Ghent

Up early, we ate a quick breakfast and took an early train to Ghent (also spelled Gent and Gand, to our confusion). It was quiet when we arrived, with stalls outside the station entertaining just a few customers for their coffee, produce and cheese.

Wandering beside the canal led us to the city centre, still waking up on a Sunday morning and preparing a street sale on just this holiday weekend. Booths had books, Knick knacks, clothing, and much more.

Ghents architecture was superb, with layers of history built in each row house, creating eclectic and inviting scenes in which to immerse ourselves. The mix of medieval Gothic with a mix of Latin and German influences makes it very unique. The Flemish revival red brickwork was Jen’s favourite, although a good Gothic church is always interesting to look at.

We spent the day wandering the town, trying Brussels waffles (compared to the Lèige waffles yesterday, they are impossibly light and crunchy), watching people feed the ducks and Coots, and immersing ourselves.

New birds spotted today include the Stock Dove, the Eurasian Wren, and the Eurasian Blue Tit.