Second Day in Ghent

We were the first of our tour group to be at breakfast, 7 AM. I enjoyed Brötchen with tomatoes and cheese and meat and fresh fruit, all leisurely. Thomas, our local guide, led us through the streets of medieval Ghent. His degree in medieval history shone through his enthusiastic sharing of stories. The cotton and textile story was shown to us at the Museum of Industry.  Photos, actual machines, and demonstrations carried forward until mid 20th century from slaves in America to tablecloths for Europe.

We learned that the confluence of two rivers gave Ghent its name. We saw one pedestrian street devoted only to graffiti. People come any time and paint. Elsewhere in the city is punishable by jail and a fine. St. Bravo's cathedral is a high vaulted Gothic structure with the high altar painted Masterpiece by Hubert Van Eyck, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, was the highlight of the visit.

We thanked Thomas around 12:30 and began walking back to the hotel with new friends. We stopped at a grocery store located in the basement of the former post office. We purchased bottled water and ready-made salads to eat at the hotel with our new friends. We walked around the area watching people after we rested as the afternoon was free to us and the day was warm and sunny and dry.

The evening was also free. We joined six other new tour friends and walked to share supper together. After a half hour one member asked a local Italian restaurant if they made good pizza. Of course replied Marco the waiter, and so began an evening of laughter and more laughter with Marco over decisions of what to eat and drink. I had pasta with mushrooms and truffles, and it was delicious. We talked more after arriving back at the hotel, not wanting to leave the beautiful cool evening air and continuing daylight, and our great conversations.  At 9:45 PM we decided we had better pack, for we meet our bus and driver for the first time tomorrow morning at 8 AM.

Guten Nacht, Susan

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