Catching up.

I arrived in London. Arrivals at places is always stressful but hopefully manageable. I decided to take my excess bag to storage. There are no lockers at railway stations anymore. That business was sold as part of privatisation no doubt. And while on that matter the Government are sell shares in the Postal Service. That was most interesting, as even they see the future of mail as limited. So onward by the fast Euro train from St Pancras. Cost about 160 pounds. Fast and efficient. Arrived at Brussels needing a pee as you do and guess what they all cost -50 Euro and just arrived with no Euro.... Remember to take coins to Belgium. Anyway found my onward train, found the IBIS hotel, of the cheaper variety but still 69 Euro. I will deal with Hotels in one go. They range between expensive 50 Euro/pounds to 200 euro/pounds. Europe a little less costly than the UK. Cheap in London is 200 and elsewhere like the village I stayed last night 90 pounds. This will not be a cheap exercise. My Spot should reveal my whereabouts but it is having trouble with the smog. So two days sorting the bike and then away. The fun I have with my Garmin GPS is legendary ( well it is to me). It has a mind of its own so best enjoy it. It made me upset yesterday taking me right through the middle of Brussels, but two things emerged, it is a place to see, but not a place to go. Fortunately I got "lost" again as the day closed and I was fortunate to find a village hotel nearing the coast of Belgium. Had a memorable stay. Quaint but old, but the food, snail and mushroom pie; casseroled pigeon; and creme brulee accompanied by a glass of suitable wine selected by mine host. Cost 111E (euro). The fast train was the destination for Wednesday. Cost again about 114E. Left the bike parked in an accomodating forecourt and went for my stored bag. It took all day to collect and redeposit and cost 21Pd (pounds) and 63Pd plus insurance and a deposit (refundable) of 105Pd. Wow ! Message pack light and then take half out. Never take two when one will do. So approaching darkness I fled London. Up the A 413.......it was pretty good stimulating riding through the centre of London in the fast descending gloom, battling rush hour traffic (thanks GPS) got it mostly right, and out to the countryside when I found a Pub ( expensive but OK). It describes itself as " The Crown, a modern coaching Inn High Street Old Amersham Buckinghamshire. So here I am. Lets see what today brings.