Gent

I had the opportunity to go to Gent, a city in Belgium, to give a talk, a lecture, and an interview (all of which are slightly different, but put together involved me talking for approximately five hours over an eight hour span) at the university there.

Gent was a gorgeous city. I don't know much about Belgian history, apart from quick defeats in world wars and misguided actions in African colonies (not its brightest moment), and my ignorance led me to think that there's not much of interest in the country. But the region was part of multiple empires during the middle ages, and it makes sense that there would be some impressive architecture and monuments.

And, indeed, there were three cathedral/churches in close proximity in the city center:

One of these - the Belfry of Gent - included a 300 foot tower in which visitors can look down upon all of Gent (a few of the higher angled pictures of churches above were taken there):

A fortress is close to the churches:

And, beyond churches and a fortress, the city center has large squares, a river, and a plethora of interesting restaurants and cafes.

Escargot from a street stand

Belgian waffles

Apparently Gent is nearly as enthusiastic about biking as Amsterdam.

The Antwerp train station.

Gent has invested in lighting the city up during the evenings. Night time walks on the cobbled paths along the river have a magical feeling.