Xmas in Belgium/N. Germany trip day 1 - Exploring all Ghent has to offer (12/1/19)

Wake up late as I had a very long day with work/travel and finally getting to my final destination. We get dressed and walk along the river right next to our place heading into the center of town. Walk by lots of stores with tons of people out and about doing some shopping and going about their days. Eventually we stroll by the location where the xmas market will be as they are putting the cabins together and setting everything up. Walk down graffiti street which has a bunch of great art which I guess is why it is well known as one of the things to do in this town. We go to Babbelut in the Vrijdagmarkt square (spelling cannot be held against me) and I get the stoverij which is a beef stew with fries which was delicious and the meat was incredibly tender (which I guess would be easier in a stew? Ill let the chefs weigh in on that one). 

Beautiful Belgian views

Castle in the middle of the city

Flags flying atop the well defended castle

Such cool architecture!

Wonderful day for a stroll

Cool church in the center of town

View into the heart of the city

Crossing one of the many bridges of the day

Street are comes in all sizes

I think we all know by now I have a thing for doors... 

I got caught city gazing

I am a happy man

So good I took 2 pics of it.

After finishing our meal, we go see the Gravensteen castle and a bunch of churches in the main town area (Sint- Niklaaskerk, het belfort van gent, sint-Baafskathedraal). Then we go get groceries for breakfast and general snacking for while were traveling around. Since grocery shopping makes me thirsty, we then head over to Dulle Griet near the square where we ate which is a beer tavern that had the Westvetleren 12 beers for sale so I got to try it early on in the trip. For those curious about that beer, it is frequently ranked by beer connoisseurs/critics as one of, if not the, best beers in the world. It was delicious and I can see why it is frequently raved about but it was not as fascinatingly delicious as the black butte porter anniversary edition (like 19 or 24 or something like that) that I had years prior. But I am one man. Walking around town after a few beers there to see what its like at night, and get an order of fries from a street vendor posted up next to the Groot Vleeshuis (butchers hall). Walk around a bit more before going to the Het Waterhuis aan de bierkant which is a beer bar situated next to the river so we could have some good views while enjoying the brews. At the table next to us is this awesome older couple who we sat and just chatted with for a while while we took down some beers. Walk back to the place and the roads are empty.