The map showed a long
tunnel to take under the tidal inlet of Westerschelde and given that
this saved us a long trip round via Antwerp, this is the option that
we chose. We were somewhat taken aback when we found out the price –
a car and caravan was €7.30 but a motorhome was €17.85, the same
price as a lorry. I find it very difficult to justify the difference
– does a 3.5 tonne motorhome damage the road more than a car and
caravan? It was however an impressive tunnel – 6.6 km (4.1 miles)
of it.
We were soon at the
Gentbrugge park and ride identified in our German Stellplatz book.
There are no motorhome facilities here, only a place to park over
night but it is ideally positioned for visiting the centre of Gent.
Luckily a Belgian couple had arrived just before us and greeted us
when we got out of the van. They were able to tell us that tram 22
would take us into the centre and explained where the historic centre
was in relation to the Kouter tram terminus. Equally important, they
told us that ticket machines were available at the tram stop.
After a quick bite to
eat, we caught a tram and walked up an up-market shopping street to
the old town. The Tourist Information Office staff were very helpful,
providing us with a map of the city and a walking trail leaflet that
described the major sights of the old town. We followed the trail and
enjoyed the architectural gems. The walk was well designed with
built-in surprises such as walking around a corner to find the 12th
century Castle of the Counts towering over a square in the middle of
the city. Another memorable site was the beautiful buildings on
Graslei, Gents first trading port.
When we visited St.
Nicholas' Church we found a soprano and a violinist practising for a
concert and it was great to be able to listen to them, accompanied by
an organ in the lovely setting and excellent acoustics of the church.
We really enjoyed the
city and decided that, proving the weather was good, we would come
back in tomorrow.
Photos: Two views of
Graslei Street.
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