Ghent, Belgium is the capital of the Eastern Flanders region of Belgium. While it clearly does not have the same attraction that the 2 Bs (Bruxelles and Brugge) have, I personally believe that it has the beauty to match them.
Arrived only in the evening because the train ride from Metz here was insanely long. It was a good thing though, because I managed to get the sunset view of the city, which was really amazing, the photos don't do it much justice.
The Graslei is signature Ghent and is located in the old city centre, where most of the photos in this album are taken from. The river that is in almost every photo is called the Leie. It passes through both France and Belgium.
This album is titled, Gentse Waterzooi, after the signature Ghent dish that we had the privilege to enjoy on that Easter Sunday. It was probably the best stew I've ever had!
Ghent is Easter #8 and is the final stop of my InterRail journey with my buddy, Hu Ching! From here, we headed back to London (and encountered Jabba the Hutt as well as a Special Juan) on the Megabus.
Took us almost half a day to get from Metz to Ghent, which involved going through Bruxelles. At first sight, there's nothing special about Ghent outside the old town. We weren't in very high spirits because Moyes just managed what would be his last game and made us look like crap. We were in for a surprise though...
The evening sun was coming in by now and it gave the Oud Justitiepaleis a very royal look. The Leie river adds to its beauty. But wait till you see it at night ;)
As you can see, Ching is trying his best to smile despite having to survive through another Moyes' debacle. The beautiful Graslei certainly helps though. Looking forward to the van Gaal era!
Sint-Michielskerk. Built in late Gothic style. I'm told that the interior is beautiful, but unfortunately, we were there on Easter Sunday evening meaning we didn't get to go inside. Honestly though, its façade makes it look like a completely abandoned building.
Looking across the Leie River to Korenlei from Graslei and enjoying the evening sun.
Glowing with the warmth of sunset, it's hard to put a word on why these buildings in Graslei is so attractive.
The view of the Ghent Clock Tower and St. Nicholas' Church from along Burgstraat over a canal leading to the Leie.
Het Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts), originated from the Middle Ages and now a portion of it houses a museum of torture devices used against enemies in the past
Jacob van Artevelde statue at the Vrijdagmarkt (Friday Market). We were basically searching for food around the area but they were all way above our budget and we came to the conclusion that we should head back.
On the way back, along Kortemunt, walking towards the Clock Tower at Post Plaza.
Sint-Niklaaskerk (St Nicholas's Church). One of the oldest and most prominent landmarks of Ghent. You'll notice the the 91m-tall Belfry of Ghent at the back too. So basically, you're looking at 2 of the 3 medieval towers in Ghent.
This is the facade of St Michael's Church. Pretty sure you'll agree with my point earlier that it looks abandoned. We left for home after this but decided to make a U-turn because we realized that there were hardly any food places open along the way home. And thank God we U-turned because dinner at the Graslei was just too good!!!
"Gentse waterzooi" van kip met verse julienne groentjes en aardappelen (Ghent waterzooi chicken stew with fresh vegetables and potatoes). Was quite certain there was some white wine in there. And this was just the main dish. The appetiser and starters were really awesome too!
"Gentse stoverij" met een fris slaatje en frietjes (Westmalle Double dark beef stew with salad and fresh Flemish fries). This one's with red wine, absolutely no doubt about that.
After getting stuffed with the best of Ghent cuisine, it was time to enjoy the night view and my word it is really pretty! Here's St Nicholas' Church by night along with the Ghent Belfry. Love the night colours.
And if you thought the Oud Justitiepaleis was pretty by day, this is it by night! Speechless... So... this is Easter #8 and it's back to London to rest for one night before heading to Croatia for the next week!
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