Brussels to Berlin
I am used to being at Midi-Bruxelles on business. It was odd being their on pleasure. It was deserted and yet still early, 21.30. Almost nothing open. This was a big surprise as I was expecting to get a hot meal. Had to settle for two cans of beer and a tub of Pringles (cans because the cafe was closing to couldn't stand me bottles and a glass).
Waiting for my delayed 23.41 sleeper to Berlin, I mused about the things that I knew that I didn't have and that were of slight concern. Top of the list was a Ukranian / Russian phrase book (or even Polish). I shamefully don't even know what please or thank you are.
I think that I was on the same platform as when I got the non-sleeper from Brussels to Cologne in my race with Mick (I lost by five hours, my journey-time being twice his]). On that occasion the platform changed from 3 to 20-something - they are a long way apart.
It is cold and deserted.
The train was five minutes late but was fantastic. When I found my berth, I was in a compartment that had three beds. I was on the bottom and the others were not occupied. I had a corner shower / loo bathroom that had three sets of very nice-looking toiletries. It was all very clean and new. There was a shave point for me to charge my iPod.
The bed was made and on it was a bottle of water and a small bottle of wine and a glass glass.
This was my first sleeper and I felt like I was in a spy film. It was warm, cosy and utterly fantastic. Carpet and wood-paneling. The conductor / guard / attendant (he was all of these and much more) came and checked my ticket and asked whether I wanted tea or coffee in the morning. "They are all included' he said.
Woke at about 7.30 after a good if slightly broken sleep. The train stopped quite a bit and people got on and off. I sort of expected it to be no stops.
Shower was hot and lovely.
Attendant brought me a big bag of breakfast and a good coffee (2 yoghurts, 2 bread rolls, whole! 125g Camembert, croissant and butter/jam/chocolate spread). He also tells me that the train is now one hour late. I ate lots of Camembert.
Waiting for my delayed 23.41 sleeper to Berlin, I mused about the things that I knew that I didn't have and that were of slight concern. Top of the list was a Ukranian / Russian phrase book (or even Polish). I shamefully don't even know what please or thank you are.
I think that I was on the same platform as when I got the non-sleeper from Brussels to Cologne in my race with Mick (I lost by five hours, my journey-time being twice his]). On that occasion the platform changed from 3 to 20-something - they are a long way apart.
It is cold and deserted.
The train was five minutes late but was fantastic. When I found my berth, I was in a compartment that had three beds. I was on the bottom and the others were not occupied. I had a corner shower / loo bathroom that had three sets of very nice-looking toiletries. It was all very clean and new. There was a shave point for me to charge my iPod.
The bed was made and on it was a bottle of water and a small bottle of wine and a glass glass.
This was my first sleeper and I felt like I was in a spy film. It was warm, cosy and utterly fantastic. Carpet and wood-paneling. The conductor / guard / attendant (he was all of these and much more) came and checked my ticket and asked whether I wanted tea or coffee in the morning. "They are all included' he said.
Woke at about 7.30 after a good if slightly broken sleep. The train stopped quite a bit and people got on and off. I sort of expected it to be no stops.
Shower was hot and lovely.
Attendant brought me a big bag of breakfast and a good coffee (2 yoghurts, 2 bread rolls, whole! 125g Camembert, croissant and butter/jam/chocolate spread). He also tells me that the train is now one hour late. I ate lots of Camembert.
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