Blogs from East Flanders, Belgium, Europe - page 6

As I write this I am sitting by the edge of the canal in the historic centre of the fairytale like city of Gent. Fairytale is an apt description as I look up from the computer screen to see a bride and groom float past in one of the many boats that line the canal. Since we left Peronne last Sunday morning we have cycled close on 250 klms through every condition nature could find. We've had gale force headwinds, heavy rain, mud and the darling of the Belgian town planners, cobblestones. Having said that, we have had some glorious sunny conditions. as well, especially the last couple where we cycled for full days along the River Schelde. It has been worth every minute though, a unique way to see two beautiful countries. We have whinged ... read more

So when 4 months ago I decided that I wanted to go to the USA, I knew I had a lot of work ligned up. But I only thought of the obvious... Like visa, insurance, schoolstuff, credit cards,... No, I did not think of the fact that I had to get a TB-test, take 5 unexpected extra shots, or that I should really buy some new underwear & shorts & bathingsuits & stuff to make sure my bagage is locked but can still be opened by security. Let along I was thinking of what I was going to wear on the flight over there. Nowadays.. That final point has become my biggest concern. So being my mother's daughter, I google. (When I call my mom and ask a question and she's quiet for a second, you ... read more

With the weather looking gloomy again this morning, we set off for Ghent. Nina assured us that we should not be deterred by the weather as, more often than not, it does not end up being as bad as it might look. Nina proved to be right and we enjoyed an overcast, but otherwise fine ride to Ghent along towpaths and through green pastures and picturesque villages. Until we reach Compiegne (next Monday), our route follows the Santiago de Compostela pilgrim's route. The only difficulty that we had today was a section of road construction that we had to walk our bikes along!! We arrived in Ghent by mid-afternoon and went for a short walk around the town before the Elodie arrived. After she docked we changed our shoes and walked back into the town centre ... read more

Geo: 51.054, 3.72169 Ghent... I never would have come across this place if not for Diana's daddy (Diana, our nursing school buddy). Her dad worked there awhile back, and one night when we were studying at Diana's house, he told us all about Ghent and insisted we go. I mean insisted. There was no NOT going. lol. I have to say... if someone is that passionate about a city... I can't see any reason not to go. At first we weren't too sure about it. Our first sight of the place was pretty ghetto-y. We were walking down a canal past run down buildings lookin for our hostel... Then Skeletor walks by us. I mean... this guy's skin was pulled back over his face and I could probably name the different bones. Just say no to ... read more

On Saturday we headed east for Ghent to meet with C’s Belgian friends. It was great to pick up with them so readily, having last met up in London six years ago. We wandered into the city stopping regularly for coffee, snacks and beers, and witnessing a freak hail storm. Ghent was busy and beautiful (see pic 1 -1402). Together we visited St Baafskathedrall to see one of the oldest oil paintings in the world, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. It was amazing. On Sunday we started with a delicious breakie at our B&B and then went to the Fine Arts Museum. We were both really impressed with the Flemish Impressionist paintings. After lunch at the museum we said goodbye to A&A for now (we will catch up again in a few days) and headed ... read more