Ghent

Nala, Lola, and Sam are part of Jo’s little zoo. They are my housemates and my partners in crime.
The queen of the zoo is Nala, a thirteen-year-old female cat. Until a few months ago, she was part of an inseparable and playful duo with her brother, but sadly he passed away. Nala is an incredibly sweet and affectionate cat. She was born on the streets but was raised by people. Around strangers, she can be a little reserved and may prefer to hide at first. With me, however, she is extremely loyal and always by my side. Nala is undoubtedly the true queen of the house. She has her favorite spots where she enjoys her peace and quiet, but every now and then she likes to remind the dogs who is in charge, turning the household upside down for a moment.
Lola is a five-year-old female dog whom I have known since the day she was born. I gave Lola a home because she was born with a special paw. Although she was a little different from her brothers and sisters, she happily hops through life. Lola is an enthusiastic and incredibly loving dog who is crazy about her ball. Beneath her cheerful nature lies a sensitive heart; she can be easily frightened and often looks to me for reassurance and protection. When out on walks, she sometimes puts on a brave front and barks at other dogs, but in reality, she has a heart of gold.
The little rascal of the household is Sam, a six-year-old poodle. I adopted him almost a year ago. The beginning was quite challenging, but he has truly found his place in the family. Sam is a friendly dog who loves attention. He is smart, funny, and occasionally gets his fellow housemates on their nerves. Fortunately, his charm always wins everyone over.

Walking with Lola takes a little getting used to because her special paw gives her a different rhythm, which means she tends to pull on the leash. With people she doesn’t know, she often takes even more advantage of this and pulls harder. She is simply very enthusiastic about going for walks.
It’s best not to play with a ball outdoors. If Lola has to choose between going home and chasing her ball, she will always choose the ball! At home, it’s important to keep playtime structured and limited to specific moments. Otherwise, the dogs can have difficulty settling down and finding their rest.

I’m leaving on the 15th of september for a week. But You are already one day earlier so I can introduce you to my pets and home.

My home is somewhat unconventional. It is a large open-plan space, a kind of loft where you can look all the way up to the roof ridge. It is bright, airy, and gives a wonderful sense of space.
The house has a lot of character and is furnished mainly with second-hand furniture, unique finds, and pieces that I have restored or customized myself. A steep staircase leads to a cosy bedroom, where the bed is located on a raised platform, adding to the charm of the space.
The downside of this charming and unique character is that the house is a little more rustic in some ways. For example, there is no central heating. During colder periods, a warm sweater and a good pair of slippers are definitely recommended.
The kitchen and bathroom are small, but they are practical and have everything you need. Overall, it is a cosy, welcoming home with plenty of personality.

I live in a vibrant and multicultural neighbourhood close to one of Ghent’s two main railway stations. Local shops, supermarkets, public transport, and several small parks are all within easy reach, making daily life very convenient.
A larger park with a spacious off-leash dog area is only a 10-minute walk away, making it a favourite spot for Lola and Sam. One wall of my small garden borders the Great Beguinage of Ghent. A beguinage is a historic enclosed community where Beguines—religious women who lived together without taking permanent monastic vows—resided from the Middle Ages onwards. Today, beguinages are cherished for their unique architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and cultural heritage. Walking through the beguinage feels like stepping away from the bustle of the city and entering a place of calm and tranquillity.
Despite this peaceful setting, the heart of Ghent is only a 15-minute walk away. The city centre offers something for everyone: rich history, beautiful architecture, museums, cultural events, cosy cafés, lively bars, and countless places to explore.
The neighbourhood itself has plenty of charm. Within just a few minutes' walk, you will find several welcoming cafés where you can enjoy a delicious matcha latte, a great cup of coffee, or any drink of your choice. Many of these places also serve excellent breakfasts and lunches, making them perfect spots to relax, read a book, or get some work done while enjoying the local atmosphere.