Brussels, Belgium. Thursday, 4th May 2023.
The day began at 05:30. A good, refreshing sleep. Decided on visiting Ghent, a city 30 minutes away by train. Set off after breakfast, on foot, at 09:15. Walked down the rue Fierlant and arrived at a mini junction where an open-air market was set up. Spent some time checking the items on display – stuff of household utility – most of which, as expected, was made in China! Enjoyed the walk to Bruxelles-Midi railway station. Passed a tram workshop on the way. Used my TAB and the Belgian National Railways’ app to buy tickets to Ghent (Euros 10,40 per adult).
Found platform no. 9 and waited for our train, watching other passengers, especially a group of school-kids with its ‘in-charge’. A few kids were carrying their ‘scooters’ with them. The train arrived on time and departed on time (10:29). Sped through the charming Belgian countryside for almost 30 minutes before arriving at Gent Saint-Pieters railway station. Exited the station premises and were immediately pleased by what we saw – a typically European small town! It could have been Dusseldorf or Heidelberg or Herrenberg or Bruges! Bang opposite the station was what looked like an amphitheatre from whose many points branched off the city’s roads, flanked on either side by the aesthetically appealing constructions.
Entered the station premises again to enquire of a day ticket for Ghent; were directed to another building outside the station. We happened to enter the bus station, which was just adjacent to the train station. A young lad awaiting his bus directed us to the right place – a white, single storeyed structure by the side of the main road, opposite the station, just a few metres from where we were standing. After ascertaining from the lady there that there was no day ticket for Ghent, we purchased an ‘hour’ ticket for tram no. 1, which would take us close to the City Hall.
Boarded a new-looking tram which trundled along between broad pavements housing a row of glittering shops on either side. So typically Europe! Alighted at the tram stop of Korenmarkt and were thrilled to see a familiar sight – a ‘T’ junction with cobbled roads and pavements, awesome buildings, magnificent churches, glittering restaurants and shops; crowds of youngsters at their colourful and boisterous best; all under a bright blue sky and a shining sun, with the cool breeze for company! The churches had jaw-dropping architecture and were wonderfully maintained. The sweet chime of the church bell from time to time added to the relaxing ambience. We just wandered here and there, feeling - perhaps for the first time on this trip – that we were actually in Europe! (Brussels, which has become dirty, did not give us this feel on our arrival on Tuesday afternoon).
Strolled in the direction of the river – more a canal, so narrow! Crossed it along a bridge. The crowds down below, sitting on the banks, letting the sun shine on their bodies. Boats carrying tourists with their ears keenly tuned to their guides, kept going up and down the waters. In the background stood medieval constructions. It was a heavenly sight!
Got ourselves clicked to the background of the river. Then continued the exploratory walk farther, just soaking up the bright and joyous atmosphere. Purchased a few Indian snacks to go with our morning tea, at a shop selling Indian spices and other stuff. Unfortunately, it did not sell Spanish saffron, which we badly wanted. Retraced our steps after a while and halted at an Indian restaurant named ‘Indian Curry House’ which had a most pleasing décor and a welcoming hostess who appeared to be of Indian origin. She presented us the menu and in the ‘Wines’ section was ‘Sula’! What a pleasant surprise! We informed the lady that we had come from Nashik, the birthplace of ‘Sula Wines’! She looked surprised but pleased. Enjoyed our lunch comprising Chicken Nilgiri Masala (quite good!), plain naans, a glass of ‘Jupiler’ brand Belgian beer (apparently new in the market); and fruit juice. A ‘papad’ was given on the house, as was a large portion of plain rice. Enjoyed the meal. Exited the restaurant and decided to return to Brussels.
Walked back to the Korenmarkt tram stop and once again it was tram no. 1. Within twenty minutes we were on platform no. 10 of the railway station, awaiting the 14:24 to Brussels. The train departed on time and once again we were treated to flying views of the Belgian countryside. Disembarked at Bruxelles-Midi a little before 15:00; and retracing our morning’s steps, were back at Hotel De Fierlant by 15;20. The friendly lady at the reception was surprised to see us back from Ghent so soon!
Collected tea bags, etc. for the afternoon and tomorrow morning. Took the lift up, after ascertaining from the receptionist that it was in working order! (It had developed a snag the previous afternoon and we had been forced to use the spiral staircase that reminded us of the Qutab Minar at New Delhi, this morning. It had inevitably made us hum, “Dil ka bhanwar kare pukar…”!)
Enjoyed the afternoon tea in the room, watching the dwellings outside and planes in the Belgian sky. We are resting now. It is 17:46 and we plan to go down to the lobby by 19:30, for a game of chess and to enjoy our evening drinks!
It turned out to be a great evening! We did go down to the lobby at 19:30. The lobby was well-lit though there was plenty of daylight outside. No other guest was around and the chess-board looked inviting! The game was fun! Urmila seemed to have learnt a lot in just a day! Half-way through, I ordered my Jack Daniels and the receptionist poured out a thick one. Urmila preferred Gordon Gin &Tonic. The ‘second half’ of the game was better, with strategies boosted by Jim and Gordon! A hard-fought game was ultimately won by me but at the end I had just three pieces remaining on the board – a pawn, a bishop and the king!
