When organising a small trip to the continent last Autumn I was keen to squeeze in a trip to Ghent (or Gent, I still don’t know which is officially correct). Thankfully I managed to make it work by booking a late crossing from Dunkirk to Dover. And so at 8am I took to the road from Nuenen, near Eindhoven in Holland, where I had been staying with family, and arrived in Ghent around 10.30am. I was able to spend a good six hours or so in the city, walking and wandering, soaking in the Ghenten vibe. And it’s a good vibe — even if it did have a post-summer, Monday feel to it with its sparse streets and quiet tourist spots. A few things struck me, though: Ghent’s architecture is stunning, particularly the many crow-stepped gable buildings that reinforce the city’s gothic feel; the city’s uncomplicated layout makes it a great place for walking without getting lost (well, not too lost); and terrific views are on offer at the top of St Bavo’s Cathedral. Oh, and there is the busker who plays guitar in Sint-Baafsplein Square who is just a delight to listen to (very accommodating, too, as he allowed me to take a lot of photos of him). Here are a few snaps, mono-style…
