Ron at grafitti street


Maverick Rover World Travels

Blog Post #90

GHENT, BELGIUM


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Ghent train station
30 minute train ride from Brugges

Inside station
touted as the most beautiful train station in Europe
with six levels of train tracks, shops and restaurants


More inside station

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cuberdon candy
only sold in Ghent


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Gravensteen Castle
once a castle, then a prison, 
now a museum that offers a wedding venue


Wedding couple being photgraphed 
on a bridge over the Leie River

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St. Michael's Historic Church


Lovely private residences along a Ghent canal

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Just a reminder that you need coins
or a debit card to enter the loo (bathroom)
in most public spaces like train stations, 
airports and along the street,
Normal fares range from €1.00 - €1.20 - €1.50
it's always smart to buy a coffee or treat at a cafe, 
then use their restroom for free 

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Just when we were closing the door to Ghent for the day,
another door opened.


We found ourselves at a little cafe along the River Leie, where we had just taken the boat ride and decided to have a 0.0 Belgian beer before returning to Brugges. We found the last table in the shade facing the river. We ordered a beer and a croque madame  and some Belgian fries (yum, the best fries we have ever had). The waiter returned with the sandwich and informed us that they were out of fries. Gingerly, I said, "Out of fries, really?" but we stayed anyway. 

Side note:   
The history of French (Belgium) Fries is interesting. 
During WWII, American soldiers heard French being spoken by Belgian soldiers, because that is what many spoke, SO they dubbed it the Fry French rather than Belgian Fry. 

The fact is that many years ago the rivers in Belgium froze over so they could not catch their sardines to deep fry. THAT is when they chose to fry potatoes with the lack of sardines, THUS the French (Belgian) Fry. 

Interestingly, a young American gentleman at the table next to us said, "I was going to order fries too, so I guess we'll all just drink beer." That was just the beginning of the conversation because it lead to the fact that he is in the military in Turkey, but on a break so he decided to visit Belgium. As the conversation went on, we learned that he was born and resided in Monterey, CA. Right, our California! And his mom was from Neskowin, Oregon near to where we had once owned a beach house in Lincoln City, OR. He attended the University of Oregon in Eugene and his wife is studying in Honolulu to become a commercial pilot.  I'm also a pilot, only just a single engine plane, not commercial. Ron lived for many years in Oregon, so it was quite a serendipitous moment in Belgium. Our Maverick Rover World Travels continue to offer so many wonderful meet ups. We highly recommend global travel!

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Leaving you with this travel poem....




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 Cheers until next time, 

Roger and Ron
























Comments

  1. Michael Jensen WriterJune 4, 2026 at 9:31 AM

    Beautiful! I need to see that train station!

    ReplyDelete
  2. MickeazJune 13, 2026 at 3:31 PM

    Fascinating! I love the connections you make with fellow travelers. You’re a pilot too!? Super cool!

    ReplyDelete

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