Ghent & Bruges with Darshana, March 2008

Darshana and I are on the train to Ghent via Antwerp.

2008-06-08T01:43:58Z

Sean Leather
Darshana and I are on the train to Ghent via Antwerp.

We arrive in Ghent and take the tram to the center. This is one of the first views we have of the city.

2008-06-08T01:38:44Z

Sean Leather
We arrive in Ghent and take the tram to the center. This is one of the first views we have of the city.

Across the canal from us this bird (heron?) looks for a tasty snack.

2008-06-08T01:33:36Z

Sean Leather
Across the canal from us this bird (heron?) looks for a tasty snack.

These are a few steeple tops that caught my eye.

2008-06-08T01:37:03Z

Sean Leather
These are a few steeple tops that caught my eye.

Sint Niklaaskerk ("St. Nicholas Church") from the street.

2008-06-08T01:37:07Z

Sean Leather
Sint Niklaaskerk ("St. Nicholas Church") from the street.

Other shops and buildings across from Sint Niklaaskerk.

2008-06-08T01:42:23Z

Sean Leather
Other shops and buildings across from Sint Niklaaskerk.

A very interesting decoration on what is apparently the guild house of the bricklayers.

2008-06-09T07:35:51Z

Sean Leather
A very interesting decoration on what is apparently the guild house of the bricklayers.

We entered Sint Niklaaskerk and walked around. This is a set of plaques on the wall. Each has a date on it, but I'm not sure what it's for.

2008-06-08T01:35:09Z

Sean Leather
We entered Sint Niklaaskerk and walked around. This is a set of plaques on the wall. Each has a date on it, but I'm not sure what it's for.

If you look up in the church, you can get a sense of how tall the building is. Much more impressive here than outside, I think.

2008-06-08T01:43:33Z

Sean Leather
If you look up in the church, you can get a sense of how tall the building is. Much more impressive here than outside, I think.

There were a lot of very ornate carvings here, but this was one of the few made of wood.

2008-06-08T01:34:14Z

Sean Leather
There were a lot of very ornate carvings here, but this was one of the few made of wood.

This is the nave, I think. It's not actually very big.

2008-06-08T01:35:45Z

Sean Leather
This is the nave, I think. It's not actually very big.

Along the corridors on the outside of the nave, statues lined the way. I think every saint must've been represented in some fashion here.

2008-06-08T01:37:39Z

Sean Leather
Along the corridors on the outside of the nave, statues lined the way. I think every saint must've been represented in some fashion here.

The church organ.

2008-06-08T01:33:40Z

Sean Leather
The church organ.

More ornate carving. I think this is supposed to be the likeness of some entrance to a building.

2008-06-08T01:39:19Z

Sean Leather
More ornate carving. I think this is supposed to be the likeness of some entrance to a building.

I am standing next to the Keymaster, but I am not the Gatekeeper.

2008-06-08T01:35:11Z

Sean Leather
I am standing next to the Keymaster, but I am not the Gatekeeper.

Close-up of me.

2008-06-09T07:37:20Z

Sean Leather
Close-up of me.

A stained glass window depicting Mary, the Babe, and a Host of other saints (notice the halos).

2008-06-08T01:34:42Z

Sean Leather
A stained glass window depicting Mary, the Babe, and a Host of other saints (notice the halos).

The Roeland bell that hung in the belfry. The bottom reads: Created: 1660. Damaged: 1914. Put to rest: 1950.

2008-06-08T01:35:27Z

Sean Leather
The Roeland bell that hung in the belfry. The bottom reads: Created: 1660. Damaged: 1914. Put to rest: 1950.

Darshana with her wonderful smile borderd by flowers in the belfry square.

2008-06-08T01:43:05Z

Sean Leather
Darshana with her wonderful smile borderd by flowers in the belfry square.

A statue in front of the belfry. Sint Niklaaskerk looms in the background. You can also see the bell behind.

2008-06-08T01:39:49Z

Sean Leather
A statue in front of the belfry. Sint Niklaaskerk looms in the background. You can also see the bell behind.

Darshana liked the colorful façades of these restaurants.

2008-06-08T01:36:51Z

Sean Leather
Darshana liked the colorful façades of these restaurants.

The belfry of Ghent.

2008-06-08T01:37:22Z

Sean Leather
The belfry of Ghent.

Our guide for the tour of the belfry. He fluently alternated between English, Flemish (like Dutch), and French.

2008-06-08T01:40:00Z

Sean Leather
Our guide for the tour of the belfry. He fluently alternated between English, Flemish (like Dutch), and French.

Statues that previously guarded the top of the belfry, but are now at the bottom. Can you tell which one is the real one?

2008-06-08T01:38:58Z

Sean Leather
Statues that previously guarded the top of the belfry, but are now at the bottom. Can you tell which one is the real one?

The tour starts out in the secrecy room below ground. From there, we went up to the top by elevator and walked back down.

2008-06-08T01:35:48Z

Sean Leather
The tour starts out in the secrecy room below ground. From there, we went up to the top by elevator and walked back down.

