Nestled in a back alley in the historic center is an old pub called Quinten Matsijs. The building dates back to the 1500’s and is considered the oldest pub in Antwerp with glass-in-lead windows, sturdy wooden tables and chairs, a huge chimney and a number of different specialty beers on tap.
Walking into the pub one could sense that some of the characters had been around for a while. And sure enough…how about for the past 17 years? Every Saturday and Sunday they meet, drink beer, and fill the pub with stories and laughter. I received a personal tour from Jozef who showed me how to play on a 250 year old gaming table called a tonspel (where the goal of the game is to score points by throwing small discs in holes each worth a certain amount of points) as well as explaining paintings and other relics on the walls.
Visiting with this group on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons while in Antwerp was an experience of a life time. Having some great beer with the locals, understanding every other word (or at least one in three!) and laughing like no tomorrow. Priceless! Thank you Jozef, Freddy and Roger (and out) for your hospitality!
Awww, love this story!
How fun!
XXOO & MORE!!! GH
Nothing like hangin’ out with the locals, no matter where. The best of times!
Very cute, looks like a fun bunch.
Sounds like you’re having a great time! I absolutely love this picture. Looking forward to your next story …
No surprise you made friends with the locals.:) I can only imagine the warmth & laughter in that pub. Sounds like a place I would have loved! Xoxo
What a great time and what a great image you captured!
HA, they sure look very happy and not only did they make your day(s), you made their day(s) too.
I can hear them talking Flemish among themselves, having the time of their life.
More people should do that, the best medicine for a good night sleep.
We miss you already 🙁
It’s a blast seeing their faces now, Robin, after having heard the story from your own lips. Hoe fun is that!
So what was the 4th guy’s name??? Out?? 🙂