Jen and Dave: Adventuring

Up early, we ate a quick breakfast and took an early train to Ghent (also spelled Gent and Gand, to our confusion). It was quiet when we arrived, with stalls outside the station entertaining just a few customers for their coffee, produce and cheese.  Wandering beside the canal led us to the city centre, still…

The day started with a metro ride back to Gare du Nord, then a wait for our train to Brussels Midi. The train ride was smooth and pleasant, with many windmills – including one of the old fashioned variety.  Once we reached Brussels Gare, we only had to walk across the street to our hotel.…

If yesterday was Dave’s day, today was Jen’s. We started our morning at the Louvre, at the iconic glass pyramids. One of the first in, we quickly made our way to two masterpieces Jen wanted to see – Winged Victory of Samothrace and Venus de Milo, catching them with almost no one around. We then…

Today was Dave’s day. We took the tram and bus to l’Aeroport Bourget, home to the Musee Air +Espace. He was in his element.  First up was the 747 on the tarmac. Up at the front doors, and through. Also on the tarmac were a water bomber, numerous fighter jets, an A380 and rockets.  Next…

Today was an early morning, a short metro ride, and a surprisingly long train for something covered by a Metro ticket. Destination: Château de Versailles.  We had a 9:00 am entry ticket, but it was still a long line. Security screening (airport style) and passport check. Then you were inside.  Opulent and heavily festooned with…

The Eurostar runs under the English Channel between London and Paris. Getting to it, however, was half the adventure due to a partial tube strike. We managed to route around the out of service routes and made it to St Pancras with about an hour to spare. Fortunately, the station is home to a M&S…

Today we walked from our hotel in Limehouse to the Tower of London, arriving just before our 9:00 am entry tickets. First stop was the Crown Jewels. Impressive and very glittery, photos were not permitted inside the vault.  Hoping to continue beating the crowds, we then climbed the more than 200 steps of the White Tower,…

We have arrived in London after a comfortable flight. A two person row with half a seat of empty space beside you is a win. Dave enjoyed looking at Baffin Island. Jen snoozed on and off. After landing and getting through the border (easily and smoothly!), we headed to the train. Our Oyster cards still…

We’re at YVR and headed out on another adventure! Stay tuned!