Having visited Brussels many years ago, I chose Ghent as the next stop. Again with little research.
Adoration of the Lamb replica
This time I asked my host, what should I see while I’m here ? Mentioning I had been delighted to see the Madonna & Child, he let me know the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb was in a church here. Yep, Monuments Men again; the large multi paneled artwork.
My daughter had been in touch, filling me in on having enjoyed Fantastic Beasts; “I really needed to go see that”. Why not, but, in which language ? My host explained the local cinema ran dutch & French subtitles to the English speaking film; but also mentioned from their personal experience, once I get to Germany, the films are mostly voice over dubbed; so now was the time to enjoy a night at the movies.
I learned French in High School, and all these years later, vague recollection left me comfortable to work out the gist of local French, but there is an isolation that comes from an inability to communicate. So many people I met, had quite good English, and as a traveller, you make the effort to at least learn the local polite conversation phrases; but the cinema experience brought it home; I’m out of my comfort zones. Great :- )
Next highlight on my visit to Gent was the Gravensteen Castle. Complete with a Torture room and full sized Guillotine. In various states of repair, this was a thoroughly enjoyable castle visit.
With Strasbourg next, my limited french would get tested, but I marvel at those who fluently speak a few languages.