June 22nd, 2024. Day 3: Ghent

Before we headed out, we ran some errands with Del, including sorting the recycling…

Based on some photos I’d seen, I thought Ghent would be kind of similar to Bruges…nope! It’s more of a living, breathing city where Bruges seems like more of a time capsule. Bigger mix of old & newer and also seems like more of a party city.

The centerpiece is definitely Gravensteen Castle – a 10th century moated beast. You can do a self guided audio tour to learn about all the gruesome torture and killing that went on there! Beautiful churches as well.

…and visiting Rob Market! It’s like Whole Foods but even more bougie.
at Station Gent-Sint-Pieters.
The red side is a bike lane. Not easy to distinguish for the color-blind!
Sint-Michielsbrug, Gent.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a brick cathedral like this!
in Sint-Michiels.
Don’t trust the forecasts in Belgium!
— at Saint Nicholas’ Church, Ghent.
 at Gravensteen.
We had to buy timed tickets for an hour later, so we left the castle and wandered a bit…
The ancestors of our Rabbit Army were definitely here!
View from the castle rooftop – might have been my favorite part of the day!
— at Gravensteen.
The audio tour went into MUCH detail about the latrine.
— at Gravensteen.
Do you see it?
— at Gravensteen.
Ike found the joker at the end of the kids’ tour!
— at Gravensteen.
We had fun storming the castle!
— with George Hinkal and Rob Hinkal at Gravensteen.

— at Citadelpark.
Cricket practice!
— at Citadelpark.
I read that Ghent has the largest area for biking of any European city. The amount of bikes is INSANE. Like I don’t know how people find their bike after they park it. They go rows and rows deep smushed together.

Also, note Paul’s Boutique!
Slightly less walking than yesterday, but more stairs climbed (thanks to the castle). More ibuprofen tonight!

1 thought on “June 22nd, 2024. Day 3: Ghent”

  1. Alisa says:

    What a crazy cool adventure! Looking forward to reading the coming days as they roll out. #armchairtourist

    Reply

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