GHENT

It took me 11 hours on buses and trains to escape France and arrive in Ghent, Belgium. I was eager to explore Ghent due to an article I had read about Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, a renowned Catholic Church I read about years ago. This Gothic architectural marvel certainly lived up to its reputation. They began building it in 1274 and it is approximately 300 feet tall. What I want to know is how men back in the late 1200 were able to construct this building. They did not have gas or electric powered cranes to take them or any equipment up to the top. A video tour is available on YouTube for those interested. Much more impressive than my photos.

Ghent is situated closer to the Netherlands and the town boasts a population fluent in both Dutch and English. The lower half of Belgium borders France and there the common language is French.

Rich in medieval architecture and home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, Ghent is characterized by its picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, Classic Flemish architecture and charming bridges. Bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation, with bike parking areas full to the brim.

Unfortunately, I transitioned from indulging in French pastries to savoring Belgian waffles, chocolate, and fries. As a result, my clothes are gradually becoming tighter. The origin of French fries is a contentious issue, with both Belgians and French claiming its invention.  Belgium has even petitioned UNESCO so that the French fry may be recognized as a prominent part of Belgian cultural heritage. Many Belgians insist that the name ‘French fry’ is a misnomer, coming about because the wider world cannot differentiate between the different Francophone cultures. French Fries were created in the southern part of Belgium, closer to France where French is spoken and so people began calling the fried potatoes a French Fry.

Some sources, including Belgian journalist Jo Gerard and chef Albert Verdeyen, claim that French fries originated in Belgium long before they came to France. Whatever the origins may have been, if you want to eat good fries while in the region, you should head to Belgium not France.

I discovered the secret many years ago during my time in Honduras. There, I formed a friendship with a young couple from Belgium who had traveled to, of all places, Tegucigalpa, Honduras to establish a restaurant. They named it Estro Armónico, after Vivaldi’s first concerto. The restaurant did not have a menu; instead, the owner, would visit the market daily to select the freshest meat, fish, and vegetables available. When guests arrived, he would join them at their table to share what he had purchased and his plans for preparing the meal. The ambiance was enhanced by the continuous playing of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, and the food was outstanding. We developed a close friendship with the owner and his wife and they eventually moved to the United States, where they became citizens. They settled in Austin, Texas, and opened a Belgian chocolate shop and restaurant. John Louis revealed to me the secret behind authentic Belgian fries, which was later corroborated by a chef at a fry shop I visited in Ghent. The key was to fry the potatoes three times, allowing them to cool between each frying.

Made with quality Dutch potatoes, most fries in Belgium are fried in beef tallow rather than oil and are considered a main dish in themselves rather than simply a side. In Belgium, fries are the star player and not just an added garnish to a plate of hamburgers or sandwiches. I absolutely had my fair share and they are served with mayo, not ketchup, try it sometime.

I sampled a Belgian street waffle, and it was entirely different from the waffles found in the United States. Unlike the runny batter used for pancakes, these waffles are crafted from a dough that rests and rises before being placed in the waffle iron. The taste and texture are heavenly.

I don’t want to leave out the remarkable Belgium chocolate. There are dozens and dozens of chocolate shops on every street. My diet in Ghent consisted of fries, waffles and chocolate!

It has been a losing battle to try and keep my weight under control.

We should live our lives like we drive our car. Look ahead, now and then glance in the rear-view mirror for safety, but always keep your eye on what is ahead and you will arrive safe and happy.

Canals

Bike Parking

Belgium Fries with plain Mayo and Mayo with truffels

Belgium waffles before they go into the iron

I can’t leave out the chocolate making

Map showing Belgium,Ghent is on the west coast near Netherlands

Inside St. Bavo- this photo does not do it justice.

St. Bavo

There are no photos of me in this blog- on purpose!! I won’t fit on the page!