This dragon was not afraid of Darshana, as scary as she can sometimes be. He once guarded the top of the belfry.

2008-06-08T01:39:42Z

Sean Leather
This dragon was not afraid of Darshana, as scary as she can sometimes be. He once guarded the top of the belfry.

The music roller thingy (better name?) that indicates which bells to ring at what time.

2008-06-08T01:39:23Z

Sean Leather
The music roller thingy (better name?) that indicates which bells to ring at what time.

We reach near the top of the belfry and see the bottom of a clock on the outside.

2008-06-08T01:33:18Z

Sean Leather
We reach near the top of the belfry and see the bottom of a clock on the outside.

Me near the top of the belfry.

2008-06-08T01:33:20Z

Sean Leather
Me near the top of the belfry.

Looking down from the belfry into a square, we spot a smurfy celebration. Can you find the smurf?

2008-06-09T07:39:13Z

Sean Leather
Looking down from the belfry into a square, we spot a smurfy celebration. Can you find the smurf?

Sint Baafskathedral from the belfry.

2008-06-08T01:34:30Z

Sean Leather
Sint Baafskathedral from the belfry.

The stadhuis (city hall) of Ghent from the belfry.

2008-06-08T01:35:57Z

Sean Leather
The stadhuis (city hall) of Ghent from the belfry.

Sint Niklaaskerk from the belfry.

2008-06-08T01:33:19Z

Sean Leather
Sint Niklaaskerk from the belfry.

The grassy square with the bell and the statue from the belfry.

2008-06-08T01:33:54Z

Sean Leather
The grassy square with the bell and the statue from the belfry.

Overlooking Ghent from the belfry. The big castle-like thing in the middle is the Gravensteen. We'll see it a bit closer soon.

2008-06-09T07:40:43Z

Sean Leather
Overlooking Ghent from the belfry. The big castle-like thing in the middle is the Gravensteen. We'll see it a bit closer soon.

Now, we go back down the belfry.

2008-06-08T01:44:31Z

Sean Leather
Now, we go back down the belfry.

I show off as I lift this large iron roller off its resting place.

2008-06-08T01:43:19Z

Sean Leather
I show off as I lift this large iron roller off its resting place.

These are a number of bells that have been played in the belfry.

2008-06-08T01:33:27Z

Sean Leather
These are a number of bells that have been played in the belfry.

These bells were cast by Pieter Hemony, whose story is quite interesting.

2008-06-08T01:37:23Z

Sean Leather
These bells were cast by Pieter Hemony, whose story is quite interesting.

We leave the belfry and head towards the Gravensteen. Unfortunately, we get there just after the last tour started and the castle closed. So, we hang out outside and bask in the romantic vie ...

2008-06-08T01:38:00Z

Sean Leather
We leave the belfry and head towards the Gravensteen. Unfortunately, we get there just after the last tour started and the castle closed. So, we hang out outside and bask in the romantic vie ...

A spidery sculpture attached to the side of the Gravensteen.

2008-06-08T01:36:20Z

Sean Leather
A spidery sculpture attached to the side of the Gravensteen.

Another view of the Gravensteen and its moat.

2008-06-08T01:37:18Z

Sean Leather
Another view of the Gravensteen and its moat.

A close-up of the turrets and flags on the Gravensteen.

2008-06-08T01:35:30Z

Sean Leather
A close-up of the turrets and flags on the Gravensteen.

After visiting the outside of the Gravensteen, we chilled at the Graslei, a very nice canal with restaurants and nice architecture on either side. We took the chance to set up the mini tripo ...

2008-06-09T07:29:21Z

Sean Leather
After visiting the outside of the Gravensteen, we chilled at the Graslei, a very nice canal with restaurants and nice architecture on either side. We took the chance to set up the mini tripo ...

Another shot of us at the Graslei.

2008-06-08T01:38:08Z

Sean Leather
Another shot of us at the Graslei.

As we awaited drinks at the Graslei, I couldn't resist taking another photo of Darshana.

2008-06-08T01:40:29Z

Sean Leather
As we awaited drinks at the Graslei, I couldn't resist taking another photo of Darshana.

Proost! I had the Westmalle dubbel on the left, and Darshana had the hot chocolate on the right.

2008-06-09T07:43:04Z

Sean Leather
Proost! I had the Westmalle dubbel on the left, and Darshana had the hot chocolate on the right.

After relaxing at the Graslei, we hopped on a train to Bruges. We arrived, checked into our hotel, and went out for dinner. Afterwards, thanks to Darshana's brilliant thinking, I took some n ...

2008-06-08T01:35:28Z

Sean Leather
After relaxing at the Graslei, we hopped on a train to Bruges. We arrived, checked into our hotel, and went out for dinner. Afterwards, thanks to Darshana's brilliant thinking, I took some n ...

A monument in the center of the square in front of the belfry.

2008-06-08T01:37:39Z

Sean Leather
A monument in the center of the square in front of the belfry.

A nice façade of restaurants in the square.

