Brussels to Gent

19th & 20th June
We decided to take the train  for a few kilometres to get out of suburban Brussels. Tom-tom lead us very efficiently to Gent. I must say though that this was a singularly unspectacular ride. Flanders seems like one big suburb. The bike path followed the road the whole way and except where it became particularly potholed was very safe. At one point, an excavator driver working on a new section of piste and pavement courteously moved his machine into the tragic lane in order to let us pass safely on the other side.
The high point of this ride was definitely our excursion into Aalst. A town with an outstanding central square and historic old buildings. We also sampled our first Belgian waffles at Dirk Martens Cafe/ Tavern - they absolutely melted in your mouth & the coffee (cappuccino with slagroom - whipped cream) came with lovely little petit fours.
The tourist office in Gent was the best we had encountered in Belgium. They pleasantly & efficiently organised a lovely central b&b, provided us with maps & a walking tour & gave us directions on how to exit Gent for Bruges.
We checked into our b&b, got organised and headed out to see Gent. Dinner, at  t'Clock Huys in the Patershol district, was a Belgian Flemish stew with baby potatoes, sorrell (mixed grill Flemish style) & chocolate mouse -pretty good!
We walked for hours around Gent, finding it especially beautiful at night.
Our  b&b was so restful & pleasant we arranged to stay an extra night in Gent.
20th June
Caught up on family phone calls, finances, paperwork & washing and Pat did some bike maintenance.
After lunch we continued our exploration of the city and found a fabulous deli (aula ??). We decided we would have a picnic with the family rabbit, in the lovely enclosed garden at our b&b & bought cheese, ham, rolls, salad, rosé & dessert.