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The 31st January was the eve of Brexit. For those of you who are blissfully unaware of what a ‘Brexit’ is – it is the process of the UK leaving the European Union (EU), a political, legal and economic group it has been a part of for nearly 50 years. The vote in which the UK decided to leave was a controversial one – narrowly winning a bitter and fiercely contested referendum. One which many felt was fuelled by xenophobia and suspicion towards our continental cousins. So on the last day of Britain being part of this union, I responded personally by the only way I felt left to me… by booking a holiday to Belgium. Belgium is seen as the most archetypal of EU countries, the cradle of its administration – so much so that the words ‘Back off Brussels’ (the Belgium capital) form the catchphrase of the anti-European comic caricature, Al Murray’s Pub Landlord. So it was here that I decided I would try to explore my identity as a European, but not an EU citizen. I’m not a fan of huge crowds or well beaten paths, so I opted for Ghent, a small medieval city in the Flemish part of Northern Belgium, rather than the Belgium capital. For those of you who might be wondering whether or not this was a glib or stupid thing response… it was absolutely the right thing to do. Ghent might be a world (or now an economic union) away from Britain now, but it is also less than 3 hours by train from my hometown of London. Stepping on to the platform felt so… appropriate. I made my way easily on foot to my accommodation – a very reasonably priced youth hostel, in a beautiful but imposing gothic building overlooking the river. Check-in began what would become a theme – encountering low key but extremely friendly service. There is a Flemish word, ‘gezelligheid’. It often translates in to English as ‘cosiness’, but can also have connotations of ‘conviviality’ or ‘fun’. Whichever way this is translated… my trip to Ghent was above all a ‘gezellig’ one. I spent most of my time, not really with a purpose, but generally exploring. Ghent is an excellent place to do this. It is a medieval town, served by a gently meandering river that forks in two to the north. Lining its banks are a medieval buildings everywhere, often rising out of the river. The sheer age and imposing manner of the place is a wonder in itself. Central Ghent is easy accessible on foot. Mindful of my carbon footprint, I’m trying to take the most environmentally friendly method of getting from A to B wherever possible. I was delighted to find that most of the sights I wanted to see were within easy walking distance – in fact, often my online map would show that driving the route would take longer than on foot over the cobbled squares and bridges. And what aa lovely way to explore medieval cathedrals and quaint little bars and restaurants. The hospitality of the place was overwhelming and profound, always in a rather understated way. I was greeted everywhere with warmth, like a long lost Aunt. Nothing was a problem, nothing was too much effort. Everything in Ghent states ‘Internationalism’. The country’s official languages are Dutch, French and German. Unofficially, most people also speak impeccable English. Everyone in the service industry switched effortless between all four of these. Ghent is a truly internation place. This is reflected too in the cuisine available – from French gastronomie, to hearty Flemish fare, through to hip Spanish tapas joints and Italian pizzerias. At one lovely restaurant– fast food from the outside, cosy and hip seafood dining on the inside – I was delighted to be mistaken for a native French speaker. I speak a little French and the jig was only up when I was asked something complicated about my cocktail. On my replying in English, the waitress slipped seamlessly in to my mother tongue. The future looks uncertain about where people like me fit in to this new Europe. But it was made clear throughout my stay that Ghent at least, is welcoming us to become a local there.