On to Antwerp
Having already passed through Antwerp from Brussels to Tilburg and the brutalist architecture of the station
I was intrigued to see more. The earlier train proved to be the slow train
passing through every village and town. As I found out later the Antwerp sales
which always begin each year on July 1st are a big pull for the
inhabitants of the Netherlands. It was a busy station. Intriguing with the vote
that we just had in the UK that this ease of movement will be lost. This neighborliness and collaborative spirit.
Antwerp station is phenomenal coming out of the depths of
three floors down up into the grandeur of gold and carved stonework, stations
of old, promising adventure and excitement. The hotel was only 5 minutes walk
away. Stations may occasionally need better sign posts or I need to map read
better. The jaunt through the slightly scrubby streets to the west of the
station didn’t promise greatness, hotel found, wonderful staff and a room of
peace and quiet, the next part of the adventure could begin.
I was in Antwerp to explore MOMU the fashion museum. The
challenge was that none of my correspondence had been replied to. So a Saturday
afternoon jaunt into the centre to get my bearings and work out where MOMU was
and whether there was another way to connect. Quite nerve wracking and angst
creating thinking how would I build the research without a contact. Thoughts
that I could just commute back to Tilburg if it really didn’t happen but not
ideal.
I have never visited Belgium prior to this trip and was
intrigued to explore and gain a sense of place and people. Antwerp felt safe,
engaging, open and accessible. There is a sense of wealth with an exceptional
range of shops and places to eat yet a society that works as a society. The
first afternoon boded well for the week ahead whatever happen.
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| MOMU entrance |
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| Antwerp skyline |
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