I started my trip this morning from Bristol. I’d got an earlier train than the suggested connection, so had a bit of time in London before my Eurostar to Brussels.
An easy (and free) cross London transfer on Interrail by getting the Elizabeth Line and Thameslink (changing at Farringdon) to avoid the underground.
I’d had a quick look at the British Library’s exhibition of “treasures”. Some interesting things, including a letter from Alan Turing, and the Magna Carta:
Then I had a brief wander round the new Coal Drop yard development behind St Pancras. Nice enough, in a bland sort of way. It had the slight air of desperation about trying to persuade you how fun it was.
Then it was onto the Eurostar. I’d been warned it was like an unpleasant airport lounge waiting for it, which was a fair assessment. Everything seemed very manual, with marshals wandering around with printed signs telling you when to join the queue. It moved quite quickly once we were in it, and were soon zooming to the tunnel. Arrived on time in Brussels, which gave me a couple of hours to have a quick wander and get some dinner (Friets). It looked like there were some nice galleries; I may spend a bit more time on the way back, though haven’t currently planned to.
Then it was back to Midi station to get the sleeper. Lots of last minute platform changes, but caught it fine, and typing this as we trundle through Belgium. The couchette car is a little tired looking, but the windows open. I’m not sure what time we’ll convert it to sleeping mode. All being well we should arrive in Milan just before lunchtime, where I’m meeting F. ready to head to Tirano, and over the Alps
I hadn’t thought of Elisabeth Line and Thameslink for Paddington to St Pancras on Interrail.