City Break

This weekend I am going on a city break to Brussels and Bruges. This is what Europeans call a short break to a city in Europe as opposed to the 2-3 week long holidays they typically take around Christmas and Summer.

My manager told me that when Europeans go on holiday, they really go all out. It is meant to be a getaway where you relax. They don't believe in taking a day here and there unless you actually go somewhere. Nice...

Fridays on the Tube are so easy because Europeans leave on Thursdays to make the most of their city break. Typically you can get on the Tube right away, perhaps get a seat and be within a comfortable distance of a fellow passenger without feeling they are invading your personal space. (I am saving these adventures for a later blog about my morning commute and the tube system).

Travel in Europe is so easy. That is what I had always been in awe of from the first time I went to Spain and part of what drove me to relocate.

This weekend I will be travelling on the Eurostar. It is a high speed train that gets you to Paris or Brussels in about two hours. The beauty of it is that you can board the train fairly easy. You don't have to go through as many hoops as you do in the airport. There's security and the Border patrol check but you don't have to take your shoes off. It is much more relaxed.



The Eurostar leaves you in the center of the city so you don't have to waste time and money travelling by train from a major airport. You don't have to check in your luggage because there are racks in every carriage for all size luggages. The best thing about the Eurostar is that if you buy your ticket way in advance, you can get a great deal. My ticket to Brussels cost me 109 pounds and I bought it pretty late. Usually I see fares for 29 each way.

I'm excited. I have never been to Brussels. I am also excited to meet up with my friend from Chicago and my friend from Paris so we'll definately have a great weekend.

I am travelling like a European. Now if I could only pack like one (or more efficiently)...I always seem to overpack. I know I am going to suffer as I lug it up and down the stairs and get on the Tube with my things but at least I'll have options.