In retrospect

The time has come to pack. It seems so long since we flew out , but we have seen so much, and had so many experiences. Spending time in the Arctic circle to experience the midnight sun, gliding down fjords in the misty light of morning, a train ride in Flamm through the most wonderful country, managing to stay reasonably tidy in a force nine gale in the North Sea, wandering through little Norwegian towns, being quite overcome at the beauty of Coventry Cathedral, and the perennial excitement that is London. The highlights of the trip would be the fjords, they changed their unique beauty every minute, as the light and clouds changed. You wondered at who had their tiny cottage perched on the edge of these fjords, and when and how they came to be there. You imagined how they watched the enemy in the war hide their ships. Here we were, sailing down those same fjords in a huge cruise ship, towering over the harbor, and all we surveyed. I think they might have smiled quietly with relief when we departed, and left them with their silent , stunning beauty.
Hearing the bells of Big Ben as you lay in bed has been very special, as has been travelling through the gorgeous English countryside. It is so very green after a wet, and for so many, a very sad summer. As we leave, the foot and mouth outbreak seems to be on the wane, but still a worry.
But now it is time to pack the bags and come home. Hopefully the luggage will come with us; Heathrow is another story altogether. And even after all we have seen, you still realise how special Australia is. We have the droughts and floods and fires, but it is wonderful place to call home. See you soon.

the subject is planes and trains and frustrations

We were waiting in Brussells Eurostar area, for our train back to London. Asked if we could go on an ealier train, we agreed. Apparently there was a problem and our sceduled on was very late. That was the start of a long trip back. There was an electrical problem in the tunnel. some car shuttles were stuck for hours. Fortunately, we were able to use another line, but it was one way only, so it took from 4.00 to 8.00 to make the trip. We were lucky compared to others. It is incredible to see whatever transport you are using , how many people are travelling at any one point of time. Since we left, we have been on 2 planes, approximately 15-20 trains, cars, including the wonderful London cab, 1 ship, and it's tenders,and shuttle buses: every one seems to be full. We are already dreading the trip home, Heathrow is the very worst of airports, straining at every seam. If your luggage arrives on the same flight as you do, you count yourself one of the lucky few. Travel is wonderful and enriching, but the mechanics of it seem to be getting worse by the month. So. when packing for the next trip, do not forget a large packet of patience, humour, and a good book or two. You will need those for check in alone. And check your clothes - easy to get off shoes, no belts(men and women), and no metal trims.

More later

Cologne and back

Just back from a train trip to Cologne or Koln. It is a beautiful city, with the history of the war in your mind, it is interesting and arresting to see areas which were leveled in the war. The cathedral is huge, I was not prepared for the enormity of this gothic construction dating from the 12th C. It was packed when we got there, so revisited it the next morning, and it is beautiful with stunning stained glass. We found a lookout 28 floors up, which gave amazing views of the city. The weather was not brilliant, but it nevertheless showed the stretch of the city along the Rhine. The street scene is the city pedestrian mall. Huge crowds - summer in Europe

We then came back to Brussells for a couple of hours. (Midde photo)Very difficult to navigate yourself around on foot, the signage is dreadful. Eventually found the Grand Market, featuring the historical town hall, and other buildings, the total of which forms a square, and is on the world heritage register. Brussells seems to survive due to the EU, it is not a city on the 'must return to' list.

Nordkapp (North Cape) the very top of Norway and of Europe.

This is a wild wind swept plce - freezing even in summer, and very popular with tourists - the place to be photographed - top of the world - next stop, North Pole.

Here are some photos of Nordkapp for you to enjoy.