After about 14 hours on trains we arrived at Lausanne. An almost instantaneous leap across the platform and our connection is underway along the northern edge of Lake Leman (Lake Geneva). We pass through Villeneuve (Red Bull Acro Competitions will be here in a month or so), on to Montreux, past the beautiful Chateau Chillon (on the banks of the lake) and finally arrive in Aigle around 8:30am. Across from our hotel is a great little shop - a chocolatier. Breakfast calls. Walking back down the street we see a couple that look familiar (even though we haven't seen them for half a decade) - It's Jean Paul and Janine. So delighted to see them already. They are flat out with arrangements for the big day tomorrow. For the past week, all through Denmark and Germany ... read more

After a couple of days in Hannover we got in a nice tour (between showers) around the historic parts of the city. Especially dramatic was the set-up in the old town hall, of 4 models of the entire city of Hannover, dating from about 1600. The last two were in the first half of the 20th century, the 4th one being 1945. Shocking to see the contrast. The ancient churches that have been faithfully rebuilt in the style and materials they were originally made from were amazing.. Due to industrial action in railways, Jeff got half-way from Dusseldorf and missed the connection by one minute! - had to turn around and go back as it was going to be another hour and a half until the next one and it was already 6pm. (damn!) ... read more

Now we are at Hamburg railway station, about to connect to Hannover - expect to arrive about 11pm. All travelling well, but a bit foot-sore after our day in Copenhagen.. I think a large rain mass is moving across central Europe (there has been flooding in Britain). We managed to avoid it by going north from Oslo when we were in Norway. We had nice weather while Oslo had rain each day we were away. It began to drizzle just before we left Copenhagen and rain was falling on the train windows as we pulled out. ... read more

This morning we went with Zoe on the tram to Frogner Park to see the gardens and numerous sculptures of Gustav Vigeland (1869-1945) Soon we leave Helgesensgate for the port and get underway for Denmark overnight. We are due to arrive about 9am Copenhagen time.... read more

Tonight we drove up to Skjetten to have dinner with Chris' dad, David, Merete, Maiken and Sebastian. We had a lovely evening wth them until the sun was in decline (each night it's about 1am)...... read more