“North Dock” is a shopping mall near the water in an area of Gent formerly full of factories. Some of the old brick buildings have been preserved and are now residences and offices. New apartments have sprung up, along with the modern mall.

My friend Michelle and I took the tram to Dok Noord this afternoon to celebrate the opening day of the latest Izy Coffee location. We sipped our cappuccinos on a cozy couch and I looked out at the mall area (on the right in the photo).

So new, so rectangular … with so few people. Actually Izy was pretty full for its first day but outside there wasn’t the flow of humans I’m used to at Izy in Gent centrum.

Michelle wanted to show me the mall and the cool stores. “Sure … I’m game.”

First was an electronics and appliance store. Brand new stuff at deeply discounted prices. Maybe if I’d been in the market for the latest and greatest I’d have worked up some enthusiasm … but instead it was a big ho-hum.

Next was the largest supermarket I’ve seen in Gent. Subtle lighting, well displayed produce and an infinite variety of foodstuffs. As Michelle filled a basket with quality items, I roamed the aisles looking for square boxes of tissues (a fetish of mine). They were not to be found.

The corridors between stores were open to the air – a refreshing touch. But for much of our time I thought I was back in Toronto. And I don’t want to be there.

I wasn’t at home at Dok Noord. I longed for the cobbles and stepped gables of centrum. The mall would give me every imaginable material possession … but I don’t want that.

Home keeps calling me

I will listen