European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 27, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Right the Skyline of Antwerp As seen from the West Side of the Harbor canal. Below a fierce Poseidon stands guard outside the Rubens House. A amps photos by Jim  and flemish hospitality by David Tarrant Brussels Bureau Antwerp is a mix of Many of the Best things about Europe. This City in Northern Belgium has a dynamic Economy a Rich cultural and artistic heritage and an atmosphere that makes it fun to explore. The engines driving Antwerp s Economy Are the huge Diamond and shipping industries. For centuries they have generated the wealth that has paid for the City s Art and culture not the least of which is a robust Stock of flemish masters particularly native son Peter Paul Rubens. The City and its industries Are fuelled by a Gargantuan port a the third largest in the world a Antwerp s Gateway to the world. Antwerp is located in the province of Flanders where the main language is flemish a a Cousin of dutch. The half million residents of the City Don t Force themselves on visitors nor Are they standoffish. Assured of their place in history and confident of the future they Greet outsiders with a disarming Grace that lets tourists know they Are Welcome to see the City at their own Pace. Antwerp s mixture of old and new comes As a Welcome Relief for tourists used to dashing from churches to Art museums to monuments. Take a leisurely stroll through winding Cobblestone streets redolent with Coffee Flowers and fish and filled with smart fashion shops and enticing restaurants. Autumn is a particularly Good time to see Antwerp. The Flanders festival runs throughout the fall season with a variety of events and music. Be sure to take a tranquil walk through one of the Many City Parks. The Central City Park the King Albert Park the zoological gardens and the botanical gardens Are All conveniently located in the Center of town. Also Worth a visit is the world famous Middel Heim Park with its open air sculpture Garden. In the natural setting of the Park works by Auguste Rodin Henry Moore and other sculptors reflect the changing seasons. Sometimes they Are partially covered with Snow or surrounded by rustling leaves sometimes dripping with rain or sparkling in Sunshine. If the rain begins to Patter you can while away a pleasant hour or two at one of 26 different museums. The Rubens House where the famous belgian Painter lived and died contains a Superb collection of his paintings and those of Many of his contemporaries. Outside the continued on Page 4 september 27, 1990 stripes Magazine 3