The news from here hasn't changed much in the past week. It's still bitterly cold, but we are fortunate that the sun is shining and that makes a tremendous difference to life. Still, going out for walks, which is something I like to do routinely, is quite an exercise in resolve because of said cold.
Today, then, we decided to make the incentive greater by going to Ghent for the afternoon. With so much lovely sunshine and the beautiful, almost bleached look that everything acquires in this kind of weather, Ghent was going to be even more appealing...and it didn't disappoint us at all. I'll keep it brief this week and let the photos speak for themselves. Needless to say, we walked along the Leie as it winds its way through the city, a route we've done so many times by boat. It is such a lovely city; I never tire of being there.
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| The old lock through which we normally arrive in Ghent |
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| We've been along here by boat a few times now |
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| Looking down on barges we've fared alongside |
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This was someone's bike once. It's clearly been
fished out of the water and left to dry. |
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Walking a route we cannot do by boat as there is a lock
that has been closed off |
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| Looking back at the bridge |
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| I love the shabby chic of these old houses |
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| This waterway is alive with boats in the summer |
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| A waffle cart in the city |
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| Dreaming spires on an icy cold afternoon |
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Even in winter, the banks of the river are alive with people.
Note the renovations in progress. I'm glad to see the old
buildings being maintained |
This is a place I really want to visit. Looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteAnne Mackle
It is, Anne. If you ever get the chance, do go!
DeleteHi Val - I'd love to see Ghent sometime ... never been ... but lovely photos - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteEveryone should see Ghent sometime, Hilary. I just love it.
DeleteGorgeous. Good for y'all, exploring in the cold. That's how it's been here...sun shining and cold, cold, cold. But your places to explore are gorgeous. Marvelous photos. Have a marvelous week to match. Thanks for taking time to share this with those of us who didn't get to go! (Steph)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Steph. It was icy cold yesterday too, but you can't stay indoors forever and it proved to be a real treat!
DeleteGlorious!
ReplyDeleteYou must venture over this way one year, Carol! Gent is calling you :)
DeleteWell done, braving the cold to take these lovely pictures. spring can’t be that far away ... can it?
ReplyDeleteI do hope so, Jo. The upside was the sunny day, but it seems to be getting even colder now!
DeleteThere are beautiful, Val, and what a glorious day! How far are you from Ghent? xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dale. When we are at the crumbly cottage, we are just over 30kms from Gent. Aren't we lucky? :) xx
DeleteReally enjoyed the trip around Ghent and great photos. I really like that rusted bicycle for some reason....
ReplyDeleteAh Jane, you are a woman after my own heart! I really liked it too.
DeleteLucky, indeed! I would love to visit Europe; so many places to go and things to see, and all so close to each other xx
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to do so one day, Dale. So much history and beauty!
DeleteThanks for sharing that, Val. It looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteMy answer to all your lovely photos :) I’m glad you enjoyed it!
DeleteExcellent pictures. We have booked a hire boat in the area for next year so will hopefully be able to visit Ghent and Bruges by water soon.
ReplyDeleteI’ve just been looking at your blog. Given what you like to do, you will love this area of Belgium! Thank you for visiting!
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