Ghent & the Summer Festival

Beth and I are still blogging here and there about our trip to Europe this summer. This post is about my favorite city, Ghent, Belgium.

July 26, 27
After spending two fun days in Brussels (later blog), we took a 45-minute train ride to the nearby town of Ghent. From our understanding, most tourists go to Brugges when looking for a smaller city experience to Brussels. Luckily, we had the personal tip to visit Ghent from two teachers at Beth's school who lived in Brussels for 12 or so years. They thought Brugges was too touristy and Ghent was still relatively undiscovered. We're so glad we took their advice as it turned out to be a highlight of our trip.

Our timing to visit Ghent couldn't have been better as it coincided with their annual summer festival. This festival is actually the largest open-air festival in Europe, drawing 1.5 million people. Ironically, this time of the year makes it very touristy, but the festival just added to our experience of Ghent being a lively city. During the week, there are numerous musical performances throughout the city center (from hip hop to soul to rock to r&b and on) going on at all times, street perfomers of all types (mimes, break dancers, solo and group musicians, artists, comedians, magicians), carnival rides, and loads of good food and beer tents. Best of all, all the entertainment is free! We watched an incredible concert late one night of a local Ghent girl who has become a famous soul singer with a seven-piece big band. There was a huge crowd of people watching the performance which went on past midnight. Beth and I were amazed each night as we headed off to bed (1:30 a.m. or so) how many thousands upon thousands of people still going strong. The festival really never stops.

Super talented and fun Gypsy band

Ghent looks great at night!

The old castle

During the days we enjoyed exploring the city, marvelling at the 17th century architecture and the 8th century castle (which warded off vikings!), meandering through the miriad of interesting shops and galleries, touring the massive and beautiful churches, taking a Duvel boat ride (drink a Duvel while you travel!) throughout the city along it's two rivers (which divide up the city center and give it a lot of character, much like the canals of Amsterdam), stopping off at various tents for snacks and drinks to people-watch, and discovering all kinds of entertainments scattered about.

There's a big carnival ride jutting up in front of the churches.

Typical city streets near the center

At one point during our boat ride, we passed underneath a live concert!

The festival really made the experience for us in Ghent, but I think it would still be a great city to spend a few days in any other time of the year. We really hope to go back one day.

Some especially memorable buildings

Eye Has a Callous

Not quite the take-home souvenir from Guatemala I've always wanted....

I have developed an eye callous (scientific name: pinguecula). The ophthalmologist said people get eye callouses due to UV exposure (think 5,000 ft. closer to the sun than Kansas!), dust, pollution, and wind. Hm. You mean, due to living in Guatemala? He also said that they are more common than you would think! The good news is that it's just a cosmetic issue and doesn't harm your eyesight unless it goes untreated. And mine is not even that noticeable -- James didn't see it until I pointed it out to him. The good doctor also said they don't go away...they are sort of like freckles in that once you have it, it's there to stay, but you can lesson its growth and irritation..... So I'm on a steady diet of eye drops, UV protective sunglasses, and enclosed vehicles when in the city.

Not my eye, but it looks very similar