Our first destination was Bruges, Belgium. Unfortunately there were no service stations on the highway like there have been in the rest of Europe, so we went four hours without a break! When we arrived we walked through to the main square. This area is a unesco world heritage site and we could see why. The only negative was that a stage was being erected in the square and they allow buses and cars to drive through!
Kristy showed us some other beautiful buildings just off the square, including a church that allegedly has a cloth that was used to wipe Jesus blood when he was crucified. We then stopped for waffles. Best waffles we have EVER had. Belgium is famous for beer, waffles, chips and chocolate, so next stop was a chip vendor. The chips were very average.
Last stop was for chocolate (no time for a beer) and there were chocolate shops everywhere! We found Stef's chocolates, do naturally had to buy some from there! The ones we have tried have been really yummy.
On our way back to the bus we were able to walk through some beautiful old lanes with quaint houses and bridges over canals. We took about 100 photos!
Our next destination was Calais in France. I missed the sign but starting noticing the words looked more familiar. Our visit to France was very brief, when we arrived at the port we were immediately processed by British Immigration. We were excited to have to answer questions and to get stamps in our passports.
At the port we said goodbye to our trusty bus number 401 and our awesome bus driver Ioannes. He can park a bus better than I have ever seen anyone park a car! The boat rode to England was about 1 1/2 hours and pretty smooth. A couple in our group got sick, but overall I thought it was easier than any of the interislander crossings I have ever done.
We had a short bus ride into the centre of London and it was very exciting seeing the landmarks (London eye, river Thames) as well as the black cabs and double decker buses on our ride in! We also saw heaps of postman pat cars... But no black and white cats!
When we arrived in London it was tonged with sadness as we were finishing our trip and had to say goodbye to our trip mates and our awesome leader Kristy! We caught the underground from Kings Cross (and I got all excited about going to the international station in 5 days and seeing platform 9 3/4) to our hostel in Victoria. The location is awesome. When can see parliament and the London eye from our window. We met up with Libby from our tour for dinner at a pub (sausages eggs and chips with beer) then headed home for a big sleep in preparation for our adventures tomorrow.
Four countries in one day, ending in London - now that is EXCITING!!!
- Heidi xx
Photos:
1. Eating a waffle
2. In the boat coming in to Dover
3. Auckland shop
4. Kristy and Stef in Amsterdam
5. View from our hostel
6. Bruges
Looks like a great day with lots of ideas for places to revisit.
ReplyDeleteJerry and Dasiy are missing you they got your card which I read to them. We also got your card from Praque.
PS Jerry said have a good time and don't rush home.
Dad