"In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below."
In Flanders Fields, Lt Col John McCrae
For short trips regular followers might know that I favour catching the train. The best thing about Europe is that they have high speed trains. One of the better known ones is the Eurostar, which we took yesterday. I've previously caught the Eurostar from London to Paris. From the heart of London to Paris was only about two hours. That's the beauty of high speed rail.
First, we had to travel to Lille-Flandres to meet up with the Eurostar. It's about an hour on the train from Ghent to Lille. Lille is actually in France, just over the border from Belgium. We pass through Flanders the scene of the carnage in World War 1. The train board had names like Cambrai, Dunkirk, and Amiens This is the region where Australians fought, and you can visit the Australian and British war cemeteries here. Unfortunately, I didn't have time on this trip. The red poppies of Flanders referred to in the poem above are a symbol of remembrance for the fallen.
Lille was packed with hordes of shoppers taking advantage of the sales. The sales in Europe involve large discounts that accounts for their popularity. We had a leisurely lunch at a French Cafe that could of been owned by Rene from Allo Allo. I didn't see Rene, but he could of been out the back with Yvette. I would recommend the Mussels, which come in a big pot with French Fries. Being in France the coffee is also much improved.
Now, catching the Eurostar means that we have go through the charade of customs at Lille, as the UK don't think they are part of Europe. Don't forget to fill out the customs form, and have your passport ready. You have to go through security like at the airport.
But, apart from that, the Eurostar whisks you to the heart of London to Kings Cross St Pancreas Station in about I don't know it seemed like an hour maybe. It was quick.
Tomorrow, we are making the long, it seems longer on the way back, flight to Sydney.
