Jon: Taking the Thalys train from Paris to Brussels, Belgium was a breeze. The coach seats were comfortable and the journey was quick. I enjoyed glimpses of the countryside flash by as we sped to Brussels. We quickly transferred trains and were in the city of Ghent in time for an early check-in at our hostel and lunch.
Ghent has the old-world charm expected of a medieval European city. Spires and belfries rise across the skyline and cobbled streets weave throughout. The old town area is a dense collection of architectural wonders ranging from massive towers to the Gravensteen Castle, all of which are seated along winding waterways. Aside from the architecture, local craft beers can be easily found. We had no difficulty getting around by foot and had ample time for sightseeing and relaxing with a cold brew.
We enjoyed evening beers in a quiet square as locals rode past on bikes and the sun set behind picturesque buildings. The old town section of the city is very pleasant in the evening. The traffic slows, buildings are bathed in lights, and people gather along the waterfront to have a drink or watch ducks swim by. The pace slowed nicely since leaving Paris.
A short train ride from Ghent brought us to Bruges the following day. The historical section of town was bustling with crowds when we arrived; a surprise for mid-October. It’s understandable why this area is heavily trafficked.
There was a calm in the evening after many tourists departed. We strolled about enjoying the nearly empty streets and parks where we watched more swans swim. We settled in at a restaurant to share steamed mussels for dinner and then took a leisurely walk through town to see the sights lit up for the night.
While Ghent and Bruges were nice during the day, they are magnificent after nightfall. We happed upon a lively gelato shop where we loaded up on our favorites for an evening dessert that was further sweetened by the serenity that had fallen over the town.
We had time the next morning before heading to the airport. We took advantage of the quiet streets to see things a little further afield like a whale sculpture made from recycled plastics and the windmills at the edge of the historical part of town.
The next adventure awaited, so it was time to part from this lovely city and make our way toward Brussels Airport and on to the next destination – Lisbon, Portugal.
(Dates: October 11-13, 2018)
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