In addition to being known for her Instagram alter egos Katrien from Politiek PR and Julie from Showbiz PR, Elisabeth Lucie Baeten is a screenwriter, actor, author and immigrant from Antwerp.
How did you end up in Antwerp?
‘We moved to Antwerp almost ten years ago. Buying a house or apartment was already impossible for ordinary people in Leuven back then. We came across it purely by chance because a customer in my mom’s bookstore told me that Borgerhout was so nice. We hardly even knew where it was, but when we visited an apartment there, we bought it the same day. Three months after we first came there, we lived in Borgerhout. Four years ago we moved to a house in Deurne, near the Rivierenhof.’
Do you also have a real connection with the city, through family or friends?
‘My sister already lived there. Not that we saw each other every day, it was just the idea that we were not alone. Moreover, I started working at the City of Antwerp quite quickly, so I suddenly got to know many Antwerp residents. So I suddenly had friends from Antwerp, which would otherwise have been very difficult, I think. My husband worked in Zaventem for a long time and didn’t know anyone until he found a job here himself.’
The Rivierenhof is my free therapy.
What do you like about Antwerp?
‘The city feeling that Leuven doesn’t have. I like the grandeur, I like to feel part of a bigger picture. And there is always something to do, which we missed in our previous place of residence. I would have a hard time with it, especially with children. Every Saturday morning at seven o’clock we check what there is to do and almost every weekend we choose something. I think that’s wonderful.’
Do you miss something about Antwerp that other cities might have?
‘In cities like Amsterdam there is a lot of freedom to create or organize things that are slightly different or special, even if they only reach a small niche. It is not up to the people of Antwerp, they often take the initiative, especially in the districts. But in the center everything seems intended for the same type of audience. While I think it could also be done here, if it was given a chance.’
What is the nicest or most interesting neighborhood for you?
‘Where it started for us: around Moorkensplein in Borgerhout. When we first lived there, it wasn’t that nice. Only Café Mombasa was already there, and Bistrot Miro on the corner. For the rest, there were mainly things you would rather not visit. In the meantime, GlouGlou, Bar Luca and the Mokkakapot have been added. It is one of those squares where people from the neighborhood go. We still come there often because it really feels like home.’
Is it also your favorite place in the city?
‘If – purely hypothetically – I were thinking about moving, Rivierenhof is the place I couldn’t miss. We live nearby and I come there almost every day. Even if it’s just to walk to a coffee bar or cycle through it. Unlike some other city parks, it is a real park, with many different elements. It is possible to take long walks without noticing that it is located in a city and has been landscaped. You can lose yourself in a forest, where you sometimes have to go through a mud puddle, or sit by the pond on a terrace. Deeply hidden there are ponds where you see fishermen from very early in the morning. Or open lawns where you can play football or have a picnic with the children. Some parks feel dark, the Rivierenhof gives a very light and airy feeling throughout all seasons. Perhaps because it is so large and the plants have a lot of space. The Rivierenhof is my free therapy.’
Elisabeth Lucie Baetens favorite places in Antwerp
—Bar Stark
The cozy coffee and lunch bar in Sterckshof Castle in the Rivierenhof.
Cornelissenlaan 10
—Bar Ven
This cute bar is a lot of fun, and perhaps the more unexpected tip on this list.
Venneborglaan 57
—KMSKA
A wonderful museum, I have been there about seven times since it reopened.
Leopold de Waelplaats 1, kmska.be
—Think Twice
It is the only clothing store I go into town for, and specifically for this larger branch.
Lange Klarenstraat 21, thinktwice-secondhand.be
—Luddites
A beautiful bookstore with many English and Dutch books and a nice wine bar.
Hopland 34, luddites.be
—Cafe Mombasa
The original neighborhood pub of the Moorkensplein, a really wonderful café.
Moorkensplein 37, cafemombasa.be
—GlouGlou
The owner of (the now closed) Bistrot Miro opened an equally good restaurant and wine bar across the street.
Moorkensplein 27, glouglou-borgerhout.be
—Pack
Eating out at Camionette or Standard on the site is always fun.
Regine Beerplein, camion-ette.be, standardpizza.be
