BRUSSLES, WAREGEM, BELGIUM - THANKS FOR THE RAIN.

Belgium (Brussels) / Waregem day 1

Again by some miracle I managed to get up at 6 am, to catch the tube to St Pancras station where I would be taking the Euro star to Belgium. When I got to the station I was informed that I had not printed off the proper ticket and now I had to queue in line for them to do it for me. I was getting worried about time running on, but I didn't have a choice. I stood nervously in line for what seemed like ages, when I got to the front I was half expecting them to say tough luck, but tada after a few strokes of the keyboard the lady produced my ticket.



I scanned my ticket where these sliding doors opened up to let me through. Then I had to go through security and then finally passport control. It does feel a bit strange having to go through passport control in Europe by train, but I knew this was standard practice when you go through water. I definitely was impressed with Eurostar, I love how everything has this 1920s feel to it. That's how service should be, classy and efficient! I ate this egg bacon crepe thing that I had bought earlier, I love crepes and I love breakfast food so why not combine the two? It turned out that it didn't taste so great afterall so don't try it ;)

I passout as soon as I got on the train and when I opened my eyes again we were approaching Brussels. My friend Bjorn was coming down from Waregem to get me and spend the day with me. My only disappointment was that he informed me that Mini Europe was closed which was the one thing I was really wanting to see in Brussels! So we got our tourist map and went down tot he metro. I was really excited, I always find it fun to use transportation in new cities. First we went to the Atrium, which was near exhibition hall. It was freezing cold outside, much colder then it was in London. After the Atrium we headed toward the city so that we could get some food as we were both starving. It was a good pasta meal in a warm place, just what I needed. We walked around the center, saw the palace and mannequin pis, which is a lot smaller then I expected. Afterwards Bjorn wanted to take me to this famous bar, Inside it kind of looks like it's Halloween! The tables are coffins and hey serve you beer in a skull mug, creepy! It was fun though and we had a great conversation.


After that it was time to head back on the train to Waregem, where I would be staying with Bjorn and his family.

We hopped on the train, it took about an hour to get there from Brussels. Then we walked from the train station to Bjorn's house. I have to say this house is amazing, even from the outside. I guess it helps wen your wife is an architect! I got introduced to his wife and his daughter Jorunn who is three, wolf the baby was sleeping. It was nice to be somewhere, where I didn't have to watch my stuff and worry about people walking in, ah the security of staying with a cop verses a hostel! Bjorn made some spaghetti, and it didn't take long for the booze to come out, it was nice to chat to locals and also pick up some dutch. It was a good evening.