Ghent

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Ghent
Julie J Vanover I came into Brussels on the night train from Berlin and headed to Brugge where I was staying. I got to my hostel but I couldn't get into my room until after 2 o'clock so I decided that since I didn't have a home I would take a day trip to Ghent and really feel homeless. I arrived in Ghent and finally found the tourist information office and got a map. The lady asked my nationality and gave me the map and showed me where I was. I moved over to the side to find what I wanted to see and the lady asked me if I wanted a walking tour. I said I would love one, she said that she usually didn't offer it to Americans because they weren't ever interested. When she would tell them something was around the corner they would ask if there was a bus that went there. Sad, that we perpetuatue thus lazy myth. I let her know that I walked at least 8 hours a day and that not all Americans were lazy tourists!

I set out on my walking tour of Ghent starting at the Civic Theatre and the St. Bavo's Cathedral. The Cathedral was beautiful, of course with a very pretty tower. I really enjoyed the Town Hall as well as several very nice squares that they had. They have a pretty Castle of the Counts right in the middle of the city. I didn't go in becuase it was a little over my budget, but it looked cool. I stopped and had my first authentic Belgium Waffle in Belgium- delicious, then I stopped for some authentic Belgium Chocolates- hmm delicious. The city opened up onto this beautiful canal with a lovely view of the city known as the Graslei and Korenlei. This was a wonderful view of the city with the perfect blend of lovely buildings with the water and bridges. This was one of the most memorable parts of Ghent. There were several more churches as I finished the loop of the tour.

I was looking for a releif that was supposed to be above a door and I went into the Belfry to find it, but I ended up paying and going to the top of the Belfry. It was a beautiful view of the city and surrounding churches. They also had a video that showed how bells were made which was an intense process. I would have never in a million years guessed that it would be so involved. I came down and found the relief that I was looking for then left Ghent, very pleased with my walking tour and sights I had seen.

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Photos

Ghent
I loved the buildings right up to the water. It was like Venice but prettier.

Graslei and Korenlei
This was such a wonderful city view with beautiful buildings and the water.

Me in Ghent
See, I am still in my train clothes that I had slept in the night before on the train.

So many facades...
I love all the high pitched roofs and lovely facades on all the buildings as well as the tower in the background.

St. Bavo's Cathedral
This is taken from the Belfry, the Church looked so much cooler from up here.

St. Michael's Church
I am pretty sure that this is St. Michael's Church which is right next to the water.

Comments

[Lisa]

Happy Late Birthday!
Happy late birthday!!! I love your pics and like reading all of your entries! Take care!

[Mom & Dad]

Since you're not a typical American tourist you have given us a view of Europe we would not have seen. Ghent is not very colorful, but the buildings are pretty. I like how the buildings are right up to the water front.