After checking in, the barge takes us 5 km to get through a swing bridge that has reduced working hours in the fall.
The next morning it takes a good bit of time for 33 of us to choose bikes, adjust them and get used to them.
The Captain and his dog are there to see us off and greet us again at the end of the day.
We can only take photos at coffee and lunch breaks, no time for stopping along the way.
At one point we pass the Fluvius then stop to wave at fellow passengers who stayed behind and to see the ship pass under a bridge:
We cycle for awhile along the canal, then go into the countryside. This is a lovely farmhouse where we grab our packed lunch and can buy drinks and/or dessert.
We arrive in Gent. Jack, our guide leads us on a 45-minute tour; then we have 90 minutes to ourselves before the final 8 km ride to the boat.
This is a dedication on the top of a building that used to be a prison. Back in the day prisoners were denied food and water until they starved to death. This man's daughter was breastfeeding an infant. She would visit her father every few days where he would suckle her milk and thus was the only prisoner to survive;
A very modern structure amongst medieval ones. Its a shelter:
The Mason's building with dancing jesters on the spires:
Looking back on St. Nicholas Church and the spires of two other churches:
Inside St. Nicholas church:
This priest, Kamiano tended to lepers and himself died of leprosy:
Along a canal...many people enjoying the sunshine:
Housing along the canal:
Gravensteen Castle built in 1180. Before its construction, there was a wooden castle on the same location, built in the 9th century. It was abandoned by the Counts of Flanders in the 14th century, then served as a courthouse and a prison before decaying. In 1885 the City of Ghent bought the castle and renovated it:
The fish market:
The butchers market:
Another fabulous dinner. We are tied up this night where there is no walking, so Jack has arranged a Belgian beer tasting.
No comments:
Post a Comment