Friday, July 29, 2011

TOURISM: ANTWERP AT A GLANCE


Antwerp city at night


Antwerp city at night


SARAH DEVOS is a Belgian author, residing in the city of Antwerp. Her tourism book called  "200 PLACES YOU NEED TO SEE AS A TOURIST IN ANTWERP" has been published.

"Once in your lifetime, dare to deviate from your route to discover new places" suggests Sarah Devos.

The book is a collection of classic, personal interests and favorite places for tourists to visit in Antwerp. "It is not a book for only tourists but for Belgians and the citizens of Antwerp as well", said Sarah.

"Why would you like to travel this summer, when close by there are many places of interest to discover in Antwerp?" Asks Sarah Devos.

Out of 200 places of interest to visit in Antwerp, Sarah has selected her favorite 5 to be discovered. Curiosity killed the cat, therefore, let's find out about us.

REIGERSBOS, BERENDRECHT

At first sight, the place seems to be just a normal forest, but in the end, you will come to the "Berendrecht", stretching about five hundred meters wide. 

It is the biggest loch (an arm of the sea) in the world. Coincidentally, one may suddenly see one of the giant container ships sailing past.

MUSEUM PLANTIN-MORETUS

This compulsory. One has to rent an audio guide. Surprisingly you will find yourself back to the olden days, exploring through historical monuments dated as far as five centuries ago, with the cracking sound of two oldest surviving machines in your ears.

CONSCIENCEPLEIN (CONSCIENCE SQUARE)

The conscience Plein is a classic square full of personal emotions, according to Sarah. "When I went there for the first time with my love, we had a wonderful day with Ice cream. Said Sarah. 

The place is also a square of history. Do you know that the place, is the first car-free square in Antwerp?" Asks Sarah. Really, the square is the right romantic place for tourists attraction or to see.

EXOTIC MARKET, THEATREPLEIN (THEATRE SQUARE)

"What a better way to learn and get to know the city, than with a visit to one of the exotic markets? Asks Sarah. On Saturdays, I visit the market. 

I love to see the sellers with loud voice advertising their goods and calling for customers for their olives, tapenades and other delicious products. A perfect Saturday, I often end the day by sitting on mine terrace watching passers-by". Said Sarah.

SINT-JANSKERK en OMGEVING BORGERHOUT (Saint-John's Church and the environment of Borgerhout)

According to Sarah, she lives by the church towers in Borgerhout. The St. John's church or the Pepper House, is a key place amongst the top five places tourists could visit. 

"Who still assumes that Borgerhout is scum and dejected neighborhood?" Asked Sarah, urging everyone to come and discover the truth by walking around. 

"The neighborhood is a real lively place, with both the young, old and families living there. There are splendid cafés and restaurants. Next year starts the construction of the "Rantjes Krugerplein". Concluded Sarah.

The book 200 places you have to see when in Antwerp,
is available at the bookshops. The publisher's of the book
is "Lannoo Publishers". Price per copy-9.95 euros

CULLED FROM THE MAGAZINE "THE NIEUWE ANTWERPENAAR".
Number 47. July-August 2011, edition.