny Bridge” that Roy and Jamie run across, as their friendship begins to grow.

Over 25000 steps, a pizza and a glass of rosé later, we arrived back to our barge and settled in with all our friends!