Brussels
Last night I arrived on the EuroStar, which was a smooth, fast ride. Another time zone change too. I’m now six hours ahead of Eastern Time. My first observations: no public drinking fountains and you have to pay to use bathrooms. I tried to buy a subway ticket with my credit card, but it wouldn’t accept it. And my first attempt in asking someone if they speak English was unsuccessful (older man). Finally got coins and a ticket, then I got on the wrong train. I turned around and finally got on the correct subway train, and there was vomit on the floor of the car. So I had to stand next to that and just look away.
First time “couch surfing” in Brussels with Florent, who grew up in Paris and now works and lives in this city. It worked out well.
The city is the center of the European Union, so there are a lot of government buildings around. Also a few older ones in the market square. After a look around, I validated my RailPass. So it is good for two months from today.
Bruges
First journey with the pass is to Bruges, and where I’m spending the night tonight. This is an old city where you pretty much walk around and see the streets and canals. All the residents ride bicycles.