Ghent, Belgium

Today 12 of us went on a day trip to Ghent, in Belgium.

It was our first real attempt at figuring out the train system, and it was definitely interesting. We bought "Go Passes" which allow 10 domestic rides for 50euro. It worked out pretty well.

The train ride was about an hour, then we took a tram into the city's center. We wandered around the cathedrals and finally ended up getting food at a frituur (cheapest possible option). Afterwards we got italian ice for 1euro (i got tiramisu).

We toured the Count's Castle, right in the middle of the city. There's an entire room dedicated to torture devices, a room for weaponry, etc. Lots of narrow spiral stairwells and a great view from the top.

After the castle, we went back to wandering. We got traditional belgian "Caberdons" (aka chocolate noses) that were not in fact chocolate, and they were actually pretty gross, pretty sickeningly sweet. We browsed around a market that has been held since the 13th century (but I guarantee that they didnt sell quite so many clubbin clothes there back in the day), we saw some shops, and headed back to the train.

Overall a good day, probably could have stayed longer if we didn't do such a good job of celebrating the end of marketing last night, but oh well. Well worth the trip.

[[the photo show's count's castle...and the delicious ice cream truck in front, haha.]]