Another day of no drama. It’s almost like a holiday.
Packed up this morning ready to decamp to Brussells. Had a very important job first, as Milly had to exchange something at the shops. Noted that all the shops in the Euralille shopping centre had security guards outside. Lille must be a home to a nest of thieves, I’ve never seen so many security guards.
Took advantage of small crowds first up to go to Starbucks for a coffee before we left Lille (yes it had security too[?]). That makes the second decent coffee since we hit Europe. The first was at Starbucks in Bern, Switzerland. We had been warned to expect some ordinary coffees however I for one didn’t believe it. How can you not get a decent coffee in Italy or France? I now know that the only place you will get a decent coffee is somewhere other than Italy or France.
Off to Ypres to visit the ‘In Flanders Field’ Museum prior to moving on to Brussells. Another very good museum that was well worth the time and effort. Also pored over the Menin Gate Memorial. It lists 54,000 of the British and Commonwealth MIA around Ypres. Seeing all the names on the plaques, and so many Australians, is quite poignant and moving. The last post is played every night at 8pm at the gate, and has been since 1928.
After Ypres it was on to Brussells. Once we got off the motorway and into the city the traffic was horrible. Our host met us at the apartment and confirmed that Brussells traffic is rated worst in Europe. It may be a well deserved epithet.
Very nice, modern apartment. We only ventured across the road this evening for groceries, no Brussells sightseeing today. Plenty of time tomorrow.
Until then,
Steve J.