Deep-Sixed & Living in the Sky: Vacation Part 2.2

Day 10 of our backpacking trip, and we were off to visit the city of Antwerp.

Before visiting Antwerp, I've heard about its great diamond trade industry. It was a pity I didn't have enough cash on me. Else I might just have bought myself my first diamond. Yes... shame on me, after more than 6 years of work and nearing to the age of 30, I've yet to own a diamond. *ha* So much for diamond are a girl's best friend eh! ;p

Changing Trains @ Roosendaal, On the Way to Antwerp

Entrance of Antwerp Central Railway Station

Antwerp Central Railway Station is a real beauty. From the outside, it can easily be mistaken for a cathedral because of the huge dome.

Weekend Market

Sells pretty much everything (clothes, shoes, animals, food, antiques...u name it!)

Streets of Antwerp

Streets of Antwerp are filled with superb architecture & buildings with a charm of its own.

Cathedral of Our Lady

Grote Markt (Main Square)

Antwerp City Hall @ Grote Markt

A pic of us with the Statue of Brabo & the Gaint's Hand

There's a very interesting story behind how the city of Antwerp got its name.

The legend involves a mythical gaint called Antigoon who lived near the river Scheldt. The gaint demanded a toll from those crossing the river, and for those who refused to pay, he severed one of their hands & threw it into the river.

Eventually, a young hero named Brabo cut off the gaint's hand & flung it into the river (as portrayed in the statue). Hence the name Antwerpen, which means hand-throw in Dutch.

Statue of Brabo & the Gaint's Hand