Antwerp

I know, I know, I´m way behind on my blog. It has just been so busy here, and I am constantly traveling, eating, visiting, and all of this leaves little time for computer work. Which is good, because I did not come here to spend all my time on the computer. Okay....moving on..

Antwerp.

The literal translation of this port city name means ´´to throw a hand´´. This comes from a legend that once upon a time, a giant guarded the river leading to the city and demanded money as tax from all the poor fisherman. The city was in crisis, so eventually a heroic man went and cut off the giant´s hand, and threw it across the city. Today, to commemorate, there is a lovely statue in the center of town showing the hero`s actions. If you walk a little further in the city, you also may notice a large stone hand in the middle of the sidewalk. 

Antwerp is the 8th largest port in Europe, and at one point was the 3rd largest city in Europe. Everything there is so pretty, so charming, so European. And I honestly do not mean that in a bad way. Its the most beautiful city that I have seen yet, and the food there is also incredible.

We (myself, two cousins, and two other relatives) spent the majority of the day shopping, something I had no problem with. Europe has many good stores that are not offered (as of yet-fingers crossed) in the states. The city is also known for their diamonds, and they did look dazzaling from the shop window. 

Lunch was a large, delicious pizza. After that, we toured the huge old church filled with paintings from the master painter Rubens. As an unapolegetic history and art nerd, this was AWESOME. 

For dinner, we went near the water and ate a small but extremely satisfying Greek meal. 

If I did not mention it before, I kind of fell in love with Antwerp. 

Now, time for Amsterdam!!

Emily xxx