.Gonna Ghent, Gonna Ghent.

I dare you to say that 10 times faster and 20 times more! :)

One of the oldest historic towns of Belgium. I love their novel idea of integrating the old and the new: in this case, old heritage buildings with modern stores.

.the town centre of Ghent.

At the town centre (the place wasn't quite big), there were classic architecture buildings converted to house trendy urban restaurants and cafes. You could sit out under the sun and find yourself entertained by the lively, interactive street musicians that cafe-hop from one to another for tips and sort. Order up a tall glass of clear cool drink (shaken, not stirred) filled to the rim with an assortment of lime slices, ice cubes and mint leaves. Ahhhhhhh.......

Ghent was an hour long drive by car whereby I passed time by catching up with my steampunk novel by George Mann called the The Affinity Bridge (awesome read, btw!). We arrived in town quite early to find the streets nearly deserted, save for a few street workers and one or two early birds who've come to check out Ghent like us. It was almost as though the quiet town centre was emphasised by the echo of crickets - the Belgians sure do love their weekend sleep-in!! :) Already by that hour, the sun was blazed mercilessly in the azure skies. On our feet, we treaded up and down the crooked, rugged pavements of the french-esk alleyways, looking for life and refuge from the unforgiving sun.

.One of the friendly waffle makers in Ghent.

All around us, signs of life slowly came to being as we walked deeper into the meandering alleyways. Wide shopping window-panes were smacked with bold red signs screaming for our attention (and ultimately for the crispy papers hidden within the folds of our wallets). The signs beckoned us into their cooling haven, enticing us to reveal and finally release the contents of our wallets into their grubby fingers in desperation. Luckily, we escaped without having to make any sacrifice - thanks to my Dad's lack of patience for women shopping (yes, believe it or not... it helped us a lot!!)

.One of the small statues found on the old buildings in Ghent.

We continued to walk around town. Most of the town was under extensive renovation in preparation for the upcoming national day, a celebratory event that loomed closer as we speak. Tall aluminium bars and cages jut out from the ground, holding pedestrians and cyclists at bay from the work site - barricading curious hands from prying.

.Remaining part of a castle.

.Some of the buildings built from 1700s!!.

By lunchtime, what was once a dead street was already spilling with life. Cafe tables and sun-brellas (the huge sun umbrellas, as I like to call them!) pop out into the streets. Waiters and waitresses buzzed back, forth, left, right, round and round the cafe perimeter, carrying food and drinks of sorts for paying customers. All through this, a band of 5 friends seduce the crowds with their snazzy beats. Flashes of accordion, guitar, trumpets and what nots concocted delicious melody into the crowded air.