Philippa

The Manneken Pis, in Brussels: a statue of a little boy having a pee. He's been dressed up in a little suit jacket.

Brussels spout

Nothing like it before or since. Gronda gronda.

Congratulations. x

is it satisfying to hold it in your hands after all that work, or just a relief that it's done?

enjoyed this on my timeline...

I pretty much only look at my 'Favourites' feed now, as the default shows me the same posts over and over interspersed with random crap. Even the Favourites feed isn't without its glitches though - as you say, I just want to see posts from my faraway friends!

Home today: quick stop in Brussels and then Eurostar.

We've arrived in Amsterdam at the same time as Euro Pride is underway. Things are a little chaotic round here.

So we ended up leaving Berlin about 90 mins late but were only 25 mins late into Amsterdam so feeling a little sleep deprived.

Well we've had a brilliant day in Berlin, this is tonight's journey (except it's currently running an hour late) (which on the upside means we won't have to get up so early)

On our way again and now in what used to be East Germany. An hour to Berlin.

Really hope not...

Now stuck in a place called Hamm. ☹️

V excited

Already late leaving, can't even blame the polizei this time...

Yes very good!

Today we're off to Berlin!

@cabbagepatchcat.bsky.social I distinctly recall you telling Mum and me about this over dinner once, including a hearty rendition of the J Hannah catchphrase cited here.

These "Stumbling Blocks", as they're known, are set into the pavement all over Cologne to commemorate the Jewish people who were deported by the Nazis. 'Ermordet' means murdered; 'überlebt' means survived. This one is outside our front door.

Front view of Cologne cathedral

Guten tag

This morning's goal: get an 18 year old out of the door before midday. She's just come back from a week in Tenerife drinking sangria with her mates so is not accustomed to normal business hours.

He was a fun train manager wasn't he? bsky.app/profile/phil...

We have arrived and it's the brauhaus for dinner.

Wasn't me guv

Crossed into Germany, now we're going to be late cos the polizei got on the train and took some people away.

Arrived and departed Brussels spot on time. Now on the last leg of the day to Cologne.

I should say that the Seat 61 website is my Bible and I planned this entire trip using it. So I'm delighted to discover we're on the same train today!

"The train is very full. Please put any bags smaller than a semi-detached bungalow in the overhead rack."

Made it on time, even able to nip into M&S for snacks. Now aboard the Eurostar!