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  1. #1
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    Three capital cities in 48 hours; Slap's weekend tour of the Low Countries

    I decided on Thursday thatI needed to leave this country; needed a brief reprieve from the sheer tedium that is life in the United Kingdom.

    So I booked a ticket for a Brussels bound Eurostar train which left on Friday evening, reasoning that the Belgian capital would be a base from where I would go forth and explore. However, exploration to me, in most cases, comprises sitting in the first place I happen upon that sells alcohol and passing out. Perhaps this excursion would be different... we shall see.

    I left work early and boarded a train from East Croydon station to St Pancras International



    The imposing structure of St Pancras - ideal surroundings for the consumption of alcoholic beverages



    Yes, a San Miguel should do it; make that two please, bar person.



    Check in. This felt very much like being at an airport. Yet I was able to walk in a straight line and see properly. This was strange.



    I wasn't particularly impressed with the seating arrangement in the Eurostar - cramped, noisy, no whoopsie with a trolley trundling up and down the aisle with a fine selection of Euro-fare and premium Belgian lager...



    ...so naturally I relocated to the buffet car for the duration and in turn achieved quite an alarming level of intoxication. This Leffe packs quite a punch. Especially of you drink eight of them.



    Just two hours after leaving London the train arrived in Brussels Midi. By this time I'd developed something of a stagger; but this was an extremely pleasant place to go for a good, wholesome stagger. This was sophisticated staggering...




  2. #2
    Thailand Expat
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    the sheer tedium that is life in the United Kingdom.
    After a year in Thailand I have been in England for the past 5 weeks and feel as if I have woken up after a long sleep. Compared to the drudge filled life in the special needs clinic that is Thailand, England is vibrant, sharp and very much alive, senses are awakened, food is enjoyed for the first time in ages, socialising is fun, cobwebs are removed from the brain, faith is restored in humanity and the sheer joy of not having to wear shorts and another fucking t shirt day after day after day all go to making life here a very uplifting experience.

  3. #3
    splendid and tremendous
    somtamslap's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by taxexile
    After a year in Thailand I have been in England for the past 5 weeks and feel as if I have woken up after a long sleep
    Yes, and that's how I felt initially. Totally invigorated; free from the stifling heat and the shackles of an acute beer Chang habit.

    But then the rat race took a hold of me and plunged the needle of ennui deep into my vein.

    Hence I've just been on a weekend jolly up on the continent.

  4. #4
    Thailand Expat klong toey's Avatar
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    St Pancras and Paddington must have come from the same mould.
    Cold winter mornings waiting for the train to arrive still dark 07:30 am,not an enjoyable experience.
    Still that's a few weeks away hope you had a nice trip,note no planes were used in the making of this thread.
    Fascists dress in black and go around telling people what to do, whereas priests... more drink!

  5. #5
    splendid and tremendous
    somtamslap's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by klong toey
    no planes were used in the making of this thread.
    Train is the only way to travel.

    And, of course, I do have that 'I ain't getting on no plane, fool' mentality when it comes to flying.

  6. #6
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    I've traveled in Europe, although not extensively. UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Greece, and maybe one or two I've forgotten. One thing I always thought was really nice was getting around by train or boat - no planes. Just a bunch of tiny little countries all grouped conveniently.

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Davis Knowlton
    Just a bunch of tiny little countries all grouped conveniently.
    I wonder if that was the thought going through Hitlers mind when he invaded Poland?

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by somtamslap View Post
    I decided on Thursday thatI needed to leave this country; needed a brief reprieve from the sheer tedium that is life in the United Kingdom.

    So I booked a ticket for a Brussels bound Eurostar train which left on Friday evening, reasoning that the Belgian capital would be a base from where I would go forth and explore. However, exploration to me, in most cases, comprises sitting in the first place I happen upon that sells alcohol and passing out. Perhaps this excursion would be different... we shall see.

    I left work early and boarded a train from East Croydon station to St Pancras International



    The imposing structure of St Pancras - ideal surroundings for the consumption of alcoholic beverages



    Yes, a San Miguel should do it; make that two please, bar person.



    Check in. This felt very much like being at an airport. Yet I was able to walk in a straight line and see properly. This was strange.



    I wasn't particularly impressed with the seating arrangement in the Eurostar - cramped, noisy, no whoopsie with a trolley trundling up and down the aisle with a fine selection of Euro-fare and premium Belgian lager...



    ...so naturally I relocated to the buffet car for the duration and in turn achieved quite an alarming level of intoxication. This Leffe packs quite a punch. Especially of you drink eight of them.



    Just two hours after leaving London the train arrived in Brussels Midi. By this time I'd developed something of a stagger; but this was an extremely pleasant place to go for a good, wholesome stagger. This was sophisticated staggering...



    Fine fotos bro but rather than the paradise that is East Croydon is the forst image the millenium Bridge frm Balckfriars Bridge from where Roberto Calvi of P@ Vatican lodge hung in ritual murder over Steel Yard were Elizabeth expelled the ruskies across rd from my former haunts?

    Good report I'll be in Bruxwlles Midi October if you seek a rrrrre=match en route Anderlecht

    The World’s Great Mysteries Solved | Albert Jack | Page 2

    Mafia boss breaks silence over Roberto Calvi killing | UK ...
    Latest news, sport and comment from the Guardian | The Guardian › News › UK news › Crime
    The Guardian
    May 12, 2012 - Financier Roberto Calvi was found hanging beneath Blackfriars ... at the Old Bailey, although he claims to have been the victim of a conspiracy.
    May the phlegm be butterfly free
    Quote Originally Posted by Latindancer View Post
    I just want the chance to use a bigger porridge bowl.

