After the events of September 11, I have been reliving through my photos some of the destinations that I have been to that were excellent, but until September 11 seemed like a destination that was just a so, so place. Antwerp, Belgium is just such a place.

Antwerp was the home to the artist Peter Paul Rubens. His works are almost everywhere throughout this city. We visited the Saint James Church, which has 23 altars. Rubens Tomb lies behind the main altar, where Rubens' painting, "Our Lady Surrounded By Saints" is his burial monument.

I also visited the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, and remember seeing two Rubens masterpieces: "Elevation of the Cross" and "Descent from the Cross."

I remember seeing splendid baroque altars and some of the most beautiful carved church furnishings I have ever seen in the Saint Paul's Church. The church organ is one of the most important in all of Belgium. There are also works by Rubens, Van Dyck, Jordaens, De Vos, and others in this church.

I enjoyed seeing the entire process of diamond mining and processing at the Museum of Diamonds. More than 70 percent of the world's diamonds are cut, polished and traded in Antwerp.

I also visited the Plantin Moretus Museum. Among the items to see are family portrait's by Rubens, 16th-century bibles, books, and prints. There is also an excellent presentation of the workings of a 500 year old printing plant.

The Museum of Fine arts housed not only Rubens works, but also Anthony van Dyck, Taniers, Breughel, Jordaens, Matsys, Permeke, and other excellent artists.

I also enjoyed going to one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world which is located near the Central Station. The Antwerp Zoo is home to thousands of happy animals.

We partied at night and drank beer at the many beer-pubs throughout Antwerp. We also enjoyed the shops, markets, and cafes of this picturesque city.

Recommended: Yes

Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime