Mechelen and More Food

Yesterday we took a local train (lots of stops) to a town east of Ghent called Mechelen. I'd read it was a good destination for a day trip, and it was perfect. We were able to walk to the center of town where they have a beautiful square with interesting architecture.  It was their market day so the place was busy but it was all locals. There were no signs of tourists anywhere - no tours, no school trips - just the people of the town doing their weekly shopping. We had plans for lunch but the seafood stand called to us to try their calamari. Not a great decision since our stomachs have been weird ever since. Maybe we should have gone for the roast chicken instead.

A few blocks away was De Vleeshalle, a unique food hall made from an old meat market. Beautiful inside with lots of lunch options. We ended up sharing a small chicken mushroom pie and some gelato.

One of the reasons I wanted to visit Mechelen was to visit a museum called Kazerne Dossin. During WW2, this location served as a transit camp. The Nazis moved the Jews from Belgium and northern France to the barracks there until they could move them to the main camps like Auschwitz. The museum is very well done with photos and videos that were difficult to watch but that really told stories about the people who were there. It was emotional for both of us. Obviously, it was not a place where I felt like taking photos but those images will remain in my mind.

A bus and a train ride and we were back in Ghent. On the way to dinner, we ran into a lively group... I think a bachelorette party? I was trying to discreetly take their photo but they insisted I take a group one instead. I'm not sure about the horns on the ladies meant or why the bride was dragging around a suitcase, but they were definitely having a good time.

Dinner was at t'klokhuys (I think it means clock house which seems appropriate for us). It's a super old building and very cozy inside. It was the kind of place where you're almost forced to chat with the people around you because they are so close. I had a local dish called waterzooi which is basically chicken soup. It was served in a tureen and contained enough soup for a family of four. The chicken and veggies were good but it was the broth that knocked me out. I have no idea how they made it but it was not your usual chicken soup.

Virtually everyone here speaks and understands English. But I love trying to decipher Dutch and figure out some of the words. It almost seems as if our words are the same as theirs but the Dutch folks just add a few extra letters in there to make the word longer just for fun. For example, here's a book on wine. What's with the J?

And the dessert menu from last night...

And one final photo from yesterday. This little girl was so bored at the market yesterday while her parents were eating oysters and drinking champagne. She was squirming and whining but looked so adorable. Love that dress! I'm really missing our grandkids, can you tell?