  9. #9
    Philippine Expat
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    ^^Probably. Just been re-watching "The World At War". He sure swept through them fast.

  10. #10
    I'm in Jail

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    Stagger on slappers, I look forward to the rest of this thread

  11. #11
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    I see the word "cider" on the packet of those shifter crisps.

    Tell me more!

    Oh, and have you tried the sprouts yet?

  12. #12
    Gohills flip-flops wearer
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bogon
    I see the word "cider" on the packet of those shifter crisps. Tell me more!
    Cider vinegar and sea salt crisps, coupled with Belgian Botty Beer.

    I'm calling shifter on this as well.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bogon
    Oh, and have you tried the sprouts yet?
    Still not in season. Anywhere. I didn't eat any traditional Belgique tucker this time around, but I did have some phenomenal post-pub fodder - which will shortly be revealed.



    Quote Originally Posted by withnallstoke
    Belgian Botty Beer.
    The first beer I had on Belgian soil was inadvertently supped in a botty bar. Again, pictures en route.

  14. #14
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    I'm assuming this is a shifter trip with an ulterior motive.

    My best guess is that Slappers is paying homage to Jean Claude Van Damme's birthplace. His own personal Kumite of sorts...

    Here is a pic of someone trying to take one of his shifter crisps...



    and one where the beer has finished...



    and one just after check-in at the hotel (getting mentally prepared for a night out)...

    Black diamonds? I shit 'em.

  15. #15
    Thailand Expat klong toey's Avatar
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    Ah whilst in Blighty our rolls reverse you become the city dweller and i the country bumpkin.
    Sprouts he said,neah its mushroom time.
    Oh and sloes,cob nuts plenty of free food on offer better then the bargain bin at Waitrose.

  16. #16
    splendid and tremendous
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bogon
    and one just after check-in at the hotel (getting mentally prepared for a night out)...
    I'll tell you what, Bogster, you aren't far out. That's the most elaborate wanking position I've ever seen.

  17. #17
    I don't know barbaro's Avatar
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    Thanks for the pics, Somtam

  18. #18
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    A bit more seriously meaningful staggering led me into the Grand Place. All very European...





    These waffle shops were very much en vogue in Bruxelles...



    And this Leffe. Very popular stuff. In fact it was very hard not to be in a perpetual state of drinking it...


  19. #19
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    Although sorely tempted with the prospect of an evening at the science museum, I eschewed the option and ended up in a club.



    I asked for a Kronenberg. I was dished up some muck that tasted like perfume. What's this? I chastise the bar tender. Rodenberg comes the reply.
    I appreciate that we're operating in a different linguistic zones, but make a solemn promise to myself that I shall never, ever, darken the doors of this heathenish establishment again.

    Fucking Rodenberg.


  20. #20
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    Keen to cleanse myself of the beveraging horrors of the club, I made my way to the nearest kebabery for some much required sustenance.

    Let me be blunt with you.

    If you're ever in Brussels and you don't go here, you're a fucking idiot.



    This, without any morsel of uncertainty, is the best kebab I have ever had in my life.

    That's real lamb, for heaven's sake. And the sauce... so good it still remains on the belch some 4 days later.


  21. #21
    splendid and tremendous
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    After some extreme staggering I arrived back at my hotel, closed my eyes for five drunken, unsatisfactory hours, woke, drank a litre of orange juice for breakfast, and made haste - with a hangover the size of a bus - to the train station where I would begin the second leg of my trip...

    En route I passed a chap who had evidently over done it on the Rodenberg...

    Last edited by somtamslap; 16-09-2014 at 06:38 PM.

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by somtamslap View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Bogon
    Oh, and have you tried the sprouts yet?
    Still not in season. Anywhere. I didn't eat any traditional Belgique tucker this time around, but I did have some phenomenal post-pub fodder - which will shortly be revealed.



    Quote Originally Posted by withnallstoke
    Belgian Botty Beer.
    The first beer I had on Belgian soil was inadvertently supped in a botty bar. Again, pictures en route.
    Less Waffle you've had your chips.Now was theat Blackfriars Bridge or Flotshop?
    We require elucidation from the transcontinental toper,Ale swiller of Albion the English epicure and the source of the Rainbow crisps ,Butterfly Cottages Rue de Sprout? or in de Vlaams Battyjongen straat

  23. #23
    splendid and tremendous
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    Quote Originally Posted by david44
    Now was theat Blackfriars Bridge or Flotshop?
    I'm not sure, Dave. Don't think it was Blackfriars.



    Quote Originally Posted by david44
    Butterfly Cottages Rue de Sprout?
    The documentary which I'm currently making will presently illustrate my linguistic abilities.

    Un packet de Gauloises, please Pierre.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by somtamslap View Post
    This, without any morsel of uncertainty, is the best kebab I have ever had in my life.

    That's real lamb, for heaven's sake. And the sauce... so good it still remains on the belch some 4 days later.

    And the bread looks good too.

  25. #25
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    ^No doubt the garbage packet by mistake? Now show us the real sandwich...

    Nice post Slap...

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