La Vie Quotidienne: Antwerp

Deloitte's annual standardization meeting was held in Antwerp this year. As always, spouses were invited (this year there were many more trailing spouses than in years past). We (the spouses) got to go on an organized tour of the city while they (the employees) worked. Deloitte also provided dinner at a nice restaurant and accommodations at the Hilton.

The tour was interesting because we got to sample a lot of local food and alcohol. We would walk for a bit and then stop, from time to time, either at a specialty shop to try some food or at a bar to drink some alcohol. I don't think I've ever had a tour quite like this! The food included chocolate, some weird meets, and raisin bread. The drinks included shots of Elixir d'Anvers and Jenever as well as a glass of De Koninck beer. Elixir d'Anvers is a liqueur that has been in existence since 1863 . It is made from 32 plants and herbs from all over the world and is thought to cure anything that ails you. Jenever is a juniper-flavored traditional gin from the Netherlands, Belgium and Northern France. Both are very strong! I enjoyed talking with our tour guide. She grew up in the area and, thus, was very passionate about sharing her knowledge. She explained the history of Antwerp's name, which I found bizzare, but interesting. I don't remember it by heart so I've included this blurb from Wikipedia:

According to folklore, and as celebrated by the statue in front of the town hall, the city got its name from a legend involving a mythical giant called Antigoon who lived near the river Scheldt. He exacted a toll from those crossing the river, and for those who refused, he severed one of their hands and threw it into the river Scheldt. Eventually, the giant was slain by a young hero named Brabo, who cut off the giant's own hand and flung it into the river. Hence the name Antwerpen, from Dutch hand werpen—akin to Old English hand and wearpan (= to throw), that has changed to today's warp.

Everyone usually goes out somewhere after dinner. This time, Rick rallied the troops together to visit the KULMINATOR, one of the world's best-known specialist beer cafés (according to the Beer Book). The KULMINATOR is famous for having a huge stock of cellar-aged beers. Rick and I have been to this place once before and he has been wanting to go back ever since. He was so excited (like a kid in a candy store). Unfortunately, we got there really late due to a long dinner and got cut-off after only 2 rounds.

Rick took the next day off and we walked around Antwerp's diamond district. I wasn't that impressed. Later that afternoon, we headed back to the KULMINATOR with our friends, Nathan and Leah. I guess Rick didn't really didn't get KULMINATED enough the night before!

TOUR