An Uncle Ben post
Our first full day in Eeklo was spent putting the laundry out to dry. Our Air BnB place has a nifty walled-off patio to let clothes hang out while we travel. Kylie really wanted to do some bike riding before we left, but it was determined she couldn't reach the peddles and crashed twice in the first ten feet. We decided it would be safer for Uncle Ben to drive to Ghent (spelled Gent on half the signs here).
After parking in the underground garage we accidently ran into Sint- Braas Kathedraal along our way and decided to stop in.
Turns out they have "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" altar-piece nearly restored and on display. Kylie, Ben, and John donned virtual reality goggles to explore the crypt and learn why people keep stealing "The Mystic Lamb". It's been pulled apart a dozen times since 1432 after the van Eyck brothers painted it. The scary lamb eyes and the bishop carrying his tongue with a pair of tongs makes this painting great.
After lunch we traveled to the top of the Belfrey of Ghent. The top of the tower has been topped with a dragon for hundreds of years looking out over the city.
After a quick elevator ride to the top, visitors can tour all around the top of the Belfrey with spectacular views of all around. Aunt Louise didn't like the edges and Uncle John didn't like the narrow spiral stairs to get back down.
After a couple souvenir shops, we moved on to the "Castle of the Counts". They have an amusing audio guide while you tour the ancient castle.
These glass railings at the top were the only ones present. The rest of the castle had more deadly spiral stairs, no guardrails, and an oubliette to hold prisoners.
Too many spiral stars today, so we found a grocery permitting Kylie to drink Dr Pepper in front of this statue.
Done with walking, we opted for a boat tour of the canals. Kylie liked it, but found the captain of the cave boat funnier than this tour guide.
Our final stop was the Mexican/Indian/Thai restaurant on the outskirts of Eeklo. The Nepalese owners were very friendly.
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