Geo: 52.3641, 4.88354So today had a very slow start. After a lousy nights sleep I was dragging myself out of bed at 9. This cold has really taken hold and this morning I had a full blown case of man flu. It was almost 11 by the time I had gotten myself showered, dressed and breakfasted. I took my drugs and ventured out into the city. First stop was central station to buy a ticket for Maastricht tomorrow. After waiting in line for half an hour I was told that they don't sell tickets until the day of travel. So that was a bust. Next stop was a visit to Hermitage Amsterdam. This 350 year old building was once an old peoples home...more specifically, an old ladies home. When it no longer suited the purpose, it ... read more

Geo: 52.3738, 4.89095Appearance above safety (Paris) - I saw many people riding around on their vespas, helmets with regular cloths. Paris is a very stylish city, where apparently it is more important to accessorise ones skin, than keep it. I also noticed several people smoking on their bikes...I don't even know where to startRandom dudes (Paris) - I keep getting chatted up by random dudes who can't speak english. First the taxi driver, then the random at the train station, then another dude on the train. I don't know where they think thats gonna go. My standards are not high but some kind of conversation skills are importantMcWine (Paris)- a glass of wine comes in small, medium and large. I could get used to that. Another fun fact about france, if you loose your job, welfare ... read more

Geo: 52.3622, 4.89179So today, I headed for Anne Franks house, got lost, worked out where I was, made a second start, got lost, found my way back to the Dam (centre square) thought screw you Anne, I'm going to the Royal Palace instead, cause I can see it, its right there! Whoever designed this city has spent way to much time in its coffee shops....or maybe one needs to spend time in the coffee shops to understand the streets. I don't know, what I do know is I got lost..... A lot!So the Royal Palace...now thats what I call a palace, silly Frenchies don't know what they are doing. I know they had a revolution and all, but if the palace is no longer a palace, call it something else. The palace was actually the town ... read more

Geo: 51.054, 3.72169I had intended to be up early this morning, but I didn't get a very good nights sleep and ended up sleeping in until 8 o'clock. The plan today was to catch a train to Ghent and spend the day there. I got myself organised and walked across town to the station. Purchasing a ticket was no issue, although I thought I would have to specify my return time. No issues, its a daily ticket and I can return when I want. I was so happy with that result I forgot to ask which platform. That was a challenge. Looking at the schedules I had worked out I was supposed to be on Platform 9. I get to 9 and there is no-one there. The other platforms have people and trains going in and ... read more

Geo: 51.2094, 3.22523This morning I was at the post office at 8.45am, waiting for those doors to open. I picked a desk which had Prioritie on the sign above it. I assumed that meant priority, and as my case is unusual, I thought that might be a good place to start. The clerk spoke very little english. Did you know when you you say baggage in a french accent to a french dude...he has no idea what your saying. However , he did call over another clerk who spoke a little more english. They worked out I was trying to get a bag but they needed the post number, which in my haste yesterday I had not thought to ask the Air Seychelles rep for. I had my licence in my hand which I put on ... read more