Although it’s -5C today, it feels like -16C. But the sun is out! This is my favourite winter weather, very similar to BA winter, although there we should probably have to add a couple of degrees. I had decided not to complain about the weather anymore, but it turns out there is no reason to complain : the weather gods have given in to my request, again.
In the sun my hometown, the medeavial city of Gent, is the most beautiful in the world. Much nicer then the similar -but open air museum- Brugge. It is a very small town, especially if you are used to a city like BA, but very cosy, very well maintained, and especially famous for the way it is lighted at night.
In the 13th century it was the biggest city of Europe, after Paris, and it has been important for textile production until the 20th century. Today it is an important university city which attracts a lot of international students through the Erasmus project, and it has become very popular for tourists. But although very touristy, it is still a very authentic place and not yest spoiled by tourism.
If you go to Europe, stop by in Gent. At least, if you can stand a little bit of greyish weather…
The Feel Good Way 
5 responses to “erratum : or how the sun can be a life changer!”
How many time do you suggest to take to visit the city? And I assume is better Gent than Brugge, I’ll be 6 days in Paris and I planned to do a one day trip to Brugge.
Thanks in advance.
J
One day is OK, unless you want to see the museums (other then the mystic lamb in the cathedral, which can’t be missed) But try to be there an evening to see the city by night. If you go in belgian winter, like now, its dark before 6pm, so then it is not hard.
If you want more specific information, like things not to miss or restaurant recommendations, mail me.
Apart from gent Antwerp is worth a visit too. This city is different to gent and Bruges, more like Brussels, but a lot nicer then Brussels.
There are no distances in Belgium. Gent and antwerp are at 1.5h from Paris by TGV, 3h by car.
Thank you Katti for your answe, I dint’ reply sooner because I’m becasue starting the scholl year…yes with this hot horrible weather.
I was visitn the Gant website and I defently will give it a visit, leaving for some other time Brugge. It’s going to be a long journey starting in Oslo, the Bergen, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris, Rome. When in Paris I’ll do the short trips.
I just don’t know how to email you.
Silly questions: is your hometown (Ghent) divided into neighbourhoods? Is there some traditional rivalry between them? Which one did you use to live on? Are there some of those tiny, little streets where no car can go through?
I hope not to have bored you with the questions, lol!
Gent is so small, there are no real barrios. To indicate where you live you say the name of a church, a square or a street that is close to you. Gent is probably as big as a barrio in Buenos Aires. It only has 230.000 inhabitants.
I used to live just outside town, 15min drive, I went to school and university here, and so did my kids (school). I used to go there daily,
Yes there are tiny little streets where your car can’t get through. Lots of streets are one way because they are too narrow. The city tries to keep cars out as much as possible. You can do everything on foot, and if you are lazy (or the weather is bad) you can take the public transport the tramway which is really good.
There are no silly questions 🙂