Weekend Antwerp

The past weekend we spent in Antwerp - and what a lovely time it was!

For starters, the weather co-operated and was mild and sunny. What a change to the summer months! Also we got a very nice room in the hotel, a mini suite with sitting area. 

We lunched at Grand Cafe De Rooden Hoed, one of the places we visit when being in Antwerp. Super friendly personel and great food! Afterwards, we walked a bit and noticed that the town was quite busy - what a change to corona times! Now that more is allowed, people seem to be freed of a burden and they all to enjoy their freedom. 

While walking, we discovered that the weekend was reserved for the Bollekes Feesten - a festive weekend using the Covid Free Pass. You were allowed to attend the festivities when you are fully vaccinated, have a negative test result or are recovering from a recent illness due to corona. Once you were checked, you got an armband and could go anywhere you liked. On every square there was something to do. Oh yes, when you don't understand what 'Bollekes Feesten' means, here's the explanation: a 'bolleke' is the Antwerp name for a pint of beer, and 'feest' just means party. 

We saw a concert of The Starlings, a Belgian duo that makes the hit lists lately. It sounded great, they really brought all their hit songs live and it sounded just like the recording. Later that day, we went to a concert of the Antwerp Philharmonic. It was the first time after corona they gave a concert, and so the public was more than enthuastic! Also with Covid Free pass, that's the was things are done right now.

So we had a great weekend - and now look forward to the next!