Antwerp--A Wonderful City

Today we visited Antwerp. I was not all that excited but delighted to find that this is an amazing and wonderful city. Antwerp means diamonds to many people and we had the opportunity to see this area of Antwerp. We had a view from land and as well as river of the great port. Antwerp is the second largest port in Europe and the 4th in the world.

Peter Paul Rubens lived here. We had a chance to see his home as well as view some of his greatest works in the beautiful cathedral. Here is a picture of the gardens in his home.

After visiting the Rubens home we had the opportunity to visit a family operated chocolate factory. The smells were amazing. We also learned about the basics of chocolate and how the difference is in the amount of cocoa butter is used in each type of chocolate. This company works with individual beautiful chocolates and designed the classic "Antwerp Diamond". Also, they make huge creations. We had a chance to see some huge leaves with bugs designed for Spring. They have also created a solid car for GM which cost the same a new car.









The city square was also beautiful and we enjoyed a walk along the cobblestones.

Seeing Belgium

Today we left Brussels for Brugge. On the way out of town we had to stop to see the atomium which remains from the World Fair in the 1950s. It is quite a structure and people in Belgium consider it their Eiffel Tower.

The drive to Brugge was beautiful. The scenery is very pastoral and cows abound.


Once at Brugge we were charmed by the canals and the Medieval appearing buildings.
The Market square is alive with locals selling beautiful produce. It is great to be able to sit outside for lunch and see the sights. Brugge has a fantastic Dali Museum. All in all this is a great city, very busy with tourists and locals alike.

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If It's Tuesday It Must Be Brussels

The TGV operates smoothly and quickly between Amsterdam and Paris. The trip is about an hour and 1/2. The train posts track time and you have about 20 minutes to board. The only drawback is that there are no porters. The ride is very pretty as it is through beautiful, well manicured fields.

Then you arrive in Brussels. You know you are here because there are two scenes that symbolize Brussels--the Manneken Pis and the Grand Place.

What else is special about Brussels besides the lace and the tapestry? It is the food.




Tonight the Tauck Tour Holland and Belgium in Spring begins. I am excited because I am here to escort a group that I have not met before. We have worked together many times but because of geographical distance we have not met. It will be great!

Paris is Perfect

Today was another picture perfect day. We started the day with the most delicious . They are everywhere but the best are at Laduree. The window display alone makes you come in.

It is great to see the Eiffel Tower from every angle but it is just as fabulous to ride to the top and see the city from every angle!

If the city is beautiful during the day, the nights are spectacular. The Louvre becomes as much a work of art as the art it holds. The Champs Elysee sparkles with ribbons of color and the Eiffel Tower is amazing. The perfect way to end your stay is a cruise along the Seine where everything comes into view as you cruise along peacefully.

Paris-The Perfect Spring Day

The weather in Paris is amazing! Everyone is out and the flowers are beautiful! Who knew that Paris was a place where sorbet was the most popular thing. We were rewarded by waiting in line. So if you love sorbet then Ile Saint Louis is the place for you! The Place de la Concorde has been completely renovated and everything is shining. It is a beautiful place to walk and view the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe on the other. We have even mastered the metro. Look how clean!
The other photo show the darling range of restaurants to eat and they all have foie gras!!

April in Paris

Paris is beautiful. The sights are magnificient. The food is wonderful and there is just not enough time in the day to see everything!
The flags are out because it is almost May 1 - a great celebration. The flags make everything look especially beautiful. We had a tour of Paris and learned things that I never knew before. There are Roman ruins in this great city. But, of course, it is the classic sights that make your heart pound.So all in all it has been a great first day. Today we set out to visit some fabulous hotels and walk the streets. Maybe the walking will help offset the snails, foie gras, bread and cheese that we have enjoyed so far. Montmartre was great with many bistros and entire square of artists painting scenes of Paris.