8th September 2011 – Ghent, Belgium

We prefer Ghent to Bruges – a lovely, lived-in city with endless beautiful buildings. The big difference between here and the German cities we visited (Bamberg excepted), is that Ghent escaped wartime destruction. Blaameersen campsite much better than anticipated – large pitches, nicely set-out – about 20 Euros per night. Much better value than Bruges.

In comparison to Germany, Belgium is horrendously expensive. Had wanted to eat out last night but just couldn’t bring ourselves to spend 50 Euros, including drinks – roughly twice the average paid to eat out in Germany. Cooked frozen Nasi Goreng bought for 3 Euros in Aldi in Germany then went into city on bus. City particularly beautiful at night. Lots of bars and cafes, full of students – How do they afford it?

Cycled into city in afternoon – about 4 km along the river – but about 6km using the non-scenic route which we mistakenly took. Totally different feel from Bruges – not so Farrow and Ball, but probably more, beautiful buildings. Tourist Office has made great efforts and their map and guide book are excellent. Started in the Historical Centre yesterday, cos we knew rain was forecast for today.

St Bavo’s Cathedral is elegant and tasteful and jam-packed with treasures – everything in its place – even the pink and white floral arrangements chosen to blend in with the colours of the bricks and marble and carefully sited to preserve equilibrium. An attendant rearranging chairs so that they were exactly in line. This place even made an impression on me when I was 15 – on my first trip abroad with the ‘Yorkshire/Lille Exchange’. I was staying with my French pen friend and mainly just interested in meeting French boys – so for a cathedral to have made any impression on my 15-year-old self it must be exceptional! This is the first time I’ve been back since then and I can see what made me remember it.

Woke up to rain this morning so have had leisurely breakfast, hoping it will clear up. Intend to visit museums and galleries today, but would like to go by bike.