WAFFLES!!!

Welcome back, loyal readers! After admiring Luxembourg City for a day, we've moved yet again, this time to Belgium. Over the next few days, I will share our adventures in the two neighboring cities of Gent and Brugge (pronounced "Brooj", not "Bruggy"). The two are both canal towns with medieval city centers, making them interesting to explore.

Fun Fact:

Many people think that the most notable aspect of Belgium is the waffles- those people are completely correct.

The city's belfry.

Within the belfry is this sculpture of a dragon, said to keep the city safe from harm.

The city of Gent is a fun mix of old and new. The exterior of every building is old-fashioned and pleasing to the eye, but the interior can house anything- even a mere Subway. I recommend making a stop here if you're ever in Europe, as the area is an adventure just to wander around (also, the Belgian waffles are delicious and everywhere).

An ancient castle, sitting casually in the middle of the town square. This is our kind of city.

Oh, did I mention that you can also just walk right into it?

You can even get a nice view from the roof.

Another view of the same castle.

A view from inside one of the cathedrals.

Gent, as seen from on top of the belfry.

Another photo from the belfry. This bell is named Roland, after a semi-famous hero who warned of an incoming attack by blowing his trumpet. It's a fitting name, as the bell used to ring whenever an enemy approached.

 Readers, we are nearing the end of this vacation. We have two more days in Brugge to talk about, and then a week in England which may not be all that exciting. However, I do have a very special bonus episode in store for you that will come at the end of the vacation. Thanks for reading!

Aidan's Greek Myths

Episode 8: Hermes, Hera, and Iris, part 3

The vote was to be decided with stones. Each god got one, and they were to cast them at the feet of whomever they agreed with- at Apollo if they supported Hermes's further punishment, or at Hermes if they wanted to let him off the hook.

Hermes was not only a cunning god, but also a persuasive one. And so, the mound of stones that landed at his feet when the vote was cast was said to reach up to at least his eyes, while Apollo received practically none. Hermes had won the vote. Still, though, the two gods set aside their differences and became friends, with Hermes even being given a throne on Olympus.

Fun Facts (Greek edition):

1. To this day, mounds of stones, or cairns, are the symbol of Hermes. As he is the god of travelers, cairns built along the road are said to bring good luck to those who pass by (I think).

2. Hermes is the messenger of Olympus, and he even was winged sandals to speed up his work. However, before Hermes, there was another messenger- Iris, goddess of the rainbow. Some say she travelled along rainbows, while others say that they were actually her dress, but all agree that she was Olympus's first messenger.