Hello to everyone. We just arrived in Bruges, just north of Brussels, and our computer turned on right away, so I thought I would pop off a quick email while I have the chance.
We had a wonderfully relaxing day yesterday wandering around Bayeux. The town has some nice shopping streets, and we just spent the day strolling around. It was nice to be in a small town after all the hustle and bustle of the national capitals we have frequented on this trip. So we just walked and walked.
We caught our train this morning from Bayeux to Paris, where we sat for over two hours. The station is, of course, open to the elements, and the bitter cold had us running for the cafes that lined the outer wall. We had a thoroughly disappointing lunch (not that I expected too much from the train station) before boarding a train for Brussels. We rode on a Thalys train, one of France�s high-speed wonders. I was amazed at how quickly we sped across the tracks, the landscape flashing by us, the trees only a blur. What was most amazing, however, was how smooth the ride was � smoother than even our trips on the slower trains we so often ride.
We arrived in Bruges at dusk, and the train station was bustling with teenagers. This is a phenomenon I haven�t been able to figure out yet. Everywhere we go, teenagers are hanging around the train station. They seem to ride the trains to school, but I just can�t be sure. So there they are, hanging out, clearly enjoying themselves and their cigarettes.
Christmas season is here, and Bruges has donned its Santa hat. We have only seen the town from the comforts of our cab from the train station, but it seems like the whole place is decked out in lights. I hope to get some great pictures over the next few days.
Anyway, that�s about it. Not much going on today, but we plan to hit the pavement again tomorrow morning, so stay tuned.
Paul and Colleen
Back to home page