Monday, October 4, 2010

The Red Roofs (and walls) of Gent

The first day of our recent trip to Holland wasn't in Holland at all - it was in Belgium. We flew to Liege, Belgium, not far from the Dutch border, and far cheaper than flying to a major city. Easier too, if you ignore the fact that we landed at the oh so charming hour of four in the morning (in the pouring rain). We weren't due to arrive at our friends in the Hague until evening so we decided to explore a bit of Belgium first. After a snooze in the car on a small Brussels street it was off to breakfast and a bit of exploring. We spent a few hours gawking at the stunning architecture of Brussels' market square (and managed to eat a few Belgian chocolates too while there) and then headed off to Gent's imposing Gravensteen Castle.


The castle is something straight out of the movies and really well done too - we particularly enjoyed the handheld video screens which let you watch a dramatization of castle life in the 12th century (with the actors amusingly stepping in and out of character). Itai would tell you that his favorite part of the castle was the torture room (quite gruesome actually) but if you ask me it was the view. (Come by on Thursday for a stunning picture-postcard shot of the rooftops of Gent - I've got a doozy for this week's Sepia Scenes.) 





Wouldn't you agree?

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30 comments:

Steffi said...

What for nice places where you was!Yes,belgian chocolate is really delicious!
Enjoy your holidays!

Rimkogeren said...

Great photos :-)

LifeRamblings said...

what a beautiful place to stroll around. Happy Ruby Tuesday!

Felisol said...

Definitely the view, the river and the multicolored old brick buildings.
Amazing how the rand of green grass enhances and gives depth to the first picture.
I have once seen a medieval torture chamber.
Appalling.

EG CameraGirl said...

I much prefer the view over the idea of torture. Aren't boys fun? :)))

Daryl said...

I spent a week in Brussels in January 1999 ... it was cold but lovely, the hotel was a block away from the Grand Place .. Weds. are market day or was then .. fabulous stuff ... and I got to go to Brugge ... I didnt get to Gent so I am really looking forward to seeing it through your eyes!

Verna Luga said...

Very Pretty... wish to be here one of these days...

Ruby Tuesday Here

Leora said...

How scenic and picturesque.

Oh, yes, boys and torture rooms.

Auntie E said...

Oh I have been there. Loved these old building and the cobbled streets. Now I will have to go look at my old photos.
My Ruby link for you

Liza said...

What beautiful views. Thanks for sharing.

Cafe au lait said...

Wonderful shots. Happy Ruby!

Lesa said...

sounds like a wonderful day-- except for the 4a.m. and rain bit. Great views-- love those red roofs! Thanks for visiting my mixed up mantis.

Rajesh said...

Beautiful shots. The castle looks great.

Anonymous said...

Gent is a beautiful city. Did yoy enjoy your trip?

Mojo said...

It would be hard to argue with you on that one! Lovely work Robin, as always.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I do agree - lovely shots!

Dianne said...

I would agree as well!
although I could probably appreciate a torture room in the right mood ;)
wonderful photos Robin

Unknown said...

Yes, i do agree!

excellent photos.

Mimi said...

I still vividly remember my first time to see Grand Place, coming onto it from a narrow side street, and being absolutley stunned.
My best friend lives in Brussels,so I've been many times since then, and still think it stunning.
Great idea to have a snooze in the car.
I'm making anote to visit Gent next time I go over there- though I often get distracted by the great shopping in Brussels!
See you Thurs.

eden said...

What a beautiful view! Love it.

Ralph said...

Interesting in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium, the canal seems so Dutch, too. What a lovely city, the tall buildings and cobblestones harken back centuries. Ao beautiful!

Jill said...

Oh hello gorgeous photos ... looks like an AMAZING vacay ... even from those few photos!

Raven said...

Sounds like it was a good trip. Wonderful shots. I wish I could just walk into the second one. Chocolate, torture and beautiful views. Not a bad way to spend a morning, even if it did start very early.

Jael said...

Looks beautiful in your pictures.Of Belgium I have only visited Antwerpen,which is a beautiful city.

bichonpawz said...

Amazing place to take a vacation...lovely views!! Hope all's well with you Robin!!

deedee said...

I hope to explore that part of Europe one of these days...it looks so pretty.

Stephanie V said...

What a treat to be taken on your travels. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos.

Gattina said...

Geez, when I think I was just 15 km far away ! You should have given me a call ! It really was sad that you choose the worst weekend weatherwise ! Now it's better ! We even had a very sunny Sunday !

Jew Wishes said...

What a wonderful setting in these beautiful photos. It reminds me of England, and my travels there in the past, along the cobble stoned streets and brick architecture.

Sandy said...

Oh it looks lovely! I'm calling the travel agent next week!