Julie Cornelis (1989)

You could call this festival the smaller brother of the famous ‘Gentse Feesten‘. That one attracts loads of tourists and guarantees 10 days of madness all over the center of Ghent, the ‘Patersholfeesten’ are much smaller, intimate and with a more local public. Although when the weather gods are generous, it can get pretty crowded here as well. 

During the second weekend of August (9 – 11 august 2013) the alleys of the oldest, and my favorite, neighbourhood of Ghent are filled with people of all ages. There’s a full program with street artists, exhibitions, activities for children, and lots of other performances. The epicentre of the festivities is definitely ‘het Kaatsspelplein’.

At the same time as the Patershol festivities, also the Oudburg festivities have a full program with activities. Oudburg is adjacent to the Patershol. Here you will find quite a young public as there are lots of DJ-sets organised. Last year I was here, I must say there was a great vibe!

On Sunday (from 08:00 – 16:00) there’s a flea market all over the place. It’s definitely worth a visit, just already for the atmosphere!

The festivities end with the ‘Kaarskensprocessie’ (with starting and arrival point ‘het Kaatsspelplein’ and the symbolic extinction off the Patershol festivities (picture).

The scenario immediatly reminds you of Paris: people selling old novels, records, postcards and posters of blockbusters of bygone times along the water. But it’s not Paris and it’s not along the Seine.

On this second-hand book market you can still make some good purchases. € 5 for a well preserved classic isn’t an exception!

The bookmarket along the Lys has been around now for five years and so far it has been a success. Last year the market was expanded until the Recolettenlei (the street in line with the Ajuinlei).

There’s also possibility for private sellers (a stand costs € 5) to sell their books over here. Even if you’re not that much into books, it’s great to come to this place.

Just immerse yourself in the atmosphere!

Only open during weekends in summer when the weather is nice, this hidden garden doesn’t appear often for the public. But once you discover it, you’ll get ravished by it immediately. Although this place is situated in the middle of the centre (the graslei is only 50 meters away), you could read a whole chapter of a book here without getting disturbed.

The garden is full of plants, little corners and eastern elements. Eastern because the garden is part of an antiquarian specialized in objects of the Middle-East. 

On the menu you can find mostly organic – often ethnic sounding – juices and tea, such as Yogithea and Kombucha. Here you can eat sandwiches, salads, quiches and pancakes. When I saw the waiter passing by with the plates, they all seemed delicious! Don’t expect an extensive menu, nor sophisticated dishes. Though everything the chef prepares is honest and made with love! 

Let’s now pray for a next sunny weekend!  

Today the past is present everywhere: vintage is hot and vivid in all aspects of our daily life. Ghent doesn’t escape the hype, and I admit, neither do I. The Fallen Angels has been around for more than 30 years! As the Maya knew, my grandma knew, so knew the owners of this shop for a long time: everything comes back!  

Fallen Angels exists in two neighboring shops, belonging to Isabelle (The Fallen Angels) and her daughter, Ganesha (The Fallen Angels Gallery). They are both relentless collectors of objects which will make you feel very nostalgic. They sell old stuff from movie posters and funny postcards, dolls and other toys to lovely tin cans (my favorites!). I have the impression that Isabelle sells the real vintage items and Ganesha is more specialized in replica. But both stores are charming in their own way and have an extensive range of curiosa.    

Last time I went I ended up with 4 postcards and 2 tin cans, although my mission was to buy 1 mother’s day card. Maybe the passionate way in how Isabelle talks about her massive tin collection had to do with it. Anyway I think I’m starting to become a bit of a collector as well, whoops!  

PS: Members of their facebook page can be elected as ‘fan of the week’! A gift will be yours.. 

Ghent has two locations where graffiti is allowed: the ‘Keizersviaduct’ (near ‘het Keizerspark’ (Check the Keizerpark article) and the graffiti alley in the ‘Werregarenstraat’. Last one forms the corridor between the Hoogpoort and the Onderstraat. 

Every time I cross this venue, art works have changed. Although some works are maybe from less quality, there are always some nice pieces to behold. If you’re in the neighbourhood, you should definitely pass by!

But I also like this place for another reason. If you walk through the alley, you’ll see – a bit unexpected – a nice garden. And guess what, it’s open for public! The building where the garden belongs to, ‘het Hof van Ryhove’, dates already from mid 12th century. Over the centuries it has had several functions, going from a dungeon for catholic bishops during the Calvinistic regime to even a house of pleasure! Nowadays it houses several public services of Ghent.

The garden contains several tables and benches and is pretty cozy. If you’re in need of a quiet place to relax, to read a book or even to study, I must say this is one fine spot!