You want me to park where?

Just returned from a daytrip to Ghent, or Gent, or Gand depending upon what language you happen to be speaking. It really is no wonder people get lost in this country, every town has two or three names and even some of the roads have different names depending upon which direction you are driving.

Parking though, is the real challenge. With towns that were built five hundred years ago, the streets tend to be narrow. Ox cart narrow. Everywhere you go parking is a challenge. Even in parking garages, there is really no way to park and have passengers get out of both sides of the car. It's one or the other, not both. Today's trip to Ghent featured the usual fare. Drive to the town of interest, then search 20 minutes for parking that will accomodate a 5 series Beemer. We did OK though, particularly considering that there was a market going on. That usually sucks up parking within a ten block radius. Fortunately, we found a side street with just enough room to squeeze the Beemer in. I have to say I am really glad I got the back-up sensors and parking cameras. If they ever need an endorsement, I am their guy.

Ghent itself is a great little town. We will definitely be heading back when the weather is warmer. We still braved an outdoor cafe for lunch, taking advantage of the propane heater and blankets they provided. The highlight of the trip was Gravensteen castle. We will have to make that a stop for when friends with kids or a macabre sensibility come to visit. It seems like the whole place was used for some sort of torture. Dungeons, keeps, chambers, pretty much the whole place was the site of various atrocities. They had a bunch of original torture devices including a "chopper" used specificly for relieving people of their hands and feat. They also had a guillotine that was a reproduction, except for the blade, which was original. All in all a pretty upbeat kind of place.

The town itself however is really pretty. It is full of canals, shops and restaurants. We will certainly make it a regular weekend spot. Now if I could only remember where I put my car...