Ghent, Belgium, is a city that seamlessly combines historic charm with vibrant modern life. We explored its beautiful streets, soaked up the atmosphere, and indulged in some of the country’s most iconic foods. It’s a place that left a lasting impression on us and one we’d gladly return to.

Our day began with a tram ride into Ghent’s city centre. The grandeur of the place was immediately evident. Towering churches and cathedrals dominated the skyline, each with its own unique story and architectural style. St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece, was a standout. Its intricate artwork and peaceful interior were a reminder of the city’s rich history and artistic heritage.

We strolled through the cobbled streets, taking in the sights and sounds. Boat trips along the canals were available, offering a different perspective on the city, but the brisk weather made us decide to explore on foot instead.

By midday, we were ready for some classic Belgian comfort food. We couldn’t pass up the chance to try frites, Belgium’s famous chips. Served hot and crispy, they came with a range of toppings. While the exact name of the sauce we tried escapes us, it was a rich and savoury addition that elevated the already delicious dish. It was a simple yet satisfying meal I had stripped beef for mine which was amazing.

After more looking around the town later In the afternoon, we treated ourselves to freshly made Belgian waffles. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, they were topped with chocolate and whipped cream just the right balance of sweetness to keep us going.

We also took some time to pop into the many shops scattered throughout the city centre. From local boutiques to charming bookstores, there was no shortage of interesting finds. The historic surroundings and vibrant shopfronts made for a pleasant way to see the city..

Ghent is a city that has something for everyone. Its historic landmarks, friendly atmosphere, and delicious food that simply make it a destination worth visiting. While the chilly weather kept us from exploring everything, it gives us a reason to return. Next time, we would be sure to take that boat trip and delve even deeper into what this city has to offer.

Learn more about Exploring Ghent’s Charm!

Learn more about Exploring Ghent’s Charm!

The post The Charm, Sights and Delights of Ghent, Belgium appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

Dutch Windmill Adventure in Zaanse Schans

Leaving Amsterdam, we couldn’t resist a quick detour to Zaanse Schans in Zaandam it simply wouldn’t have been a proper Dutch adventure without it! Picture this: rows of storybook windmills standing proud against the chilly winter air, their massive sails slowly turning like they were winking at us. Zaanse Schans is a living museum showcasing how these 18th- and 19th-century windmills powered everything from spice grinding to wood cutting and oil pressing. Talk about wind with purpose!

The cold nipped at our noses (and possibly froze our toes), but it couldn’t dim the charm of the place. Bundled up in coats, gloves, we joined the crowd, snapping pictures and exploring the old buildings. To escape the icy breeze, we ducked into the canteen for lunch. Nothing fancy, but warm soup and crusty bread never tasted so good when you’re thawing out after a chilly stroll. We laughed about the cold, and spoke to Georgia about the big windmill sails their purpose and why they were so important in draining the marshes.

It was an impressive place, but it’s a real tourist trap, if we had known we might have looked for a more authentic place, still we saw what live would have been like 100 years ago and it was exceptionally well laid out, just so many tourists even in the bitter January cold!

From there, it was back on the road, leaving the Netherlands behind and heading towards Ghent, Belgium. The drive was a quiet moment of reflection and snacks the “Are we there yet?” questions were kept to a minimum. And the closer we got to Ghent, the more the excitement built. New country, new adventures, and yes, a sneaky promise of waffles and chocolate to keep spirits high.

Zaandam’s windmills? Tick. Fun, laughter, and frozen noses? Double tick. Belgium, get ready for us!

We love Dutch Windmill Adventure in Zaanse Schans!

Learn more about Zaanse Schans Windmills!

Learn more about Zaanse Schans Windmills!

The post Windmill Adventure In Zaanse Schans appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.