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Antwerp
Antwerp
We breakfasted on the ferry, and only a few hours since departing south east London, we were soon cruising through
northern France and into Belgium. In what seemed like no time at all the bus had pulled into the centre of Antwerp, as
close as we could get to the hotel, and we were helping to unload all the percussion, instruments, music and suitcases,
and drag them the short distance across the cobbles to our hotel, right in the shadow of the cathedral .
We soon discovered that not only is Antwerps cathedral the largest in Belgium, it also seemed to be a cathedral that
couldnt bear peace and quiet for longer than about 7 minutes. The pealing carillon of 47 bells was a challenge to ignore,
to sleep through, and to perform against, as CPB and the many street artists rapidly found out!
We had the afternoon and evening to do what we wanted, and some rested, some explored, and some sat in the plaza
sampling the local delicacies Kriek, De Koenick, and Stella Artois! Others went in search of one of the worlds most
famous beer cafs, the Kulminator, where 20 year old beers were unearthed from the depths of the cellars and served to
thirsty band members! Other beers tested included beer fortified with vitamins and irons, trappist beers, and a sour cherry
beer which brought interesting grimaces to the faces of our drivers,Pappy and Ray, as they tried to be swallow their
choice of tipple!
For most the evening remained relatively civilised, but as the majority of the band lay slumbering in their beds, a lull in the
sounds from the cathedral allowed the possible sound of a shopping trolley over cobbles to drift across the city a
shopping trolley whose contents were unloaded by a helpful cornet player and returned to their rightful owner (who had, it
is only fair to say been assisted back to the hotel by a helpful euphonium player a few hours before)! Needless to say, the
contents of the shopping trolley were conspicuous by their absence at breakfast a few hours later ! To make up for this
absence however, we were joined by a small, friendly, furry face with a long tail! Where? There? Where? On the stair?
Over there? Oh yeah!
A change to many previous trips, there were no specific outings for the band, and all were able to choose to what they
wanted to do. With so many things to see and do in Antwerp, there were bandsmen all over the town, visiting the
cathedral, the diamond museum, Reubens House, going on an Historic Walk, or simply returning to the plaza to continue
experiencing the best of Belgium beer and the occasional chocolate waffle!
The evening saw many of the party congregating in the main square for a meal, or at least waiting for it! However, nearly
two hours after sitting down to order, most at the table had finally received their meal! Over the final few mouthfuls, an
unsuspecting busker with a small accordion came over to the tables occupied by the band, and started to play a few
tunes. To the delight of the band and others within the plaza, Basil saw the small accordion, and raised his larger one,
beginning a rendition of Tulips from Amsterdam shocked, wrongfooted and completely bemused, the busker had no
idea what was happening, but gamely started to try to play along, and was duly rewarded for his efforts though we
think hell stay clear of brass bands from now on!
Once Basils accordion was out, it was not allowed to be put back in its case, and the cornet was also freed up
renditions from the chairman, principal euphonium, librarian, back row cornets, baritone players and even a Bb bass
player followed. The chairmans playing saw locals dancing in the plaza, and inviting back row cornet player Kirsty to join
in and brought the musicality out in a harmless harmonica playing homeless guy, who joined in for a couple of numbers.
Hen parties and stag groups added a bit of sparkle to the occasion, and passers by certainly seemed to enjoy the free
entertainment! Eventually though the fun had to stop in the plaza as the restaurants closed and the bemused staff went
home to bed although not all members of CPB felt their beds beckoning, but instead turned their minds to beer and in
some cases, karaoke
Unfortunately the restaurant had to close its doors at some point, and the band parted ways some to retire gracefully to
bed, some to retire less gracefully to an Irish bar around the corner, and some to retire disgracefully to the karaoke bar to
sing songs (and guitar solos) into the wee small hours
The highlight of the day for some was watching bass player Richard wade his way through the biggest bucket of tomato
sauce covered seafood that has ever been seen on one of these trips!! Half a lobster, numerous whelks, at least five
langoustines and several wet wipes later, a still vaguely tomato-saucy Richard could be seen slumbering on the beach,
conserving energy to allow for digestion to take place! Were not sure how long it was before he could face the thought of
food again !!
By the late afternoon, we had to get back on the coach to start our final trip back, and the short coach trip saw the
presentation of the Fourth Annual Crystal Palace Band Trip Awards for winners click here! The final prize was awarded
as we pulled into the port of Calais, and the happy band, clutching their goodies, poured out of the coach onto the ferry for
a few last minute beers, wines and games of cards. And as always, the conversation started to turn to next years trip and
the burning questions were asked: Where we would go? Who would we see? Who would win what award?
Tune in next year to find out the answers!!