Classic Belgium

 We have come North again and crossed an invisible border from Wallonia into Flanders, which is the Dutch speaking region of Belgium. To greet someone here in our rudimentary French is likely to invite a bit of a frown. Fortunately, in Flanders, English becomes our default language as it is commonly used.

Seagoing vessels once offloaded here on the Ghent waterfront. 

Ghent historically marked the headwaters of the tidal river Schedt. The old town made rich by river trade is now encircled by a large deep commercial waterway with links to all of Western Europe.

  

Street mural. Belgium has a proud railway heritage.

Belgium once boasted more railways than any other European country. Even today, the frequent trains run on time and oldies, (65 and over) can travel countrywide all day for no more than € 8.50 ( NZ$16 ) 

Ghent castle, in the centre of town, was built in 1180. It has a dark feudal history.

We moored close to the centre of Ghent and spent a few days soaking up the classic architecture. Then cruised on towards Brugge, via the old Leie river, which is a delightful meandering river it was here that we were met by an international flotilla of 'amphibious vehicles'.  

We were warned to expect 80 'amphibians' coming our way!

Truly an international rally.

Along the Leie, we tie up at the picture postcard village of Sint Martens-Latem

Back on the main canal to Brugge, we spotted a bird floundering and near exhausted in the water. Once rescued, we noted it had a leg ring with a phone number. A phone call established that he/she was on a homing flight from France back to the Netherlands.   

This pigeon was making a poor job of swimming.

Turned out that this soggy pigeon had ID.

Dried out and ready to find its way home.

A week or so later we got a call back to say that this little pigeon had made it home. 

Next stop Brugge, and summer weather is still with us

Brugge is the classic Belgian waterway town. With the luxury of time this year, we spent a full week here.

Classic Brugge.

Touristy bit of Brugge

Ah, the 13th century Belfry. Yes, we climbed all 366 steps

 

The carillon drum at the top of the Belfry. 

As this massive brass drum rotates slowly, the pegs trigger a medly on the 47 carillon bells, quite magical to watch and listen.

Just a few of the 366 steps.

For a day out we took the touristy little paddle boat along what was the original waterway route from Brugge to the sea and stopped at the town of Damme.

 

 

        Damme, once a seaport, is now many kms inland. 

From Brugge we will cruise the less travelled waterways of western Belgium to Diksmuide and Ypres.