November 14th- Gone to Market

November 14th

Gone to Market

Alone in Antwerp amidst crowds, constantly and in most places.
It is the hardest part of this trip, being alone, loneliness, dealing with everything new alone
My friend S. came from Holland, it was such a relief to talk to someone I know and the realization how important it is to talk to people we know, and know us and see us for who we are.
In a new place it all stay around introductions and only rarely do things go beyond that quickly

The market is awesome. It did help the weather was beautiful today – again! When does this terrible weather begin? – and also to be amongst beautiful architecture. Many languages, many cultures, lots of Turkish and Maroccans, but my favorite scarf stall was definitely Italian, herbs Spanish, Fish Portugese and many chinees.
Pomegrans the size of a foot ball, 3 huge avocados for 2 euros,cheese you cannot imagine and here and there scattered about stall for wine tasting.
Whatever food you may want, they got it here.

My neighborhood

Mostly Turkish and Maroccan, also Portugese and Spanish. White is the minority, i.e. I am.
I have a renewed admiration for migrants (immigrants) who begin grocery stores, houseware stores, laundry etc and thriving!
They are very nice to me, helpful, even though half the time they don’t understand me or I them. They prefer English over Flemish for some reason I have not worked out.
This used to be a run down area and you can see how house by house it is being rebuild. A brand new library is 5 minutes walk from here, which helps the feel.
And squares. With trees, sculptures, benches and space.Interesting in such a busty city. Three supermarkets within walking distances