Well, I haven't blogged in a while so I decided to write something about Europe. I have been in Antwerp for close to three months now. It is a nice place and I have really enjoyed it. I have made a couple of new friends along the way, and interestingly enough - met some old ones I never thought I would see again.
During my stay, I have managed to visit a couple of places such as London, Rotterdam, Cologne, Brussels and Monschau(Germany). Ok, I never managed to get to Paris and Rome - two places I would have really been glad to visit, but there is always another time. And who knows, I may have a better time next time because I will actually be going there for touristic purposes rather than work.
So, after whiling my way in Europe, what do I have to show for it, other than the couple of kilos I have added to my midsection - which cannot be blamed entirely on the food - but more on that later. Well, I have a couple of photos from my various visits. Nothing to brag about - shows my point and click abilities.
Well, here goes:
Antwerp, the city I have spent most of my past 3 months. I kinda like the fact that it is not too big - well, by European standards. At times I wonder, do they clean the streets here, but well, I guess I pass too early in the morning and too late in the evening to actually see a difference.
I guess the part I will miss most about Antwerp is the friends I made - especially those from ACF! They are really a cool bunch of guys.
Brussels. Hmmm, what can I say about the place? I never really took time to visit it for real, despite it being so close to Antwerp by train. Each time I was in Brussels, I was in a hurry. And that was at least 4 times. Always rushing to go somewhere or do something. I think there was only one time I was there when I was not very rushed - but too bad, it was getting dark. Oh, I also got a chance to visit the Atomium. It was nice. I do have some pictures here.
Now, the architecture is really cool, but well, really isn't anything functional to it - but what do you say? Art most of the time is not really functional, just enjoyable. Except in Rotterdam where I got to see the Cube Houses. Now that is interesting. It is both art and functional. Ok, I know some guys will blast me here and give numerous examples of art being functional so, bring it on - don't mind adding to the blog. So Rotterdam?
Rotterdam. I tell you I love that place. It was fun to visit. Took a boat ride, visited the Euromast - incredible. And not to forget, the cube houses - I could live in one of those - really interesting. Well, I also went to the Oceanium and got to see sharks up close. Not the really big man eating kind, but sharks none the less. It was interesting. I waited to see a gorilla up close, but by the time we got there, I think the fella had gone for a nap or something. We waited pretty long and all we could see were the videos.....bummer! On to another place.
Cologne. Nice town. Too bad we visited on a day when the town was full of people, celebrating some festival or other. So, we couldn't really get to see much of the town itself. However, all was not lost. We got to climb to the top of the Cologne Cathedral. All 509 steps/109 meters of it. Something definetly you should do if you get a chance. It is tiring though, but well, it is FUUUUN! What an accomplishment. And for those who think you can take a lift(Am. elevator) to the top - think again.
Monschau. Nice, cosy town. Too bad it was dark when we got there so we couldn't see much. Maybe next time. I hear in summer it is really good, especially you can get to see the glass works.
So that about wraps up my trips in Europe. But you never know. I could manage to sneak a visit somewhere.
During my stay, I have managed to visit a couple of places such as London, Rotterdam, Cologne, Brussels and Monschau(Germany). Ok, I never managed to get to Paris and Rome - two places I would have really been glad to visit, but there is always another time. And who knows, I may have a better time next time because I will actually be going there for touristic purposes rather than work.
So, after whiling my way in Europe, what do I have to show for it, other than the couple of kilos I have added to my midsection - which cannot be blamed entirely on the food - but more on that later. Well, I have a couple of photos from my various visits. Nothing to brag about - shows my point and click abilities.
Well, here goes:
Antwerp, the city I have spent most of my past 3 months. I kinda like the fact that it is not too big - well, by European standards. At times I wonder, do they clean the streets here, but well, I guess I pass too early in the morning and too late in the evening to actually see a difference.
I guess the part I will miss most about Antwerp is the friends I made - especially those from ACF! They are really a cool bunch of guys.
Brussels. Hmmm, what can I say about the place? I never really took time to visit it for real, despite it being so close to Antwerp by train. Each time I was in Brussels, I was in a hurry. And that was at least 4 times. Always rushing to go somewhere or do something. I think there was only one time I was there when I was not very rushed - but too bad, it was getting dark. Oh, I also got a chance to visit the Atomium. It was nice. I do have some pictures here.
Now, the architecture is really cool, but well, really isn't anything functional to it - but what do you say? Art most of the time is not really functional, just enjoyable. Except in Rotterdam where I got to see the Cube Houses. Now that is interesting. It is both art and functional. Ok, I know some guys will blast me here and give numerous examples of art being functional so, bring it on - don't mind adding to the blog. So Rotterdam?
Rotterdam. I tell you I love that place. It was fun to visit. Took a boat ride, visited the Euromast - incredible. And not to forget, the cube houses - I could live in one of those - really interesting. Well, I also went to the Oceanium and got to see sharks up close. Not the really big man eating kind, but sharks none the less. It was interesting. I waited to see a gorilla up close, but by the time we got there, I think the fella had gone for a nap or something. We waited pretty long and all we could see were the videos.....bummer! On to another place.
Cologne. Nice town. Too bad we visited on a day when the town was full of people, celebrating some festival or other. So, we couldn't really get to see much of the town itself. However, all was not lost. We got to climb to the top of the Cologne Cathedral. All 509 steps/109 meters of it. Something definetly you should do if you get a chance. It is tiring though, but well, it is FUUUUN! What an accomplishment. And for those who think you can take a lift(Am. elevator) to the top - think again.
Monschau. Nice, cosy town. Too bad it was dark when we got there so we couldn't see much. Maybe next time. I hear in summer it is really good, especially you can get to see the glass works.
So that about wraps up my trips in Europe. But you never know. I could manage to sneak a visit somewhere.
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