Sunday morning we packed the car and after 30 minutes of searching for the keys to the apartment where we were staying, we found them on the counter behind a water bottle left out for our trip... I am the king of losing things. I had the impression to attach the keys to the car keys but did not act on it the night before. Maybe one day I will learn.
Gent Belgium (Ghent if you look on a non-German map) is on the way back to our home town and was worth the visit. Glad we did this on Sunday when the city was calm and mostly quiet because I may or may not have driven the wrong way on one-way roads while looking for parking. But the sun came out and in spite of the cold breeze, it was a beautiful morning.
We parked underground next to this large cathedral which is under renovation.
But check this city out! A wonderful mix of architecture that speaks to the age of the city.
Mom: The cathedral is Gothic; the building on the front left is Early Renaissance (note the rectangular windows). The tiny tower is an Islamic minaret influence. The two tall pointed roofs and towers are Medieval. Charming!
The castle we were to visit is in the distance down this river. The city grew in importance due to its location where some shipping lanes (river-based) merged.
Mom: Hanseatic League waterfront buildings - some with Dutch gables facing the waterways.
Not sure what kind of bird this is. Acted like a duck although the feet and beak suggest otherwise.
One thing I admire about Europe is the constant effort to preserve what is in place. Korea did the opposite. They tore down and rebuilt. Not that I think the Koreans were wrong. Just 2 different approaches to old buildings. Mom: Hanseatic League gable front-facing buildings. Crow-step tables.
And here we are!
Mom: The current castle dates from 1180 and was the residence of the Counts of Flanders until 1353. It was subsequently re-purposed as a court, prison, mint, and even as a cotton factory (Wikipedia)
Here we are about to head in and check it out. The bridge was solid! Made me feel like was instantly back in time. Mom: Romanesque (Early) Medieval! Crusaders cross opening above.
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