Got up; got out This city does not open before 10:00. Hit Het Steen https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Het_Steen (means ‘the stone’. Love it) when it opened
Then to the lovely cathedral https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cathedral_of_Our_Lady_(Antwerp)
Next to Plantin-Moretus Museum – easily the most impressive museum so far. As in, it’s got more Rubens paintings than the Rubenshaus https://rubenshuis.be/en – my next stop – had. I never found out why they had Cosimo and Leonardo d’Medici portraits on the wall, but I’m certain it’s something sinister.
I’m not amazed at all at the American fast food places. There’s a McDonalds, Burger King, or KFC every few blocks. I am amazed at all of the other American brands. Foot Locker? Urban Outfitters?
Beers o’ the day – and the day, it is early. Went and had lovely lunch at a place near the cathedral called ‘t Putke and had the mussels Antwerp style, with a Duvel. My first time with French fries eaten the way they ought to be – with mayonnaise! https://www.grubstreet.com/2018/07/eat-fries-with-mayo-belgium-france-world-cup.html
Then after the museums, a few beers at Paters Vaetje. Lovely little extremely busy bar where I had the Delerium Tremens, Duvel Triple Hop, and Carolus Golden. Take a look at the glassware they have here. It’s not a ‘tulip glass for high grav; no-nick for pints’ situation. If you are a brewery, you have a glass with your brand on it. Or two.
