Getting Soaked in the Most Beautiful City in Belgium

It wasn’t long before we said goodbye to Brussels and a short train ride later, we were entering the historic city of Ghent. Tensions within our small group became slightly raised very shortly after leaving the train station as there was some confusion over the city’s local transportation. As we had missed the first tram, we pivoted and stole upon the next one. Unfortunately, as we glanced at our maps, this tram was taking us in the opposite desired direction, forcing us to abandon ship. After finding the correct route, we soon found ourselves in the city center, straining our necks trying to take in the soaring towers and churches.

One of these churches happened to be Saint Bravo’s Cathedral, and we spent some time meandering through its tiled rooms admiring its large and ornate colorful stained glass windows.

We had bookmarked this cathedral previously as it held a rather famous artwork/altar piece. We purchased tickets to head up to the cathedral’s second floor and quickly shoved our bags into the provided lockers. Fate appeared to be on our side as due to our early efforts, we would get to see the altarpiece open for the day. Still unsure what we were in for, we found ourselves in front of a large glass cage that dominated the dark room.

As the clock struck 10:30 AM, the altarpiece began to unravel itself and expose the most brilliant and vibrant painting underneath. Ten minutes later, the painting was fully spread and we all pressed our noses up to the thick glass, attempting to pick out any minuscule details present. It was such a surreal experience to witness this titanic painting reveal itself and we were all in the highest of spirits leaving the cathedral.

We again found ourselves back in the sunny and busking streets of Ghent, all the while trying to take in the beauty of this city. Looming stone architecture and decorated spires dominated our view until we found ourselves in the shadow of an ancient stone fortress (Gravensteen).

Masquerading as knights of the distant past, we stormed the ramparts, raced through the castle’s interior, and even ventured into its damp dungeon.

Trading the dim dungeon for the castle’s tower, we were gifted with a never ending view of the city skyline, all the while being hit with the warm sunshine and the forever present emotion of just how grateful we were to be here together in this beautiful and alien world.

A quick jaunt through the city’s famed Graffiti Street, our stomachs soon took the lead and we found ourselves seated in the small cozy second floor of a poke bowl restaurant (Hawaiian Poke Bowl) situated right on the main square.

After shoveling down our lunch, we ventured into the neighboring supermarket, stocking up on crucial supplies we desperately needed, namely water and Belgian chocolates. With our haul secured, we set off to the train station, leaving Ghent behind as another fond memory.

As we rolled into Brugge, we were immediately gifted with a large afternoon rain shower. Within the confines of the train station, we had some confusion on the proper route to our hotel. Letting Matt make the final decision, we set out through the southern door and into the torrential downpour.

Seeking what little shelter our umbrellas provided, we found ourselves stomping down sidewalks until it gave way to a busy motorway, leading us back to the train station. Now heading out the northern door, we quickly found ourselves at our modest hotel room (featuring a shower in the middle of the room).

After a quick stop to drop off our bags, we again set back off into the rain and a short walk later, we were standing under the shadow of a large tower. Peering over the adjacent bridge, we began to make out the medieval city through the haze.

After a quick detour through the UNESCO heritage site of the Begijnhof Buurt, we were strolling through the wet and slippery cobbled streets. With rain continuing to pelter us, we were eventually set upon by two vintage Aston Martin convertibles, complete with their drenched English owners. Frantically asking us for directions, we helped them the best we could and we again continued our journey.

It wasn’t long until we were sheltering in a nearby church (OLV-Kerk) trying to locate a famous Madonna statue from famed artist Michelangelo. Unfortunately the typical greed of the Christian church reared its head and the statue was behind a large paywall, prompting us to don our umbrellas once more and set back off into the cold and wet world outside. As we perused down the slippery streets, we again entered another church, this one holding another relic of the past.

However, this church did not hold a famous statue or bone fragment of a long past saint. Instead this church claims to possess a small vial containing the very blood of Jesus Christ. We joined the small line and came to glance upon this hazy vial that contained a delicate contaminated cloth with a small dark maroon splatter. Now I am not one to advocate the authentication of this holy specimen, but we all agreed it was ultimately interesting to witness.

As we found ourselves back under the safety of our umbrellas, sweet aroma began to punch through the dampness. We shuffled our way to a small cart in the nearby square, purchasing freshly made (and hot) waffles topped with powdered sugar. As we stood huddled under the shade of a nearby large restaurant umbrella nibbling on our warm waffles, we glanced out into the ancient square that was currently being hounded by a downpour. It is small moments like this that stick with you, small moments in time when everything just feels right.

With the waffles now finished, we set back off and eventually found ourselves back in our cramped hotel room, frantically trying to decide on dinner plans. Eventually Matt found a nearby restaurant (Gauthierz Brassesie) and we once more set back off into the cool afternoon air. A short walk later, we were soon seated in a small but comfortable restaurant, almost situated in someone’s backyard. An expensive meal later (along with the typical beer), we were back in our closet of a hotel room; officially ending our day.

To see the previous day’s adventure, click here.

To move onwards with us along our journey, click here.