"July 21 in Ghent: exotic!" Top 5 Page for this destination Gent by Norali
Gent Travel Guide: 1,724 reviews and 3,260 photos
I only had two days in Ghent in my poor life. LOL Yet, it is not far from Brussels, where I live, and it has a lot to offer. To be accurate, two days in Ghent center and one afternoon cycling in Greater Ghent, a great experience.
My first visit was guided by a local who was not that interested in cultural stuffs, more like his place, some food in a pankoeken snack. Not bad.
Yet, my second visit, July 2003, is more of my taste. Culture, discovery, beauty ... those are words that would depict the tour Dannie planned for me. Yep, she again! Therefore, you may expect something comprehensive here.
The afternoon and the evening were of different style. Fun, music, mojitos, crowd, mini-meeting... We were celebrating Belgian Independence day, July 21 by assisting the Gentse Feesten. Some off beat track stuffs made it unusual as a July 21st celebration.
More about and history of the Gentse Feesten: http://www.gentsefeesten.be/english/index.htm
Was it a coincidence?
Apart from the beauty of this city with a past, I noticed in Ghent, more than anywhere else in Belgium, many sculptures... Not only could I admire the sculptures of local "personnages", I also saw many huge artworks, from diverse subjects, several styles, in many spots of the city. Some were weird, ones monumental, others detailed...
May I call it the statue city?
This one is near Stadpark and in front of the Fine arts museum. Look at my travelogue on sculptures to see some of those I could spot.
I would say that this is certainly something NOT to miss in Ghent. I saw monuments, nice places, statues but the Sint- Pieters abbey has it all, for me!
A real piece of haven of peace.
Look at my travelogue to see more pictures of this abbey...
Also, I found some ways to experience cheap Ghent. Check the tips (all categories) to see possibilities to make your experience fun and cheaper than you think.
- Pros:Beautiful classical city, statues and sculptures, less touristy than "picturesque" Brugges
- In a nutshell:Something I like, worth the visit. Don't forget the museums crossing over till end 2006 (see my must-see activity tip)
Reviews (45)
You may need this... :)
Local Customs
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Heatwave
Warnings Or Dangers
(4)
Summer 2003 was really hot, sticky hot with this heatwave devastating Europe. While visiting Belgium, now is the time... more travel advice
My classical warning when walking in a...
Warnings Or Dangers
(4)
Pay attention when you walk, the quays don't have any rope nor fence to prevent you from falling in water. Locals use... more travel advice
Citadelpark at night
Warnings Or Dangers
(4)
Though the park at daylight is somewhat quiet despite the number of culture, sport centers, casino around, it is another... more travel advice
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- "Ghent - my hometown"
- "July 21 in Ghent: exotic!"
- "Simply Put: A Fabulous City"
- "Gent - Go There - Drink Beer"
- "A love affair begins...."
- "Ghent: The rebellious city"
- "Gent, an underrated city"
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Comments (25)
time flies, but you vivid descriptions are fresh as the kiwi ;-)))
Thank you for sharing, I loved it Gent when I was there. Brussels, Brugge, and finally in Gent a couple days. I LOVED Belgium and hope to get back sometime soon. Visit my pages. Beautiful country and very nice people! Lori in Seattle
Gosh, Gent really does look like a nice place to visit. Thank you for sharing.....from Cape Town.
Excellent tips and photos of Ghent. They make me want to return for a longer visit.
Who is Ibrahim..any answer yet? I also wish to know. I saw Rudy, but who is Danny? - lots of questions. Nicely put together Nora, beautiful pages. Regards.
I love it when I get to discover someplace new.. didn't know a thing about Gent before your pages! Some of the sculptures are amazing, great pics Norali. So long...
we where in Gent during the Gentse feesten 2004, but we avoid the crowed by going to Brugge that day :-)
The man in front of the Minard Schouwburg is Romain Deconinck. He was one of the most famous theatre players in Gent dialect
ohhh hard rockers, ehhh sorry, hard workers. but said ur not that choosy, but seems still so hard to get. i wann try to look for myself too then, so that i know hows your struggle ... go norali gooooo...
Exellent photos. I want to go there too!!!
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