Gent

As our half-term break continued, we had decided go spend a day in Bruges after we'd perused Brussels.  However, we figured that on our way there we'd stop and spend a day in Gent.  This worked out well for us since it was only a 1/2 hr train ride from Brussels and on the way to Bruges.  Also, Gent is the home city of the brewing company Delirium, which we were scheduled to tour later that day.

We arrived mid morning and found a place to store our luggage in lockers at the train station.  May I say that is is super nifty!  It was great being able to park our gear and wander the town.

Next we found the tram to take us down town.  This was where we were going to start our "Rick Steve's walking tour" as per one of our group members suggestions.

Laden with the walking tour guide, she led us around the town to see various sights.  I absolutely love these towns in Belgium that have canals running through them.  It sets such a picturesque image for those visiting.

Some of my favourite travelling peeps! :)

Some of the beautiful sights / buildings in Gent.

Famous graffiti alley.  Dedicated to this art form.

Famous candy shop

Unfortunately closed on the day we were there :(

Castle

After touring the city, and of course enjoying some chocolate, we decided to hail a cab to take us to the brewery.  Well let me tell you.....that was an adventure in itself.  After we had confirmed the amount that it'd cost to take us, the cabbie was on his way.  However, once that agreed amount hit the taxi meter, and we hadn't reached our destination, all hell broke lose and it was on!  Speed gathered, seat belts clenched, hands gripped anything secure, and we were off!  Now while yes, it wasn't his fault that detours took us WAY out of the regular destination path, it wasn't our either.  Note to self: ALWAYS lock in a price before going out of the town to save yourself what might become a costly taxi ride.

Luckily we safely got to the brewery and met our host/tour guide: a genial man with rosy cheeks and a cheery disposition.  Yes, I immediately though "Santa Claus" upon seeing him.

Our tour led us through the Delirium brewery: from start to finish of how their beer is made, bottled, shipped along with history of the company.  The tour ended with 3 tickets for tastings of our choice.  The best part: we didn't just get a sample for each of our tickets.  Nope!  It was complete bottles or full glasses (for choices on tap).  Let's just say my first brewery tour has definitely set high standards for any to come in the future.  Especially since I got to don a beautiful hat! (You should've seen one of our comrades with his 'visor' lol).

Entrance / Museum area

Ticket given!  Here we go :)

Ready to enter ;)

Old fermentation sites.

Assembly / production line

Stock ready for shipment

LOVE the fruit beers and Delirium Tremens ad Reds flavours.

You HAVE to try it!

Our tour ended our day on a high note and then it was off to get our luggage and catch a train to....Bruges!  (Somehow, the ticket lady on the train knew we'd been at the brewery that evening lol).
On to......Bruges!