30 July, Sunday
Today everyone's in Brugge. I decided to go to Antwerp instead. I'll pick up my luggage from IBIS hotel and see when Karl will be around.
Met Eve's parents last night for a brief moment. They are letting us stay by ourselves in a house they inherited last year. It's 20 minutes outside of Antwerp. The house is really nice - in a pretty well off neighborhood. Now I am sitting in the yard reading & writing in my journal. It's really peaceful here - very relaxing. I was excited to arrive in Antwerp again last night. I think Tuesday we will all go out and visit the city.
Yesterday we visited the new city in Paris. It was amazing - it looked like abstract art. Every building was different than the next in shape, color(s), etc. and there was much more space - like American cities. La Defense was also impressive - a giant work of modern art. I didn't understand why everyone loved Paris more than other nice European cities, but yesterday convinced me too that it was a very beautiful, modern, unique city to say the least.
Here at the house in Antwerp they have a piano. I think I'll go inside and play while no one is home, then head downtown.
8:20pm
Walked around Antwerp, ate at Quick (a first), listened to some musicians, and picked up my bags. Karl was working at the hotel and I hung out with him for about three hours. Had a few beers, some peanuts, and talked. It was nice seeing him again. When we go to Antwerp tomorrow or Tues night, I invited him to come along.
Karl said that all the Belgian chocolates I saved for 2 and a half months to give as gifts have probably gone bad. Damn.
1 August, Tuesday
Last day in Europe. 11am tomorrow we're out of here. Even with our little differences, it has been a wonderful trip.
Last night went out with Karl. Had a great time with him and his friends. Rob and I stayed in Antwerp last night. Karl got us a room at the IBIS hotel - including breakfast!
Called Susan last night. Tonight I will meet Susan & Greit, and later Karl. It won't be a late night since we have to get to the airport in the morning - not to mention we still have to recover from last night.
Bought a book on the street this morning. Actually, the book was given to me and I made a donation. Anyway...
The Path of Perfection is a book which "probes deeply the nature of consciousness, meditation, karma, death, and reincarnation." Good reading for the trip hope? Perhaps.
