I've tried to fight it, but I can't. Every time I pass the window of De Slegte I must stop and look at the books. Their collection of books consists of second-hand books or new books you can't find in the regular bookstore anymore. Once or twice a month I go shopping for 'new' old books. Their collection of second-hands books is huge.
The cheap 'new' books are perfect if you like to give books as a present, but your budget isn't that big. I've bought a lot of presents for my friends here already.
Last year the store was taken over by a Dutch company who wanted to reduce the activity of second-hand books. My world collapsed! Meanwhile it is in Belgian hands again and the stores of De Slegte will continue as before. So I'll continue shopping as before.
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"Mayana Chocoladebar" in Ghent is for the 99.9% of us who like chocolate. They have four kinds of chocolate here; I always go for the darkest one of course
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"Oak" is probably Ghent's best restaurant at the moment. You need to book 3 months in advance to set foot here, since the price and quality is exceptional.
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"Eetkaffee Multatuli" in Ghent is a true hidden gem of a spot. Please, keep quiet about this restaurant as I don't want it to become more popular!
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"Noodlebar Ramen" is a fresh, cozy and no-nonsense noodle restaurant in Ghent. The owner has published several books on street food. I come here for lunch.
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"STAM" is Ghent's city museum. It's located in the old abbey. I must say, if you haven't been to this museum, you haven't been in Ghent!
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"MSK" in Ghent, or Museum voor Schone Kunsten (fine arts) doesn't look so big from the outside. For me, a walk there is the perfect Sunday afternoon...
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"Citadelpark" in Ghent, only 800m from Sint-Pieters station, is the oldest and biggest park in the city - the perfect place for picnics and outdoor games.
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"Chocolatier Van Hoorebeke" in Ghent is a shop run by my family that specialises in Belgian pralines, or chocolate! Do try our Brasil mix...
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"Le Bal Infernal" in Ghent is a used book cafe where you go inside, admire the beautiful interior and switch the books with one you have already!
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"Damberd" is the best example of that they call a 'Belgisch bruin café' in Ghent and one of its oldest bards. Very popular with the jazz crowd!
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"Yoga-on-call" is a contemporary yoga studio in the heart of Ghent. All the teachers are enthusiastic and helpful and speak English. I'm always energized.
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