Graslei and Korenlei: The Historic Heart of Ghent

• HelloHallo
  [ha-lo]
• GoodbyeTot ziens
  [tot zeens]
• YesJa
  [ya]
• NoNee
  [nee]
• Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft
  [al-stu-bleeft]
• Thank youDank u
  [dank oo]
• Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [so-ree]
• How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [hu gat het]
• Fine. And you?Goed. En met jou?
  [huut. enn met yo]
• Do you speak English?Spreekt u Engels?
  [spreekt uu engels]
• I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik buh-hrayp hut neet]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMag ik de menukaart zien, alstublieft
  [mah ik duh me-nuu-kart seen, al-stu-bleeft]
• I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik eet kheen flays]
• Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIk wil graag betalen, alstublieft
  [ik vil khraahg buh-tahlen, al-stu-bleeft]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Ga weg!
  [gaah vekh]
• Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel duh po-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel een dok-ter]
• I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben ver-dwahld]
• I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben zeek]

• I'd like to buy...Ik wil graag kopen...
  [ik vil khraahg koh-pen]
• I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar
  [ik kayk al-leen maar]
• How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hu-vale kost hut]
• That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [dat is tuh dyoor]
• Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt uu duh prees ver-lah-ghen]

• What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hu lahht is hut]
• It's one o'clockHet is een uur
  [het is ayn oor]
• Half past (10)Half elf
  [half elf]
• MorningOchtend
  [okh-tuhnt]
• AfternoonMiddag
  [mid-dahkh]
• EveningAvond
  [ah-vohnt]
• YesterdayGisteren
  [khis-tuh-run]
• TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [mohr-ghun]
• 1Een
  [ayn]
• 2Twee
  [tway]
• 3Drie
  [dree]
• 4Vier
  [veer]
• 5Vijf
  [vyeef]
• 6Zes
  [zehs]
• 7Zeven
  [zay-ven]
• 8Acht
  [ahkh-t]
• 9Negen
  [nay-khun]
• 10Tien
  [teen]

• Where's a/the...?Waar is de...?
  [vaar is duh]
• What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vaht is hut ah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u mij dat tonen (op de kaart)?
  [kunt uu may daht toh-nun (op duh kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wanneer is de volgende (bus)?
  [ven-nair is duh vol-hen-duh (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Een ticket (naar ....)
  [ayn tee-ket (nar)]

Graslei and Korenlei, two picturesque streets along the banks of the River Lys, have roots that date back to the medieval era. In the 12th century, Ghent became a thriving trade city, with Graslei serving as a key harbor for merchants and traders, while Korenlei was known for its grain trade. The names themselves reflect their functions: 'Gras' meaning grass or hay, and 'Koren' meaning grain, highlighting the economic activities that took place here.

During the Middle Ages, the Graslei and Korenlei areas flourished as vital economic hubs. The waterfront was lined with warehouses and merchant houses, signifying the wealth generated from trade. The construction of the iconic medieval buildings in this area, such as the 'Huis van de Vrije Schippers' (House of the Free Shipowners), showcases the architectural styles of the time and reflects Ghent's prominence in the cloth and grain industries.

The 14th century marked a pivotal moment for Graslei and Korenlei, as Ghent became one of the largest cities in Northern Europe. The streets became busy with the movement of goods, and the area was instrumental in the rise of the city’s wealth and influence. The construction of the 'St. Michael's Bridge' around this time further connected the two sides of the river, facilitating trade and movement.

In the Renaissance period, Graslei and Korenlei gained a reputation not only for trade but also as a cultural center. Artists and intellectuals frequented the area, inspired by its picturesque views and vibrant atmosphere. The region attracted renowned painters, including the likes of Jan van Eyck, and contributed to Ghent's reputation as a center of the arts, reflected in the numerous guild houses that still stand today.

The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century brought significant changes to Graslei and Korenlei. The waterfront that once served as a trade hub began to adapt to new industrial functions, including the establishment of factories and warehouses. This period saw the construction of new buildings that merged traditional styles with the needs of industrialization, marking a transition in the area's character while preserving its historical roots.

Graslei and Korenlei are easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Ghent. If you're coming from the central train station, take tram line 1 or 4 to the 'Korenmarkt' stop, which is just a short walk away. You can also walk from the city center; it's roughly a 15-minute stroll along beautiful canals. Buses also run frequently, with stops near the area.

Graslei and Korenlei are pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. Bicycles are a popular mode of transport in Ghent, with numerous rental options available nearby. If you prefer public transport, trams and buses can take you to various parts of the city. Taxis are also available but are not commonly needed within this compact area.

Graslei and Korenlei are generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded spots. Petty theft can occur, particularly around busy tourist sites, so remain vigilant. It’s advisable to stay away from the outskirts of the city at night, where crime rates are slightly higher.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance in Belgium. The local police and medical services can be reached this way. For non-urgent medical issues, visit the nearest pharmacy or hospital. It's recommended to carry a list of emergency contacts, including your hotel and local embassy.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, and dress appropriately for dining at upscale restaurants. Don’t wear overly casual attire when visiting churches. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious settings. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to the elderly and disabled. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Hallo' or 'Bonjour.' Don’t forget to be polite and avoid overly loud conversations. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like waterzooi and enjoy a beer at a local café. Don’t waste food, as it’s considered disrespectful.

To experience Graslei and Korenlei like a local, visit the nearby markets, especially the Friday market at the nearby Saint James’ Church. Engage with local shopkeepers and try to learn a few phrases in Dutch or French, as they appreciate the effort. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the canals to see the area from a different perspective, and don’t miss the opportunity to relax at the beautiful parks nearby.