B

Belgium wasn’t all cathedrals and breweries. At Joris’ suggestion, we took a drive to Doel, a small “town” right at the port of Antwerp. Once a bustling town, almost all residents were pushed out to make way for the expansion of the port of Antwerp — an expansion that, in retrospect, wasn’t and isn’t necessary as most of the new docks are not being used. Today, only 25 residents remain, refusing to leave. It’s now a veritable ghost town, with vacated schools, businesses and homes, all of which have become a canvas for graffiti artists. We visited on a bright, cold day, where everything was vibrant, including the desolation. So glad we went.