Spotter since 2010
About me
I finished my studies in international relations at Ghent University in 2002. After one more year of studies in Louvain-la-neuve (close to Brussels), I left to work in Vienna for 3 years. In 2006 I was happy to move back to my beloved Ghent. I’m currently employed at University College Ghent, where I’m involved in international projects, hosting of Erasmus students, etc.
In my free time I love to travel, to cook (mainly Belgian, Italian and Asian dishes), to explore the city, to visit restaurants, bars, theater, concerts, etc. If it comes to sports I try to swim and to do yoga on a regular basis.
Why Ghent?
With less than 300.000 inhabitants Ghent is not a huge city, but still it offers everything you need and expect from a city.
Ghent is permanently developing, without losing its historical past. It combines old and new architecture. Old buildings get a modern touch and a new function. The students bring in a vivid atmosphere. Here you don’t find a university campus, but the university buildings and the colleges are spread everywhere in town.
The people of Ghent can be quite stubborn, but not really narrow minded. It’s a great city to live in and a great city to explore as a tourist!
Where else can you find me online?
Linkedin
Check out the interview with me on the Spotted by Local's blog
I also run a company which offers free guided tours in Ghent, iTours.be. You're more than welcome to join one of our tours!
"Simon Says" in Ghent is more than a coffee bar. They offer breakfast, lunch and great cakes. I don't like coffee but it's said that theirs is the best.
by
"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!
by
"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.
by
"Portus Ganda" is one of the four marinas of Ghent. Its history goes back to the very basis of the city and is my favourite spot - I feel connected here...
by
"Rococo" in Ghent's very cozy old neighborhood Patershol is also a cozy and romantic bar. It's known among locals as 'Betty'. Have some 'liquer d'amour'...
by
"St Peter's Abbey" in Ghent is one of the city's two beer-producing abbeys. I find it the perfect place to chill out and try many kinds of Belgian beer.
by
"Studio Skoop" is one of the three surviving cinemas in Ghent. It's an alternative theater that plays films from all over the world... Subtitles included!
by
"Lousbergmarkt" is a quality Ghent grocery store. They have cheese traditionally, but I come here for the organic fruit as well. This market has everything
by
Write about everything you 🤍 but skip touristic highlights