Ghent

Our second excursion from Brussels was to Ghent, about 30 minutes away by train.  The city was already charming but it was made even better by the knowledgeable, funny and great storyteller our guide, Mieke, turned out to be.  From the first story of the violent medieval past to modern day she kept us entertained.  

If you zoom a lot you might see his thumb between his fingers - medieval version of the middle finger 

Ghent is over double the size of Brugge and is then further enlarged with about 80000 university students.

We wondered through the streets learning more history about the trading that was so important to the city.  Squares, canals and a lot of churches dominate this city.

A strange combo of lion and bear dating back several centuries

The castle is a highlight and

The old fish market now repurposed

On the strong recommendation of a friend some of us sought out a unique pub where they have a special glass for some beer.  If you order you must give them one shoe which is then put in a basket and hoisted up to the ceiling. It was loud and crowded and no we only had a normal size beer.

One stop listed on every visitor list is the Ghent Altarpiece located in St Bavo’s Cathedral. Created by Hubert van Eyck and his brother Jan, it was completed in 1432.  It is a massive folding altarpiece made of painted panels and is considered one of the great masterpieces.