Lisa Gerrard is coming back to Europe in the autumn. After the Den Haag (The Hague) concert in April, I thought that would be my lot for this year, so the news comes as a real treat.
The only Dutch gig scheduled this time is Rotterdam and this constitutes the first night of the tour. A couple of weeks later, she’ll be performing in Antwerp, which presented itself as a fine opportunity to make an overnight trip over the border to Flanders. We can go to the zoo in the afternoon and enjoy the charming cafés in the historic centre. Who knows, maybe we’ll even add an extra day and go to Brussels or something.
I recommend staying an extra day in Antwerp rather than going out to Brussels. Antwerp has all the good things of Belgium: nice beer, cool shops, nice people, and much less of the depressing darkness that seems to loom over much of the country.
I think it says enough in itself that I’m struggling to say anything notable at all about Brussels.
Thanks for the advice. I’ve actually been to Antwerp a few times, so I know it quite well and like it. In fact, I’d say it’s quite underrated amongst travellers outside of the Benelux countries, who generally think of it as a dull, industrialised northern Flemish town.
I’ve been to Brussels, too, but not for a very long time; 15 years ago, I think. That’s why I was considering Brussels, as I can hardly remember the Grote Plein or the other, er, memorable bits.
Many moons ago, Sarah lived and worked in Brussels for six months, so she knows it better than I do. In that regard, it would be a fun, nostalgic trip for her.
We’ll figure it out closer to the time.