One place we'd always wanted to come back to was Ghent, which is not too far from Brussels. We had visited Ghent briefly on our first European trip in 2008 and hoped to have more time to spend one day. In Brussels, we were only a short train ride away, so that was our target for this day.
We had another walking tour lined up to help us learn about the city. It was led by a very charming woman who was not a native, but loved the town and had been living there for years. We didn't realize how little of Ghent we had actually seen on our tour years earlier, but now hearing about it's history made it even more special. After the (excellent) tour, we explored the old castle. By then it was getting a little late, so we decided to stay in town for our dinner instead of heading back to Brussels. We had a great “bohemian” picnic (just like the other young folks) buying take-away food and wine from the grocery store, and sitting on the banks of the Leie River to eat as the sun lowered in the sky. A fantastic experience!
We then made our way back to the train, back to Brussels, back to our neighborhood, arriving late - but not too late. A Jazz Festival was happening in Brussels that weekend, and the outdoor venue in our area was hosting a swing band. We managed to spend about 40 minutes enjoying their last set. Fantastic atmosphere. We really lucked out with this hotel and location. Gotta say – another fantastic day. We had an early morning planned for our flight to Copenhagen, so that was it for us this night, but one of the most memorable days of the trip so far. Ghent once again made a lasting impression.
After our 30 minute walk from the train station, this was our first look at old Ghent - the Korenmarkt (or Wheat Market) back when Ghent was the center of the cereal trade in Belgium.
A controversial structure in the old town, given it's modern look. We were told the acoustics were excellent, and it is used for outdoor concerts.
Saint Nicholas' Church in the heart of the old town.
This is the former Post Office - now stores and offices. In the lower level of this building is the grocery store Albert Heijn that would be our great find of the day for both lunch and dinner.
Another view of Korenmarkt with the front view of Saint Nicholas' Church in the center.
Along the banks of the Leie River which brought the wheat and other grains into the city back in the day. Now it's a popular pedestrian area with boat tours coming and going.
Now a Marriott Hotel, but formerly a brothel. The 2 swan medallions told the story. If the swans were facing each other, their necks would form the shape of a heart, but here they face away from each other, inferring "no love here - just sex". Not sure if Marriott is continuing that tradition.
The old (and still busy) Beer House on the left, and the Great Butcher's Hall building on the right.
There were many lovely scenes like this with the canals and old buildings.
A few buildings with unique façades. The tour guide has some interesting stories to tell about these buildings - second in from the right, with the white and blue façade had all pious religious scenes, so the neighbour to the right had his red façade made depicting scenes of sin and avarice.
Lovely street of shops and restaurants.
Looking down one of the canals.
In the middle of Vrijdagmarkt square "Jacob van Artevelde: there he stands, with his arm outstretched towards England. The statue…a reminder of a grandiose age gone by." At one time, Ghent was one of the largest and richest cities in Northern Europe, second only to Paris.
One of the many restaurants around the Vrijdagmarkt square. We were still on the walking tour, so we'd have to wait a little while for our beer.
A back street where graffiti artists are allowed to express themselves. It's occasionally painted over, and the tagging starts again. It was colourful and vibrant - a great way to allow expression without damaging buildings.
After the tour, we headed over to the Gravensteen castle. Originally built in 1180 it was abandoned as a castle in the 14th century. The city of Ghent eventually bought the castle and initial restoration was done in 1893.
A knight in shining armour guarding the castle. Or hustling tourists into the place - not sure which.
The castle was added on to and rebuilt several times.
The grand hall - now an event space.
The lower level of the castle.
The view from the top of the castle, looking toward Korenmarkt square and Saint Nicholas' church.
Our reward for a long day of touring. The shot is Ginever a sweeter, and often flavoured, version of Gin. This was a seasonal lemon flavour. The red Cherry Beer, a Belgian favourite, was also delicious. Well...they were all good.
This was our "alfresco" dinner location, sitting on the banks of the Leie River with the other young folks enjoying our take-away.
Back in our Brussels neighbourhood of Sainte-Catherine, there was still a bit of light left in the sky.
The Place Sainte-Chatherine was now crowded with people enjoying the music, food and drink.
The band was delivering some great swing music.
Found this "cool cat" (or maybe dog?) on our way back to the hotel. I guess he was here for the Jazz Festival.
NEXT: Baltic Cruise - May-June 2018
PREV: (Day 21) Brussels, Belgium - Day 2
Transatlantic - May 2018