Antwerp and Rotterdam (the Tour and 4th)

On Saturday, June 26th, we took a quick day trip to Antwerp, Belgium.  Antwerp is about a 2.5 hour train ride from Amsterdam.  It was a very hot day indeed, but perfect sunny weather to walk around the city, eat Belgium waffles and explore the colorful and lively Saturday markets and shops.

Most residents of Amsterdam make their way to Antwerp strictly for the shopping.  Antwerp's shops seem to have more variety and better prices.

My first belgium waffle was crispy, but soft, buttery and sweet, I had it plain, and it was perfect!

We happened to be in Antwerp before the Gay Pride Parade, so the city was busy setting up stages, stands, and beer gardens.  We sat down for a nice large belgium beer and enjoyed people watching - one of my favorite things to do!

The Saturday market was HUGE!!!  Olives, almonds, cheeses, meats, produce and hand-made objects, were many of the spectacular goods being sold.  Don't get me wrong, Amsterdam has a few really nice markets - Albert Cuyp (Mon-Sat) offer similar goods that were seen in Antwerp.  The Bloemenmarkt includes bulbs, seeds, and rare flowers (Mon-Sat).  Noordermarkt, also known as Farmer's Market sell biological goods only on Saturday. 


And the last that I frequent, Westerstraat Markt, where you first grab a coffee and slice of apple pie then walk up and down the rows of candles, oils, clothes and small objects (Monday's only).

We walked around thru many plazas with beautiful fountains and statues.  The central station actually is the prettiest I have seen.

Before heading back home, we were informed of Las Manas, an amazing Spanish restaurant, that even the Spanish claim to have authentic Paella.  We ate oysters, octopus and nice serving of Paella.  Of course we ordered a large pitcher of sangria to wash it down!

The next day, Kirk and I headed to the park for a nice picnic.  We took a nap outside with Indy, ate some sandwiches and pasta and listened to music coming from arena.  Random sighting - a kid taking his horse out for a stroll, literally, it had a leash, I thought that was pretty odd.

                                     

The following weekend, July 3rd, we headed off to Rotterdam with our new friends Erin and Chad, to see Lance Armstrong in his final Le Tour de France!

 

The train ride to Rotterdam is a little over an hour and the weather was sunny, with showers here and there.  We have been having some really hot weather, so it was nice to feel the temperature cool down a bit.  We met up with some other expats, who guided us thru the Tour - when Lance starts his time trial, the route, where to be and when.

The 4 of us decided to walk around the race, about 10k.  This was a nice way to see the city, walk the bridges and start our own little pub crawl. We found a side street that set up a stage and showcased a Dutch rap group - Dikke Vandalen.  Couldn't understand a word they were saying, until they started singing about the Back Street Boys - yes, the BSB's.

                                    

We made our way back to the hostel, StayOkay, took a little break from the tour and split some pitchers of beer with the rest of the group.  Lance was starting soon, so we headed back to a good spot on the bridge, ready to cheer him on.  It was quick, but fun to see him in action.  The crowd roared for Lance!!!

                                     
The city completely shut down for the tour, no cars, trams, or bikes (besides the participants in the race). Afterwards we joined the group again for a bite to eat, some world cup (at the time Spain vs Paraguay), and then headed back home.   A lovely city and a good way to remember it by.

                                                       

The next day was the 4th.  We joined our friends Courtney (from my sorority), Michael, Scott (UW alum), Johanna, Ali, Denessa, Steve and Matt for some picnicking at Vondelpark.  It wouldn't be the 4th with out American beer and football, some frisbee, bocce ball and chips and dip.  A beautiful day and way to celebrate our first 4th in Europe.  

The expat community here is truly small.  We have quickly come to realize everybody knows each other in unique ways - thru co-workers, the gym, American Women's Club, to UW alumni and poker games.  A small world making us feel more at home and comfortable!!!

New Spots to eat/drink
Tricolore for awesome Italian subs
Coffee Salon for amazing iced  latte's (something truly hard to find in this city)

New Beach - On Saturday, July 11th, we went on a long bike ride with Erin and Chad - Final destination, Blijberg, also known as Buddha's Beach.  A perfect place to dip into after biking for about an hour in the hot sun!  It was so wonderful to go swimming, since we are constantly teased by the canals (definitely can't swim in them unless you want Hep C).