2008-06-08T01:35:50Z

Sean Leather
A nice façade of restaurants in the square.

The next morning we decided to check out Choco Story, a chocolate museum.

2008-06-08T01:34:32Z

Sean Leather
The next morning we decided to check out Choco Story, a chocolate museum.

Note: This rug is not edible.

2008-06-08T01:36:27Z

Sean Leather
Note: This rug is not edible.

Choco Story's mission is to "make known the story of the transformation of cocoa into chocolate and to promote the health and quality aspects of Belgian chocolate." The museum opened on 22 M ...

2008-06-08T01:39:58Z

Sean Leather
Choco Story's mission is to "make known the story of the transformation of cocoa into chocolate and to promote the health and quality aspects of Belgian chocolate." The museum opened on 22 M ...

This is the chocolate fairy. She followed us around the museum and told us what things were.

2008-06-08T01:44:46Z

Sean Leather
This is the chocolate fairy. She followed us around the museum and told us what things were.

A chocolate frog.

2008-06-08T01:42:23Z

Sean Leather
A chocolate frog.

Darshana stands with some Choco guy.

2008-06-08T01:43:53Z

Sean Leather
Darshana stands with some Choco guy.

I take Darshana's place. (I'm more white chocolate, though.)

2008-06-08T01:38:19Z

Sean Leather
I take Darshana's place. (I'm more white chocolate, though.)

The description reads: A nobleman offering cocoa paste.

2008-06-08T01:35:42Z

Sean Leather
The description reads: A nobleman offering cocoa paste.

Have you ever wondered what the secret recipe for chocolate is? Here you go!

2008-06-08T01:37:20Z

Sean Leather
Have you ever wondered what the secret recipe for chocolate is? Here you go!

A cocoa plant and monkey.

2008-06-08T01:36:30Z

Sean Leather
A cocoa plant and monkey.

A machine previously used to make chocolate.

2008-06-08T01:43:50Z

Sean Leather
A machine previously used to make chocolate.

Various molds and the results of using them on chocolate.

2008-06-08T01:42:12Z

Sean Leather
Various molds and the results of using them on chocolate.

More intricate molds.

2008-06-08T01:45:20Z

Sean Leather
More intricate molds.

Several dog-like characters made of chocolate.

2008-06-08T01:38:40Z

Sean Leather
Several dog-like characters made of chocolate.

Another chocolate dog character.

2008-06-08T01:37:28Z

Sean Leather
Another chocolate dog character.

Chocolate hats.

2008-06-09T08:00:40Z

Sean Leather
Chocolate hats.

The chocolate fairy returns, this time in her own essence.

2008-06-08T01:45:23Z

Sean Leather
The chocolate fairy returns, this time in her own essence.

The description reads: Artworks in chocolate made by a Russian chocolatier, Vladimir Konne.

2008-06-08T01:36:37Z

Sean Leather
The description reads: Artworks in chocolate made by a Russian chocolatier, Vladimir Konne.

The description reads: 3 sculptures in chocolate made by Freddy de Waele.

2008-06-09T07:58:47Z

Sean Leather
The description reads: 3 sculptures in chocolate made by Freddy de Waele.

I think: "Hmm, is there any chocolate in here?"

2008-06-08T01:42:29Z

Sean Leather
I think: "Hmm, is there any chocolate in here?"

This chef demonstrates how she makes chocolate.

2008-06-08T01:35:39Z

Sean Leather
This chef demonstrates how she makes chocolate.

At the end of the demonstration, we each try a piece fresh out of the oven. Darshana definitely loves hers.

2008-06-08T01:37:05Z

Sean Leather
At the end of the demonstration, we each try a piece fresh out of the oven. Darshana definitely loves hers.

I thoughtfully enjoy my chocolate sample.

2008-06-08T01:40:24Z

Sean Leather
I thoughtfully enjoy my chocolate sample.

After the Choco Story, we go on a scavenger hunt for a place with good (and preferably spicy) hot chocolate. In the end, we see most of the center of Bruges, and we do find some good hot cho ...

2008-06-09T07:33:15Z

Sean Leather
After the Choco Story, we go on a scavenger hunt for a place with good (and preferably spicy) hot chocolate. In the end, we see most of the center of Bruges, and we do find some good hot cho ...

From Bruges, we went via the Antwerp station, shown here. It's a nice looking place.

2008-06-08T01:39:07Z

Sean Leather
From Bruges, we went via the Antwerp station, shown here. It's a nice looking place.

There were a number of these kama sutra ads for a lottery. Quite hilarious, I thought.

2008-06-08T01:38:21Z

Sean Leather
There were a number of these kama sutra ads for a lottery. Quite hilarious, I thought.

The outside of the Antwerp station. And that brings us to the end of the photo tour. We headed back towards Utrecht via Rotterdam. Unfortunately, we discovered that there was something going ...

2008-06-08T01:43:42Z

Sean Leather
The outside of the Antwerp station. And that brings us to the end of the photo tour. We headed back towards Utrecht via Rotterdam. Unfortunately, we discovered that there was something going ...