Borgerhout

The neighbouring 'hood to Z-borg is Borgerhout, a gritty area with a crazy busy main street, that has the most diverse inhabitants I've seen in Antwerp. Lots of different languages, faces, races and cultures. It felt more like back home. So I suppose one could say that Borgerhout is the melting pot of Antwerp... Anyways, after wandering the little side streets to avoid the crowd on Turnhoutsebaan, I looped up and around and back to Antwerepn-Centraal to discover that they currently have a big-ass Ferris Wheel, which I absolutely did not go on it. Then it was back to Michel's to catch up on some Animal Planet and watch the sun go down.

 

 

 

 

Cogels-Oslylei

Zurenborg, the neighbourhood where Michel's flat is located, has a street of famously beautiful homes called Cogels-Osylei. On this cloudy day I decided to take a stroll through the rain and see it for myself. It was quiet and practically deserted, which allowed me to take as many photos as I liked and not feel like a dorky little tourist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After my little jaunt around Z-borg, I immediately went to Media Markt to grab myself a stack of dvds. They didn't have everything on my list - the place primarily seems to sell American TV shows and films. How boring. BUT, I did get a lot on my list and practically skipped back to the flat, I was so happy.

Out and About

Spent the afternoon walking around Zurenborg and the Jewish Quarter, just snapping pictures and taking it easy. I stopped at dali's WYSIWYG shop for some thrift store finds, then it was off to my favourite Chocolatier, Goossens. Before heading back to the flat I picked up a yum-yum delicious falafel at Beni Falafel. It was divine, but they really need to wear gloves when they make the food. Either that or don't handle the money and make the food. Kinda grossed me out. But not enough to turn down the falafel; I mean come on! Baby's gotta eat, ya know...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Antwerp, I'm back!

The flight to Belgium was pretty fabulous. The plane wasn't completely full and I got a row of three seats all to m'self! Michel met me at the flat with a great big smile and a hug to match. I unpacked, planned out the week as best I could with regards to the weather report and just relaxed. I'm so happy to be back in this apartment and especially in this city.

A familiar view - exiting Antwerpen-Centraal station and walking down Pelikaanstraat towards Michel's.

Looking down from the balcony at Plantin en Moretuslei. God, it feels good to be back.

My Favourite Outfit

Well, my month and a half-long fast and hard core focus on exercise and plenty of sleep has paid off! I tried on my fave outfit - Allegra dress by Lindy Bop, black shrug with three-quarter length sleeves paired with capri length leggings by Vera Wang for Simply Vera with black Converse All-Stars to complete the look - and not only does it fit perfectly, but I feel comfortable and somewhat confident. Next up, I take to the streets of Antwerp and get ready to turn some heads. Might not be daring to some, but for a gal that resides in a uniform of t-shirt and jeans, this ensemble is definitely outside my usual self. Bill Cunningham and his marvelous photographs of fashionably dressed New Yorkers has inspired me to be a little braver. 

 

 

(Lindy Bop Allegra dress photo kidnapped from lindybop - shrug photo kidnapped from hercloth - All Stars photo kidnapped from kohls - wristlet photo kidnapped from etsy) 

I Don't ♥ Catholic School

As you can see, I was a big fan of Catholic School right from the get-go.

Hart to Hart

At present, I am kinda obsessed with this show.

(photo kidnapped from dailymail)