Day 11 18/09/08 (and day 12) + Pics

sitting in Brussels
So, here we are, sitting in Brussels Grand Place, drinking coffee and eating belgian waffles. It is such a hard life.

We arrived here on the Eurostar last night, and although it took longer to get through the tunnel because of the fire, we managed to get on an earlier train, all good.
We found our way to our accommodation for the night, and were given one of the friendliest welcomes I have experienced so far. We were shown to our room (the 'best room in the house') and it was up three very tight windy flights of stairs. Really fun with full back packs on... not.
Anyways, up today and exploring the city. Found a funky little tourist place that gave us a good map and hints. So, we are here in the Grand Place, that is fairly spectacular and immpressive.

Yesterday, we woke up in St Albans, north of London, and after battling traffic and silly buses, finally managed to get the car back to Stansted and onto a bus into the city. Got to meet the little man Merlin and his mum and dad, and grandma and granddad and aunty jenny. Was very cool!!!! although, the kiwis certainly looked a bit jet lagged. Including Merl. He was all a wee bit dazed, but I still got to have a cuddle and a talk. Uncle Alex even got him to giggle!

The day before (16/09) we woke up in Motcombe. I enjoyed my stay when I went there for Rosie and Joe's wedding, that I thought Alex might appreciate it. Love that bnb! Any place that serves you eggs from their own chickens has got to be good!!!
We drove into Shaftesbury after breakfast and had a wee explore of the Abbey ruins there, as I never managed to do that when I was there for the wedding. Very cool!!! although, we could have done with more time there!
Onto Stonehenge after that. And I was impressed. And I think Alex's comment was that he enjoyed it more than he thought he would. Would recommend any one going there to spend the whole day in the area. There are plenty of walks you could do and exploring them all would have been fun. Never mind.

The day before (15/09) we visited the Eden Project. Unfortunately, the weather was not the best, and time was of the essence (again). I had a great time. Some very cool things there, and to think that it all used to be a mining pit! Interesting!
Right, I think we are off to explore. Maybe eat some chocolate? Drink some beer? Paula eat some moules??? mmm..... it certainly is a hard life.
Post script; 19/09 (Day 12)
Here we are sitting on a train from a day in Ypres (or wipers, or Ieper, depending on who you are and where you are).
We have started our train ticket with a short trip to look at some WW1 battle fields, which was cool. Although, we had to be cut a wee bit short due to our train timetable.. never mind. Would love to go back one day and have a real good look about there. I reckon hiring a bike and cycling about for a few days would do me. We did get to see several interesting sites though, including the NZ messines memorial. :)

So... what else have we discovered about Belgium? Hmm, some tasty beer. Kwak is one I would recommend. Also some pretty good chocolate. Mmm.... any excuse... Some good value sandwich places. Good for lunch. Umm.... I have found that most people we have asked for help or have served us have been very helpful and friendly. Gotta love that after being in London for a year!
Right.
Off on the train tonight to Luxembourg. Will add an itinery soon, hopefully.
I also hope that the wedding goes well for Matthew and Fiona this weekend. Thinking of you both! Hope it is an excellent day!!!! Love heaps!
P and LX.