Antwerp,another medieval port city with fortified citadel walls, only has the Steen (the Stone) remaining. Learning of the tour of Antwerp's canals and underground tunnels, it turned out that was 1 person too late. The English admission tour slots had just sold out. Although the German tour tickets were still available, I asked "What about tours offered in Spanish?". The ticket person laughed. They only offered two language options outside of Flemish. No worries. I had witnessed a special treat -- a wedding in the spectacular Flemish Renaissance style
guildhouse-surrounded Grote Markt in the town square a half hour earlier.
Promptly at 10 am the bells of Antwerp's City Hall began to chime. For 30 minutes they rang to the sound of Clydesdale-drawn carriages carrying the wedding party through the courtyard. Flower girls, brides maids, family, friends and picture-
snapping tourists were all there as witnesses of the new union. Next to the fountain with the statue of Brabo, the mythical Roman soldier tossing the giant's hand into the river, the bride and groom kissed.
It had been a lovely morning.
guildhouse-surrounded Grote Markt in the town square a half hour earlier.
snapping tourists were all there as witnesses of the new union. Next to the fountain with the statue of Brabo, the mythical Roman soldier tossing the giant's hand into the river, the bride and groom kissed.
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