Our final port day to was spent in Ghent about an hours drive from Zeebrugge (Bruges is the closest city but since we have been there previously we decided to try Ghent). The port itself is a bustling commercial zone with literally thousands of new cars. According to our guide, it’s the biggest shipping port of autos in the world. There were massive parking lots filled to capacity! There were several huge windmills which apparently charge the EVs in the port. Additionally there were several other commercial ships and tons of containers. It’s definitely a busy place full of commercial activities.

Our tour bus takes us on the 60 minute drive past many industrial parks as well as open fields. Until we finally make our way to Ghent. Very much like Bruges, Ghent is a canal city and several of the bigger canals around the cities actually end up at the port or other European ports. The area is known as Flanders (one of 9 provinces). Brussels is the capital city of Belgium and also is the capital city of the European Union. It’s where all European leaders meet to discuss their countries and their interests. The language in Belgium is Flemish although french and German are also spoken. But french is the predominant language. One of the things I noticed looking out the bus window was the random patches of red poppies growing on the roadside. Made me think of the famous poem by John Mccrae: in Flanders Fields. I also kept an eye out for Mollys kin as she was a Bouvier de Flanders. No luck there.

Upon arrival in Ghent our bus pulls alongside a canal and we hop off only to cross the street and hop on our tour boat. Our guide, a lively and animated local, was steering the boat and telling us things nonstop over a microphone. There are dozens of canals that cross and interlink; many by bridges and smaller waterways. Alongside the canals are homes, buildings of various age and size, houseboats, businesses and churches. The architecture is really unique and amazing. Flora is abundant and lush.

In the town centre we are able to hop off the boat and explore the shops. I can’t get over how busy it is. Tourists and locals (many on bicycles) swarm the shops and eateries. There’s a number of school groups as well. The canals are busy with boat traffic. It’s a busy town!

As we pass a Marriott Hotel adjacent to the canal, Rudy suggests we could travel differently the next time. In fact there’s a few interesting places around town to stay. Otherwise there are many chocolate shops and cafes as well as other neat shops. I wish we had more time and luggage space!

Once we are back on the boat our captain/guide has erected the canopy tops since it’s threatening rain. However, in order to navigate under the bridges (there’s a lot!) he uses an automatic lowering switch and those sitting near the metal spikes have to duck. A cool system. It’s been interesting to see how buildings abut the canals and have withstood the test if time on the bricks. Nothing like the icy waves that pound the shores of Georgian Bay.

In all a lovely day (despite the weather) to see a splendid city.

The following are random photos of the buildings and canal views