Teatime Journeys

We've reached our last day in Belgium. Because the day before had been so rainy, we had decided to switch our plans and do the day trip to Ghent on the last day when the weather was nicer (although still pretty overcast sadly). A quick 40 minute train ride, and we were in Ghent.

Ghent

At the train station we caught tram #1, which took us up near the Korenmarkt.

We went up to St. Michael's Bridge next,

We started Rick Steves' walk, walking by the Mason's Guild House,

then going up the Belfry (there was an elevator) for views.

Behind the Belfry, there was Sint-Baafsplein,

then on to St. Bavos.

Back on the walk,

which continued up through Graffitistraat,

then up through Vrijdagmarkt

(with a side trip up Baudelostraat to see some houses with extra pretty gables).

Up across the Leie River,

then along the river,

until we reached the Castle of the Counts. This castle, built in 1180, was built to intimidate the locals.

We went in and walked along the walls for a bit.

(the chapel)

Pretty views down into town.

We looked down into our next stop, Sint-Veerleplein, with its fancy entrance to the Oude Vismijn (Old Fishmarket).

Next down to the square, with a stop for a Castle-side lunch.

We ended the big circle we were making by heading through Groetenmarkt Square,

(long Butcher's Hall)

then then back down along the river.

Next we crossed over the St. Michael's Bridge (same bridge from earlier this morning)

and went down to the other bank of the river,

before heading back to the Korenmarkt, our very first stop, is anchored by St. Nicholas.

It had been closed earlier, but we were able to take a look inside before leaving.

(Some local art on display)

Brussels

A quick train ride, and back to Brussels. Just a bit about the station. On our second to last day, after the Louvain trip, we discovered a "secret entrance" very close to our hotel behind a smurf statue. We were quite proud of ourselves for discovering it, and it make today's day trip extra easy.