Each Saturday we select a new city to visit in Belgium. A few weeks ago we visited Antwerp. The girls had heard about a new baby elephant, Kai, at the Antwerp Zoo. The zoo is very kid- friendly. It is flat, has a few play grounds scattered about and you can see all the animals in two hours or so.
Car or Train?
We considered taking the train to Antwerp. The trains in Belgium are very clean and efficient. Plus, the train station in Antwerp is incredibly beautiful. In the end, we decided to drive (too much to drive to the train station, park the car and buy the train tickets with two kids).
http://www.antwerpen.be/eCache/BEN/52.html
Antwerp Zoo
The zoo is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world. The zoo was very easy to navigate. The girls held the map and directed us. The girls especially enjoyed the penguins (Elisabeth is currently reading Mr. Popper's Penguins). Elisabeth and Kate also liked the monkeys: two were playing with a stick of bamboo and the girls enjoyed observing their sisterly skirmish.
We especially enjoyed the elephants and the newest addition, Kai. Next to the elephant area was a tree house. The girls climbed the rope ladder to the tree house. They could watch the elephants from the tree house and then slide down the slide. We stayed for about 45 minutes watching the elephants and playing on the slide and rope ladder.
http://www.zooantwerpen.be/
Antwerp Central Railway Station
Adjacent to the zoo is the Antwerp Central Railway Station. Rich and I enjoyed showing the girls the trains. Beautiful architecture.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antwerpen-Centraal_railway_station
The Grote Market
We drove from the Antwerp Central Railway Station to the Grote Market in Antwerp. It was difficult to find parking. Next time we'll take the street car. The girls enjoyed the medieval feel of the city and the Grote Market. We enjoyed a horse drawn carriage ride around the old city of Antwerp.
The day we visited Antwerp, the citizens were celebrating the anniversary of Antwerp's liberation from the Nazi's in WWII by the Allied forces. We enjoyed watching the reenactment of the Allied forces entering the city. Lots of Brits, antique tanks, jeeps, and people in military dress. The girls enjoyed the Scottish bagpipes and the marching bands.
Note: Some incredible shopping in Antwerp. Very chic...saving it for our next visit!
