What about Ghent? ...... and how come Paris?........
My new boss lives in Ghent and was good enough to offer me a historical tour of the beautiful city. I can't thank him enough for the time he took to show me around on this unseasonably warm though rainy December afternoon.
Ghent is historically one of the most important cities in Europe having partnered with more suitors that Elizabeth Taylor. Though unlike Lizzie, the suitors were not chosen but rather insisted that they just take over the strategically placed industrial center. Not even dinner and a kiss first. Military takeover, excessive taxation followed by rebellion was the theme for a significant period of time.The middle ages saw Ghent as the second largest city in Northern Europe (after Paris) with over 50,000 souls in 1300. The center of power and influence at that time even larger than Moscow and Cologne.
The city is absolutely majestic with photo ops at every turn and that sense of incredulity as the context is revealed though dates, time lines and historical markers that dredge ancient memories of sleepy moments during history 100....it now makes a bit of sense.....Now mainly a cradle of learning boasting seats for more than 30,000 university students, it is also easily within high speed train reach of Antwerp and Brussels. It is then a great alternative for workers from Antwerp or Belgium. Not only all that, but you get front row seats to the 10 day Ghent festival in July. With close to 1.5 million visitors, it's a world class festival.
A note on the beer.....9% and absolutely delicious.... you're kidding me!!! That is a deadly combination evidenced by my wobbly legged resumption of the exportation tour after reluctantly sliding off the barstool. The "brown bar" was the oldest in Ghent having been in operation for over 500 years (I think that's right). While I sampled a sweet light concoction, my tour director enjoyed a brew made locally by Monks. It can only be purchased by lottery and you have to go to the Abbey to get it. The details are foggy (back to the 9%) but a very unique and interesting. I couldn't help think of the Seinfeld "Soup Nazi" episode but wisely though not to bring that up. "NO BEER FOR YOU!"
Above, an early example of the power of socialism in the region. Ghent, an important industrial center was also an exercise in balancing the enthusiasms of the industrial revolution with the needs of workers.Arguably, one of the most important contributions of the region. Thinking of the feudal roots of Europe, balancing the rights of individuals and working toward equality in that day and age must have been a pretty dangerous occupation. I bet that building has some pretty interesting stories to tell. Ahhh if the walls had ears.
Dinner... ahhhhhh, a Belgian tradition.... Mussels and Pommes Frites with a killer white wine.
And Paris....how come......
Pictured above is a worker getting ready for the night's dinner trade on a busy street in South East Paris. Hours of work will go into this street side display. And like all the shops, restaurants and associated entertainment venues, they'll be packed with people. Even on a cool December Wednesday night as I walked in wonder of all the people out....smoking (of course) drinking and laughing along the sidewalks. I guess there is nothing good on TV on a Wednesday night .....And all his only blocks from the memorial to the Paris tragedy of November 13th. This site, where over 100 people were murdered is still busy with people, flowers, and other tokens of the love Parisians have for their city and way of life. And this is an attack on a way of life. Parish the thought that people can find contentment and joy outside the institutions of organized religion. As I stood there near midnight in the rain, it was with others who stood silently out of respect, out of love and out of a sense that decency must somehow prevail. It's wrong.......
In my humble opinion, and having the great fortune of visiting many of the world's greatest cities Paris is without equal. The pulse and energy of the city infect you in a way that brings joy and wonder. For the adventurous it is both a place of peace and unfettered possibilities. Vive la France.
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| Looking west while passing over Egypt as the sun goes down on a another wonderful day.... |
Thanks for reading ....Layno
