Ghent and Ypres

Up and breakfast then drove into Ghent, one of the larger Belgium cities. Parking is very expensive in the centre of Ghent so we parked about 2.5 kms from the “old town” and walked in. Did the usual exploring and found a chocolate shop. As they say; “when in Belgium, eat chocolate” - so we did 😊. It’s a pretty city but seemed quiet. The usual castle and cathedral (as in most European cities) are here. The main tourist season is over and it’s is mid-week. Had some lunch and then Anne talked me into driving to Ypres - luckily she did as it’s a great city to visit,

Ypres was the site of a number of WW1 western front battles. It’s where over 13,000 Australian soldiers lost their lives. The are many memorials and war cemeteries and a very good museum in the city. There is also the “Menin Gate” dedicated to Commonwealth soldiers whose graves are unknown. Every night they play the “last post” at 8 pm and hundreds of people gather to pay their respects.

After dinner we drove back to the flat.Read more