Brussels and Antwerp

Com um atraso de dois meses, em Maio ao contrário do prometido para Março 2006, venho agora, e na sequência do objectivo deste blog, repartir convosco as experiências vividas e sentidas, assim como o meu olhar sobre duas das minhas cidades preferidas: Venha comigo (re)descobrir ou (re)encontrar Bruxelas e Antuerpia.

Seja então, muito bem-vindo e desfrute...

Celso Junior

Brussels and Antwerp

With a delay of two months, in May instead March 2006, and according the aim of this blog, sharing with you the lived and felt experiences, as well as my personal regard on two of my favourites cities:
So, Come with me to (re) discover or to (re) find Brussels and Antwerp and let me share with you this entire atmosphere, all these charming, alive and beautiful cities.

Welcome and enjoy,

Celso Junior

Talking about Brussels, Antwerp and Boots…

If you are a fetishist like me I guess my BLOG is the right place to learn, to see, and to feel more…
During my exploring Brussels and Antwerp I have collected everything concerning my own taste to share with you: enjoy the great passages of the two cities history. Learn more about every single inheritance of Brussels and Antwerp including Historic Monuments, Museums, Palaces, Art Galleries, Theatres, Parks and of course: Bootedmen, Boots, more Boots, Boots again and where to enjoy or buy them.

Talking about Brussels

I have no idea how many times I have been in Brussels but what I can tell you is that Brussels is definitely one of my favourites destinations in Europe.

As a European capital, Brussels is characterised by the considerable diversity of its sectors of activity. Its role within the European Union has inexorably acted as a magnet, drawing numerous companies who have set up their headquarters in the city.Brussels is a “green” city.
There are numerous parks throughout the city, which offer us the opportunity of walk and enjoy its urban landscape.

Talking about Brussels

As an historical city, Brussels has been a walled city since the 10th century. The city has been a trading crossroads since the Middle Ages and its exceptional geographical location made it the envy of many countries. The city experienced 5 centuries of foreign dominance, alternating periods under Spanish, Austrian, French and Dutch domination, before eventually opting for independence in 1830 and putting itself forward as a liberal and progressive city.

Shots from the old fashion Brussels

Talking about Antwerp

Antwerp is the second largest city of Belgium. The 500.000 inhabitants call it the 'Metropolis'.
This city has so many different facets that it takes a while before one gets to know it thoroughly.
Antwerp is a splendid city with numerous architectural highlights, most of which date from the 16th (the golden era of Antwerp) and the 17th century.

The destructions of the Second World War, unfortunately, have scarred somehow the fair face of the old town. Still there are enough monuments left for those who like monument hopping to spend a few days admiring them.

Brussels: How to get there

My flight was Iberia leaving from Madrid: Not bad and on time (quite unusual if we think about IBERIA).It is quite easy to get there anyway; we have regular flights from everywhere in Europe.

Brussels Airport is big but reasonable, very organised and easy going. From arrivals to departures everything is practical and efficient.

at Brussels Airport

Just for curiosity let me show you some stools made in glass by Charles Szymkowicz and Frans van Praet (1986)

Antwerp: How to get there

Just 40 minutes by train from Brussels Central or changing at Brussels Nord if you come from the Airport.

Brussels and Antwerp: Where to stay

Sorry for the absence of information on places where to stay, but I always stay with friends in Belgium, doesn't matter where.

Reference Book: EYEWITNESS TRAVEL GUIDES (BRUSSELS)

Let me suggest you to get a good guide: In general The Eyewitness Travel Guides offers you lots of useful information and good advises.


This guide for Brussels works quite well but is a little disappointed about Antwerp, so I strongly recommend a visit to the Tourism Office at the Antwerp Train Station and get a map as well as some brochures about the city. You will find all the complementary information that you need.

Brussels and Antwerp: Maps and Guides

Nevertheless, let me tell you that the EYEWITNESS Travel Guides focus only the “straight” tourism side of the selected city so don’t waste you time looking for Gay Information.
For that I suggest you to browse on Internet or get some Gay Maps: You can get them free and find everywhere: Shops, bars, and tourism office


I recommend you both: very useful indeed!

Talking about Brussels and Antwerp: Weather

Brussels and Antwerp’s weather is equally eclectic, with hot summer days giving way to occasionally freezing temperatures during the long grey winter.

Oh yes, and WET, very wet cities, always…

Brussels and Antwerp: People

Belgium and its warm and seducing atmosphere is the perfect example of how people can persuade us to feel at home. I like the country, I like the people, definitely.

Belgium’s are known as collectors: In fact the biggest collections of rubber boots are in Belgium. They collect everything, even Barbies!

Antwerp: Coloured city ?

...but some time racial crimes could happens... I believe that Antwerp isn’t an exception, world is going thru a dark period: few weeks ago a triple murder of two black woman and a baby, by a mad extreme right skinhead, who shot them on broad daylight, just around one of the most popular and touristy place of the city.At least the fact has put the extreme right party in a REAL very bad daylight (even to people who vote for them) and people are reacting against with anti racist manifestations, that's the positive thing coming out after this drama.

Brussels and Antwerp: Talking about Men

I dare to say that in Brussels (well, in Belgium in general) one can find the most handsome men in the world.