Antwerp or Bruges

 Okay the laundry finally done we have set off to explore. The plan is to use our apartment hotel as a base and do day trips.  The decision was to go to Antwerp, my reasoning was there were more museums that we would like to see and all museums are closed on Monday so that moves Antwerp to todays plan

So I figured out the train schedule and we are off.  Antwerp has the most amazing train station.  It is beautiful.  Off to the TI to get a day pass that includes museums and transportation   The best plans when traveling means adjusting.  Yes, all the museums were closed because May1st is European Labor Day. We are off to explore. Antwerp has a great old town center and since the major museums are closed we sent to the cathedral (it was supposed to be open).  We waited with others outside when let inside learned that it too was closed due to a special mass for Labor Day. Around the corner we go into the square to find a block party.  Yes the antwerpiaans know how to party. Further walking to get to the Scheldt River. On the edge of the river is The Steen which is one of the oldest gate houses on the river

Antwerp is known as The Diamond capital so like in Brussels there are chocolate and tapestry shops several in a block here are diamond/jewelry shops.  It reminded me of getting off a cruise ship with all the jewelry shops.  When leaving the train station you walk down a pedestrian walkway lined with all kinds of stores and shops

Antwerp has a lot of museums that we wanted to see. A reason to return for sure. On Tuesday we plan to do some European Union tours since our hotel is in that quarter of the city. I will post some photos. Off to Bruges tomorrow