Following a magical 24-hours in Reykjavik — I found myself in Antwerp… one of the most amazing cities I’ve ever experienced! Having a world-class guide in my new friend Rayes made my time even more incredible. Let’s dig in…

Speaking of Rayes, he took me to a carnival…

A tradition in Antwerp, as it is on Long Island where I grew up… we soaked in the lights.

And then, Rayes decides we should go on this horrific ride… it’s 50 meters tall…

Here is a view from the base of the beast… I swear, I didn’t cry (much).

We got to check out Museum aan de Stroom  — they allow roof access late into the evening, and there is a two-star Michelin restaurant within… amazing.

This guy is just hanging out across the street, painting stuff.

Give him a hand? Give him a hand.

Atwerpen, for real.

The Honorary Consulate for the Republic of Macedonia in Antwerp, Belgium.

Just some entrepreneurs, a Formula-E Racecar Driver, a diplomat, an Importer/Exporter and an artist hanging in Antwerp. The hazy photo captures the moment beautifully.

I lick this street art very much.

Blue Dragon, different from a red dragon.

Imagine being magically whisked away to Mechelen… you may find this strange array of characters waiting for you.

Yo, the Beastie Boys are not going to be happy about this.

Much can be done with this building… incidentally, impressive walking form.

Flower hour powered by red teeth.

Organ-ic form, ala Mechelen.

Some more fabulous street art…

Love these banners, floating over the streets. She’s so hot right now.

Hmmm… nude, eh?

Lord Nelson, for my boy back in LIC.

She was a real giant, frozen in amber and put on display. Seems happy.

Some sweet jambs.

You can climb to the top of this tower and experience 360 degree views of Belgium… it was closed, so I had to settle for a ground shot.

A beautiful, perfect representation of Mechelen’s architectural beauty.

Riding her bike past a wall of dancers in white boots.

Finally got that Poppa Smurf tat I’ve been wanting, it’s on my lower back, and he is flashing a peace sign, and holding a beer in the other hand. Duvel, of course.

When public art beautifies an otherwise boring powerbox… this is back in Antwerp, by the way.

That’s one ornate lantern.

What’s that I spot?

Space Invader ala Antwerpen!

When the sun dries your hair.

All along the Watchtower….

Spent some time in Barracuda… an amazing bar, so I decided to bust out a drawing.

Here’s the scene… sublime. Had a dark and stormy on a rather sunny day — always makes me think of E.C, Berry and Laura.

That looks like a guy like me, hey, I’m a guy like me!

Flowers, window frame, framed art within the window frame. Meta.

Two whales, one wall.

Unfortunately didn’t catch this artist’s name, but love the work. Has a feel of Schiele.

I’m not phallic, you’re phallic.

Love the juxtaposition of art and architecture.

Duvel! I have a new appreciation for Belgian beers after this trip. Plus, this neon sign is fire.

How often do you get a hand while lighting up a smoke?

Rubens House… more on this later.

This is a super sweet, amazing bar. We stopped there for a nightcap after putting out a fire. Wait, what? I’ll tell you more in my next Euro dispatch, with stops in St. Germain, Paris and Antwerp…