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Katrien De Schrijver

Katrien

Belgium

languages

English and Dutch.

Connection

RALF member since 09 Sep 2024 3 interactions with other members

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Hi, I am Katrien De Schrijver

I'm from Antwerpen, Belgium

Enthusiastic World Traveler with a heart for culture and the arts

My Fees

  • Local Friend

    $ 45/h USD

  • Virtual Friend

    $ 20/h USD
Contact the friend to negotiate payment.

About me

Hi there! So nice to meet you. My name is Katrien and I’m a Belgium based world citizen. Belgian by birth but I also lived in Indonesia, Singapore, Guatemala, Trinidad WI, Italy and Mauritius. I love to travel and I get all my energy from meeting new people. As a Master in Social and Cultural Anthropology with a teacher’s degree I explore different jobs in Education & Internationalisation, but my real dream is to become a writer some day in a faraway future. Where’s my homebase? I lived in Antwerp for 30 years, Leuven for 5 years and at present Ghent hosts my work base. When I’m not at home, I explore the world. My most impressive personal holiday destinations? Namibia, Cyprus, Kyrgyzstan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Myanmar, Malaysia, Cuba. But Flanders stays that magical little spot in Europe where life just flows on its own, where politics is a never-ending story and where medieval sights and art-déco architecture are a common thing. I can take you around a lot of Flemish historical cities and show you the best cafés in town, but ask me for a low-key walk in a Belgian forest or at the sea side and I’m also your friend. How I like to spend my time? I’m thrilled to visit really any museum or exposition across Flanders. I like to stroll around and listen or tell stories, in any city or any natural surroundings. I love to hang out for coffee or lunch and I also can take you for swim, kayak or SUP experiences. I know the local cultural agenda, so I can find tickets for concerts or plays. Who’s your local friend? Four children and a loving husband, open-minded and curious, an always positive attitude and a longing for new and exciting experiences. Craving for change and progress on all levels and interested in a very broad spectrum of themes. Culture, history, politics, nature, climate, technology, architecture, world news, diversity, education, raising children or solo travel… I’m all ears! I’m ready to show you our beautiful Flanders and all the places on and off the beaten track. Will you come and join me?

Interests

  • Culture & Local Events
  • Art, Photography & Writing
  • Gastronomy
  • Music & Nightlife
  • Sports & Outdoor
  • Wellness & Nature
  • Landmarks & Local History

City's Tips & Traps

  • Tip
    Image
    Photography & Views

    Under the River Scheldt

    The Sint-Annatunnel – or Pedestrian Tunnel – is a real historical gem with its authentic wooden escalators. You can walk or cycle past this inner-city eye-catcher to Linkeroever (Left Bank), where you\'ll have a great view of the Antwerp skyline.

    To descend to the tunnel, you can choose the authentic wooden escalators or the lift, on either side of the tunnel. The authentic wooden escalators will immediately catch your eye. Along with the tunnel, this is a coveted Instagram and photo hotspot. Are you coming by bike? Then the lift may be a faster and more comfortable alternative. The lifts are spacious and will get you to the tunnel quickly. My friend even took his wedding pictures here!

    Back in 1874, the locals agreed on a connection between the city’s left and right banks. Many plans were submitted for a bridge over the river Scheldt, but those were each time abandoned. Particularly because the bridge would considerably hinder shipping traffic.
    Eventually, it took until 1931 before a decision was made in favour of a tunnel.
    Upto today, the entrance buildings are still pretty much intact, from the warning signs to the fences.

    It takes about 15 minutes to walk underneath the river. Don\'t like to come back the same way? You can opt for the ferry (Veer) just a short walk up north. The ferry will bring you back to the fortress Het Steen.
  • Tip
    Image
    Art & Culture

    Art with capital A

    Seven centuries of art: from Flemish Primitives to Expressionists. World-famous masters. The largest and most important collections of James Ensor and Rik Wouters. Yet the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp is much more than even this internationally renowned collection of art. The KMSKA is the only Flemish museum with high-level scientific status.

    Recently reopened, this museum not only has the finest collection, but also exhibits a variety on expositions, opens up every Thursday evening as well, provides tours and workshops and is an architecturale gem itself. Go and explore yourself! (or invite me and I will come along ;-))
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Review Friend: Katrien

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