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Joe and Katherine Parkinson sample local beers and explore Antwerp's subterranean tunnels
What places were visited?
Antwerpen-Centraal railway station
Joe and Katherine arrive at the stunning train station in Antwerp. With its multistorey marble design, the station is truly a sight to behold. They marvel at the grandeur of the architecture, joking that it puts London Euston to shame. Joe even imagines a theatre event taking place in the station, showcasing his love for drama. As they prepare to explore Antwerp, they can't help but appreciate the beauty of their surroundings.
Koningin Astridplein 27, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
Antwerpen-Centraal railway station
Joe and Katherine arrive in Antwerp and are immediately impressed by the magnificent train station. They marvel at the grandeur of the architecture and can't help but compare it to the less impressive train stations back home. Joe even jokes about wanting a sight-specific theatre event to happen in the station. Clearly, they are already feeling the magic of Antwerp as they embark on their mini-break adventure.
Koningin Astridplein 27, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
The White Lily, Antwerp
Joe and Katherine check into The White Lily, a hotel converted from three 15th-century houses. They are impressed by the vintage furniture, original art, and exquisite objects that adorn the hotel. Katherine is assigned room number nine, while Joe gets to stay in the presidential suite. They joke about the famous guests who have stayed in their respective rooms, including Adele and Kanye West. It's clear that they are indulging in the luxurious side of their Antwerp experience.
Keizerstraat 16, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
L'entrepot du Congo
Joe and Katherine visit L'entrepot du Congo, a quirky sandwich shop known for its unique offerings. They order the Martino sandwich, which is made with raw meat, and indulge in an Aperol Spritz. They engage in playful banter about their sandwich preferences and poke fun at the Belgians' love for raw meat sandwiches. Despite their initial hesitations, they both end up enjoying the unconventional culinary experience.
Vlaamsekaai 42, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Koninck Brewery
Joe takes Katherine to the Koninck Brewery for a sundowner. They explore the various shops within the brewery, including a butcher's, a cheese shop, and a chocolatier. They participate in a beer and bites experience, where they sample different beers paired with delicious snacks. They playfully comment on the unique beers and food pairings, with Joe jokingly calling one beer "bollock." Despite their growing intoxication, they thoroughly enjoy the experience and continue to bond over their shared love of food and drinks.
Mechelsesteenweg 291, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
Wasbar
Joe surprises Katherine by taking her to the Wasbar, a unique concept where people can do their laundry while enjoying a drink or meal. They joke about the name "Wasbar" sounding like slang for "wee-wee" and imagine how the concept would be received in trendy areas like Shoreditch or Hoxton. They playfully discuss the practicality of the Wasbar for young people without washing machines and enjoy a light meal and Prosecco while waiting for their laundry.
Graanmarkt 15, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
De Ruien (the sewers)
Joe and Katherine embark on a tour of Antwerp's historic sewers, known as De Ruien. They don boiler suits and explore the underground tunnels, learning about the city's history and waterways. They playfully comment on the smell and humorous aspects of the tour, such as spiders that eat their own mother and a statue with a beer can. They find the experience both educational and entertaining, and Katherine jokes about feeling like Britney Spears in her unique outfit.
Suikerrui 21, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Diamond District, Antwerp
Joe takes Katherine to Antwerp's famous Diamond District, where they learn about diamonds and have a hands-on experience in a diamond polishing workshop. They discuss the four C's of diamonds and try to spot variations in color. Joe promises to buy Katherine a diamond if she successfully polishes it, leading to a fun and lighthearted competition. They enjoy the workshop and are fascinated by the intricacies of diamond polishing.
Each blog post will focus on a specific location and highlight the humorous interactions and observations made by Joe and Katherine.
Hoveniersstraat 53, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium