Ghent

Managed to finally organize my Ghent photos from the begininning of the year. Ghent was the last stop on my Belgium tour. This is a port town which also has a huge student community. I was there very briefly, I couchsurfed at the home of two lovely Belgian girls. I couldn't see the city in depth because the weather was horrible, it was freezing and if it didn't rain, there was fog. Thus not too many photos. Tip: Do not choose early spring to visit Belgium, unless you travel sans camera. 


The first thing you notice about Ghent is the nouveau art structures all over the city. Sometimes right on the pavement, sometimes on buildings, sometimes in places you least expect to find art!

Another prominent landmark where you don't look for art is the Railway station. That's right! At Gent-Sint-Pieters station, you must look up (and also pay attention to your luggage). There are beautiful murals depicting the life of the city all over the ceiling.

To escape the chilly weather, you can visit the Saint Nicholas' Church in the heart of the city. Construction of the church began in the early 13th century and continued till the end of the 15th century. Try and see here how the cathedral looks from a 360° angle. 

        You have to love the religious statues wielding the little objects painted in gold. 

 The decor and the choir stand is so pretty. 

The Angels were all singing out of tune,

And hoarse with having little else to do,
Excepting to wind up the sun and moon
Or curb a runaway young star or two.
~Lord Byron

Architecture in Ghent ressembles that of Brussels and other cities. You have to admire the effort taken by the government to preserve and restore the buildings dating back to the middle ages!

You can't get tired of the zig zag Belgian façades! 

And the charming streets built alongside canals..

Finding decorated bicycles can brighten up anybody's rainy day in Ghent!