Can't GHENT Enough

On Saturday morning, after our free breakfast, Tori and I took the train from Brugges to Ghent. We arrived to our hostel by 1 p.m. But this wasn't just any ol' hostel, my friends. Tori found an awesome bed and breakfast that was on a BOAT! The "Bon Vivant", as it was called, was so cool, despite the fact it was hard to find. After checking in, we walked to the center of town to take our personal guided tour. We started at Ghent's Belfry Tower in order to have the energy to make the climb. This Belfry wasn't quite as tall, but offered an awesome view of the historical buildings of Ghent, like St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Gravensteen Castle (will explain).

After the Belfry, we crossed the square to St. Bavo's Cathedral. This Gothic Cathedral is famous for the Van Eyck painting it houses, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. I had no idea what it was before we went, but if you know what it is, you may not have known that one of the 23 panels is a replica. The lower left hand panel was stolen years ago, and the burglar died just before he was going to reveal the hiding place. SO, if you want to make a quick fortune, just find that panel. Anyway, the Cathedral was beautiful because it was mostly made of black and white marble, but was contrasted with brick. It was very interesting.

After the Cathedral, we crossed St. Michael's Bridge (which offered stunning views of the boardwalk along one of the canals) to the Gravensteen Castle. This castle finally looked like a castle I pictured when I was little. The ramparts and fortresses were stereotypical of medieval times. The tour through the castle showed the different rooms within the castle, and also offered exhibitions of typical medieval weapons and means of torture. The best aspect of this castle, though, was that it was built along one of the canals, so that it was protected on one side.

From the castle, Tori and I grabbed a quick snack, but not just any snack. The snack Belgium is best known for-- its waffles. Describing it was a slice of heaven doesn't even do it justice. The waffle was so tasty and had a perfect ratio of belgian chocolate sauce to waffle. Plus, the place we bought it from was called "3.14"-- Puns and waffles, that's my kind of restaurant!

Our last attraction of the day, was probably the coolest. Thanks to our savvy travelers' map, we knew of the ONLY street in Ghent that is legal to spray paint. Soooo, we grabbed ourselves a can of spraypaint and went to town. (When in Ghent, right?) I, of course, elected to leave a little piece of St. Louis in Ghent by drawing an (albeit crude) Cardinals logo. Also, we left our friend at home some messages to let you know we're missing you guys!!

That night, we enjoyed a few Belgian beers, had a Doner Kebap for dinner and headed back to our boat (so cool!). We set alarm for another morning of traveling...