On the Eurostar on the way back from Antwerp. I love it: I have no idea how their economy really works, but the city feels almost empty of people, yet somehow accomodates not just the Antwerp Six and their successors, but some of most lovely restaurants, bars and design shops I’ve ever seen. Oh and of course the art. They’ve somehow jumped straight past the service and information economies to some impossible present where all this is somehow self-supporting and profoundly civilised.
Yeah, it’s an amazing city isn’t it. I’ve been there three times in the last three years, and get to love it more every time.
Photos from my most recent visit:
http://www.sumption.org/life/20030627guys/
And impressions of Belgium from my first:
http://www.sumption.org/lifeless/002215.html