No. 7 is on the way

Somewhat surprised to find cloudy skies but a sunburnt neck meant few complaints & bandana around the neck just in case. Not at my sparkling best - the room below had visitors banging on their windows, shouting and generally being annoying throughout the night. Was a bit weary. Headed into Breda for breakie & to have a little mooch around. Impressed by the former prison. Settled, however for a spec by the 'harbour' watching the comings & goings setting up for Havenfest, perfectly timed to coincide with the Vuelta going through Breda. Oops - my bad - a day early. Just got going on breakie when I was approached by a drunk, possibly homeless guy asking for some food. Had plenty so offered him a cake. Very appreciative & then descends into a contradictory diatribe about the Arabic world - both evil and saving the world. Got onto Liverpool & Mo Salah, unsurprisingly. Apparently No. 7 is a cast iron certainty. The media take notice of octopuses making predictions so why not a mad drunk who may or may not believe Islam is terrible. I'm going with it. Eventually he got bored with me & allowed me to finish my breakie. Onwards towards Antwerp & it was a bit like hard work - combination of wind, cobbles & fatigue. Plodded on & with about 15 to go had a pleasant surprise - a canal towpath that took me to within 6 miles of Antwerp. This wasn't any old towpath smooth paved & wide. The odd shower couldn't detract. Once off, closed roads, diversions & Antwerp's tram system brought me back down to earth. Once showered, had an explore of Antwerp. Clearly a historic and wealthy port city. Very nice wander around. Cathedral charged so that was a no no. The pedestrian tunnel to the other side of the river & town was free. Easy choice. Could see the thunder clouds approaching so made a sharp exit to the hostel - just in time. Thai for tea - yum.Read more