Sunday 9 March 2014

Belgium


Oh, this postcard recalls nice memories indeed! I send it myself while staying at my sister's place in Belgium this winter. You can see a bit of Antwerp's architecture. Antwerp is, in my opinion, the most beautiful Belgian city - architecture, atmosphere, art... 
Antwerp is the second largest city in Belgium, with over 500,000 inhabitants, located on the right bank of the river Scheldt. According to folklore, notably celebrated by a statue in front of the town hall, the city got its name from a legend involving a mythical giant called Antigoon who lived near the Scheldt river. He exacted a toll from those crossing the river, and for those who refused, he severed one of their hands and threw it into the river. Eventually, the giant was slain by a young hero named Brabo, who cut off the giant's own hand and flung it into the river. Hence the name Antwerpen, from Dutch hand werpen, akin to Old English hand and wearpan (to throw), which has evolved to today's warp.


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