Our wonderful friends, Jacqueline and Peter live in Goes, in Zeeland, Netherlands, and Bruce drives us there!!!

They have offered to show us the nearby Belgium 🇧🇪 city of Antwerp and booked a surprise,…. adventurous tour for us all!!!

The name “Antwerp” is widely believed to originate from the Flemish legend of the giant Antigoon, who demanded a toll from river travelers; after being defeated by the hero Brabo, the giant’s hand was severed and “thrown” (werpen) into the river, giving rise to the Dutch name “Antwerpen,” meaning “hand-throwing“. We enjoy a cuppa with the complimentary hand biscuit!!

After an interesting walk through the city we arrive at “Ruihuis”, for our surprise….. a tour of the city’s underground canal system among foundations, bridges and locks!!

Link here to Wikipedia https://en.ruien.be/    

https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/459340213/ruihuis/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Antwerp

We are given gumboots, disposable pants and helmets to wear — we look the part!!

The tunnels are wet and smelly, but it’s an adventure.

There are large spiders and rat droppings that create a white webs and interesting sights!!. Not for the faint hearted.

  We were hosed down before we were allowed out!!

After that, beverage or two in the Beverland Cafe with a jukebox and Elvis was a laugh!

After a delicious Tapas meal together, we admire Antwerp in the evening light.

 
The following day, Bruce is comfy on the grass opposite Jacqueline and Peter’s house where he rests for the week whilst we embark on our Holland America cruise on the Rotterdam to the Norwegian fjords.