Today I had the pleasure of spending time with Steffie whom I met in Portugal in 2016. We both arrived at our Lisbon hostel at the same time (I think it might have been her first time at a hostel?!) and we decided to go exploring Lisbon together until we could officially check in. We’ve kept in touch over instagram and when I knew I was going to Belgium, I wanted to meet up with her as part of my old friends/new places -OR- new friends/new places theme of my adventure. She was gracious enough to not only meet me, she drove from her little town and took me to Ghent, Belgium and I got to see it through her eyes. I told her if she ever finds her way to San Diego, I will return the favor, hands down. I think I’ve invited everyone I’ve met on this trip to visit me. But I have a good sense about people.
This is Steffie and I in Ghent.
Ghent is very different than Bruges (I’m still in love with Bruges and need to figure out how I can move here only when it doesn’t snow). The buildings have odd little roof shapes, like steps leading to a chimney. I don’t know what that kind of architecture is called but it’s something out of a child’s drawing or Minecraft. 
Finally, I would not consider this post complete if I didn’t mention the people I’ve met at the beer bar 2 doors down from my hotel.
Paolo – the lucky guy in the middle. He gave me one of his Pastel de nata (Portuguese pastries) so I guess that makes us friends.
Esther – a Dutch girl traveling with her boyfriend Jasper from the Netherlands. She was sweet and her boyfriend was nice as well. One day, those kids will be following in my footsteps…give them some time.
Bram, Ian and Cristina – stewards of the bar who made me feel like I belonged.
Until next time Bruges…I will be back!
There She Goes... 