Belgium

Well finally got back to computer to update. Forget to mention after first day of rain in Paris it has been hot, hot and more hot. We have been getting around 34 on average every day which when there is no airconditioning on transport or in the bars and cafe's you start to notice it. Our last day in Paris we did go to Versailles, caught the wrong train had to come back and start again which took about an hour. I guess once you get used to the noise, dirt and expense you can actually like some of Paris such as the uniformity of the buildings. They are all white and apparently they have to paint them every four years to ensure they keep looking good. Shame they don't do something about the rubbish around them and the tent people that live on the streets and river bank.

Anyhow enough of Paris we headed off to Brussels and found that fantastic. The atmosphere amazing. We arrived in time for the celbrations of Germany winning the Quarter final of the football (Soccer) and the place was buzzing. On the Saturday night there was a free concert in the square for Finland joining the European Community with a couple of heavy metal bands from there. One was heavy metal on cello's which were really good and very different.

We checked out Ghent and Brugge (stayed there 3 nights) which was quite amazing place. They call it little Venice and with the canals and old medieval buildings it was pretty good. We also headed off to Ypers so John could check out the WWI museum and did a tour of Flanders Field. That was really interesting both from looking at the countryside but also the history of the battles in the area and German Occupation. I thought it would be boring but it held my interest the whole time. The tour guide Andre took us to where they have an Australian memorial and cemetary for the 5th Australian Regiment. That was the most beautiful peaceful setting you could imagine and really weird to believe the horror of the trenchs that they suffered in that spot.

We arrived in Amsterdam today and this place seems excellent. Checked out the museum and house of Anne Frank from WWII and saw the conditions that they and the 3 families lived under during there time hiding out from the German's. Very moving place incredibly interesting. Not all War stuff though we are heading off to check out the Night Life soon.

Today was suppose to be 24 but it got hot once again so hopefully it will cool down a little as walking around in the heat is really tiring. Will try to upate again shortly hope people are enjoying reading this stuff as much as I enjoy getting the story down and reading the comments.