It's a half hour train ride to Gent even though it is 60 km away...sound like Australia rail? Historical centre is 2.4 km from Gent St Peter's station so we use the tram..... Not trying to sound hip but OMG .... This canal city is breathtaking, stunning, sublime.....all previous superlatives x 2 apply. We walk along the canals and then pay admission: 8 euro each to explore a 900 year old castle, predominantly restored but a truly exhilarating experience. We also explore a range of historical buildings and Cathederals. Saint Bovan is unbelievable, unique, multi-layered and for moi, perhaps more interesting than the Vatican or any other Church in Italy.

I am becoming more and more aware that a forecast by my sons, Josh and Jess, following their return from Europe in 2011, is being realised: 'Once you see the rest of Europe, you will regard Italy as pretentious, unclean and less desirable'. (I edited their actual words for appropriateness)