Posts Tagged Antwerp
More of Antwerp Travels – The Central Station
In addition to my previous post about the zoo and some fascinating architectures I saw, let me share you more of these awesome architectures.
One most of the most distinguishable objects found in every Belgium’s train stations is the clock. There’s this piece of elegantly displayed tick-tocks in one corner, embellished with ornate Neo-Renaissance arches and pillars.
Architecture-wise, I found this one very fascinating. It’s pretty much a mixture of old and new architecture, although the pristine qualities strongly stand out. Newsweek even considered this one as the 4th most beautiful station in the world!
Here’s some of the train station’s history from Wikipedia:
The original station building was constructed between 1895 and 1905 as a replacement for the original terminus of the Brussels-Mechelen-Antwerp Railway. The stone clad terminus buildings, with a vast dome above the waiting room hall were designed by Louis Delacenserie and the vast (185 metres long and 44 metres high) iron and glass trainshed by Clement van Bogaert. The viaduct into the station is also a notable structure designed by local architect Jan Van Asperen.
Moreover, there are two classes when riding a train: 1st class and 2nd class. I didn’t notice a major difference from both classes except from the chairs, since I incidentally rode on 1st class on one of my ventures (ha-ha, not my fault if almost everything’s written in Dutch and French, and I don’t speak the language)! Then, the conductor courteously told me that I’m riding in the 1st class, where I should be in 2nd. 
Anyhoos, here are some pictures to tour you around Antwerp Central Station. 
*Just arrived!*
Visiting Antwerp Zoo
Posted by roanne in Antwerp, Architecture, Belgium, Personal Moods, Shopping, Zoo on April 8, 2009
It’s been a long time since I went to a zoo. I remember going to Manila zoo, Malabon zoo and, of course, the Wildlife in Quezon City when I was little. I was supposed to go to Zoobic Safari last year, but to no avail.
So, here’s my chance to finally get in touch with wildlife. Last Saturday, we had a chance to visit Antwerp, one of the biggest and prettiest cities in Belgium. We immediately barged into the zoo to take a look at the animals, and have snapshots of them as well.
Traveling to Antwerp is quite simple: from Ghent Sint-Pieters station, we took a train going to Anterwepen Centraal. Since the zoo is nearby the train station, we had it as our first stop. For adults, it usually costs around € 18.50 to enter.
To give you some history about the Antwerp Zoo, it’s considered as one of the oldest and largest in the world-dated back since 1843. It also houses thousands of animals from various parts of the globe. This is why we need an ample of memory space in our digicam ‘coz we really get to capture LOTS.
Lovely Flamingos in Antwerp Zoo
We got to see those penguins, sea otters, seals, angel fishes and various sea creatures; deer; lionesses, tigers, leopard and black panther; buffalos and oxen; elephants; owls, eagles, pigeons, flamingos & various birds; camels and donkeys; etc. We also watched a very cool seal show. Also, the nature surrounding it is something that beckons us to take some more shots!
Train Stations and Architecture
*(L-R:) Antwerp Central Train Station & Antoon Van Dyck Statue*
One of the things that really amaze me is the architecture. The pristine Romantic, Medieval and Renaissance and pillars are well-preserved and part of the country’s past and culture. Some are even a mix of the old and the contemporary, making them truly one of a kind! I also discovered lots of statues of Belgian figures who contributed to its thriving history.
Shopping & Entertainment
A MUST thing to do in Antwerp is, ehem, shopping! We really got some pretty cheap stuff from the shopping center of the city. I’m so happy that I landed on H&M, one of my favorite shops, which is not currently available in the Philippines [yet].
I bought some souvenirs and makeup[!] in Bozzy, one of the gift shops I randomly stumbled upon. Of course, getting a cutesy hat in H&M truly made shopping worthwhile.
We also got to try Ben & Jerry’s specialty brownie ice cream. I’ve been lemming for Ben & Jerry’s so long, since it’s such a rare find in the Philippines. 
I also got to meet a human statue, in the guise of Nostradamus.
*Human Nostradamus Statue*
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