It is my constant struggle with travel (and I suppose life in general) but I need to learn to go new places with fewer expectations, whether they be positive or negative.

Although I had heard many accounts to the contrary (Andrea for one!), I wasn’t very excited to visit Ghent, Belgium. The guidebooks had more to say, certainly, but the phrase that I most remember reading about Ghent was that it was a “grittier, dirtier Bruges.” Which may be true, but in all honesty this does Ghent an injustice. I’m not sure it should be compared to Bruges at all, for they had very different vibes, even though are both canal towns in Belgium.

In addition to this phrase floating through my brain, my love for Bruges is true. I couldn’t imagine liking a city that was like Bruges, but worse. I was having a hard time opening up my heart for Ghent.

Then, I got there.

Upon first sight, it’s not impressive, and when we disembarked the train I was sure my suspicions of this being a waste of time were true (especially since Paris was our next stop). Waiting in the absolutely cold rain/snow/sleet for a tram that took a solid twenty minutes to show up didn’t help, either.

Note: Twenty minutes for public transportation is not that unreasonable. But in Prague, it is practically unheard of unless it’s three a.m.! I’m spoiled! 

Neither did our hostel. It was certainly clean and comfortable enough, but not charming, or cute, and was located in an area that seemed to be just banks and other shops that were closed. If we hadn’t been hannnngry, I would have holed up in our room and not left until the next day.

Luckily, my stomach protested this plan, and off we went in search of food.

Despite the cold, and the wet, and my general attitude, I slowly began to be charmed by Ghent. We ran smack into a canal, ate at a pub that sort of looked like my dream house, and as the darkness fell, we found incredible old buildings, explored tiny alleys, found a gorgeous clock tower, and came across perfectly picturesque Christmas market, even though Christmas was a few days past.

Whenever I mention that I’m not interested in visiting somewhere, E reminds me of Ghent (or Berlin, or the countless other places I’ve had low expectations for that have absolutely surprised me).

I didn’t get the best pictures of Ghent, because in my terrible attitude I didn’t bring my camera for that walk and didn’t expect to find anything too picture-worthy. Luckily, I had my phone, so I am able to share a bit of Ghent with you!

The moral of the story is? Give every place a fighting chance–and give yourself more than one night for Ghent.

^^the train station in Ghent is also really cool!

Linking up with Travel Tuesday!