There are times when traveling that you finally view the iconic sight you’ve seen time and again in photos and have spent ages dreaming about. Occasionally it can be a disappointment, a lot of hype over not so much. Yet other times that initial glimpse can be spine-tingling, like when you eye Venice’s canals for the first time or experience the thrill as Machu Picchu comes into view. And when I found myself in front of the van Eyck’s brothers stunning “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” in St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the feeling was definitely that of the latter, a chill of pure exaltation and then a deep emotional reverence. To call this painting a masterpiece of great historical importance would be a huge understatement. The Ghent alterpiece revolutionized art, the intricacy of the detail is almost shocking and its own story stretches the bounds of belief and includes a stint in salt mine after being looted by the Nazis during WWII. This is not just one of the greatest treasures of European art, it is one of the most towering accomplishments of all humanity.