Officially - my second best Best Western

After the grimness of Fort Breendonk, something uplifting was needed. You can't beat climbing a big tower. Well, I guess you could if you had a dodgy knee and maybe if the temp wasn't hovering around 30. Still it's what I do. Mechelen has a cathedral with a big tower you can climb and it was about a half way point so all was good. 500 steps later & all was sweaty. Great views of Antwerp to the North & Brussels to the South. You could even see the Atomium sparkling in the sunlight. Got me thinking - take a detour there while sun's out just in case - cheer me up. Lunch first & impeccable choice of spec in the middle of a dual carriageway - it was shady & there was grass. It wasn't as busy & as noisy as it sounds. A little more on the hoof navigating - detour added around 4 miles. Atomium good to go. It was a very impressive sight - the queues and bustle not so much. Get in early tomorrow. Off to the hotel and Antwerp doesn't have a hold on demon cobbles. Nice Aircon & room to myself. Quick shower & explore. The imperial Belgians didn't skimp on their capital. The Grand Place is very grand. Unfortunately a sunny Saturday evening prompted grand crowds.Read more