Lisse to Antwerpen

 An interesting day today. We checked out late and after breakfast we packed up under light showers. It was also quite chilly so we rugged up for what we thought would be an easy 160km. I took the lead but after just a few km Tomtom told me we had 185km still to go. So I pull over and Reijo took over. All was going well until we came upon several road closures. Navigation became a bit of a guessing game for quite a while and both of us led different sections until our satnavs gave up. We had read of anti immigration riots in The Hague so may have accounted for the road closures 

It was quite an interesting drive all the same we passed the massive industrial port of Rotterdam with it’s huge oil refinery. 

Big wind farms powering the refinery. 

We also passed an absolutely massive greenhouse complex, acres and acres of glass to grow Dahlias in. Amongst all the industry there was also farmland including the old traditional windmills and of course wind turbines which are so familiar in most landscapes now. 

We finally arrived at our hotel in Amtwerpen but not before one more navigation twist. We became separated and went our different ways, meadering through some narrow back roads. After about 20 minutes wondering if I was getting anywhere I popped out onto a main thoroughfare only to find Reijo 19 metres in front of me!

Reijo had made contact with an old friend from his skiing days who he hadn’t seen for many years. Luke suggested a restaurant not far from our hotel. It was in a converted building that used to be the stock exchange. It was very flash but in a nod to its former life the chalk board was left in place including the walkway in front of it where the clerks used to write up the stocks and trading prices.



 The food was magnificent and easily up to michelin quality. We had a fabulous night and a fitting end to this part of our trip as we bid farewell to Reijo and Barbra tomorrow. 

The town square in Antwerpen is a magnificent sight at night. All the buildings are  lit and the place is buzzing with bars and night life. 

We found a bar and Luke ordered the best of Belgian beer. It is very good beer here but it also packs a punch. We wobbled home after having a great night out. 




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