Back in September Margherita invited me to go to her homeland for a weekend with her. Friday 13th December has arrived and I am off to Brussels. Margherita is a Lady in every sense of the word.
Margherita is ten years older than me, Steve has agreed to drive and collect her and drive us to the station. Margherita had never been back to Belgium on the Train, she had always chosen the quicker 'flight' option. We caught the 08.23 which was due into London Euston at just after Ten o'clock. Then just a short walk along to St Pancras for the 13.01 Eurostar Train to Brussels. I had upgraded us for both legs of the journey.
Margherita was resplendent, dressed in a delightful black all in one suit, and matching jacket. I had no idea what this weekend held in store, but I did know that it would be very different.
"You know that we could have done this journey in a few hours on a flight from Manchester my dear?" Margherita said.
"Yes I do know, but sit back, relax and enjoy the experience." I replied.
After arriving at London Euston we made the short walk along Euston Road to St Pancras. We entered the station and made our way across to the escalator.
"Why are we going up here, Departures are pointing over there?" Margherita asked.
"All will be revealed shortly." I replied. We got off the escalator and made our way to the Champagne Bar. We were greeted by a very polite young Gent.
"Do you have a reservation Ladies?" He enquired.
"Yes, in the name of Smith." I replied.
"Of course, this way Ladies." He said. I had specifically requested stools at the Bar.
"Are these OK for you? He asked. Well, regular readers will know that there is nowhere that I would rather be, than sat on a stool at the Bar watching the world go by!
"Is it good for you Margherita?" I asked.
"Yes, very much so, I was not expecting this." Margherita replied.
The server behind the Bar brought us a bottle of Veuve Clicquot (I had pre ordered) and two glasses. She also gave us the food menu.
"This is why you told me to only have something light before leaving home?" Margherita said.
"Of course" I replied. We sipped our champagne and ate Brunch whilst we chatted.
"Ann told me that you were very thoughtful, but I thought that she meant 'in bed'" Margherita said.
"What else has Ann told you." I enquired whilst giggling.
"Nothing that you wouldn't want her to share." Margherita said.
"What does this weekend hold in store?" I asked.
"Wait and see, but you won't be disappointed." Margherita replied. About an hour before departure we made our way down to the gates. Pretty much the same as at an airport, all standard security stuff. There were a couple of outlets once we had passed through. We had seats in coach 7, so we stood by the escalator advertised for our coach.
"I now understand why we left so early this morning, I am impressed so far." Margherita said. Boarding commenced and we soon found our seats. When the Train departs it is mainly through tunnels through to Stratford but soon builds up speed as it speeds through Kent, heading for the coast. The 'on board' Bar was in the next coach.
"Come with me Marherita." I said.
"Where are we going?" she replied. We went through into the Bar.
"What can I get you?" The assistant asked.
"Two Leffe's Please." I asked.
"WOW, You know your Belgium beers." Margherita commented.
"There is much more to Belgium Beers than Leffe, I remember that you told me that your father was a Brewer by trade." I replied.
"Yes." Margherita replied. The train entered the tunnel.
"We will be in the tunnel for around 20/25 minutes." I said.
"It seems unreal, to be sat at a bar drinking beer whilst under the sea." Margherita said.
"Yes, I love this train." I replied.
We emerged out of the Tunnel, now in France, the train gradually built up speed as it passed through the fields of Northern France. One stop at Lille, then on to Brussels. The Train slowed down as it passed through the suburbs of the Belgium capital. A few minutes later the Train came to a stand at the platform at Brussels Midi station.
"How far is the Hotel, Do we need to get the train to Central Station?" I asked.
"No, we will get a taxi from here, The Hotel is quite central, near to the Grand Place." Margherita said.
"Do you know the Grand Place area?" Margherita asked.
"Yes, I have been to Brussels many times. " I replied. There was only a small queue for the Taxi and we were on our way quite quickly. It was not long before we arrived at the Hotel. Margherita approached the reception desk to check in. She spoke in what I can only assume was 'Flemish' at one point she raised her voice in a determined sort of way. The receptionist gave Margherita the room keys and directed towards the elevator. There were three others in the lift.
"What was all that about?" I enquired.
"She was trying to say that I had ordered a twin room... AS IF?" Margherita replied.
"Has she rectified it?" I asked.
"Yes, I reminded her that we had booked a suite, I mentioned the Managers name, he is married to my sister." Margherita said as she laughed.
"She checked again and rectified it!" Margherita went on to say.
We walked along the corridor and opened the door to our room. We both put our luggage down. Margherita turned and 'full on' kissed me, I put my arms around her neck and responded. This was the first time today that she had shown any affection. I am sure that things will change as the weekend progresses. I looked around the room, it is amazing. It's like a lounge at one end with a deep leather sofa and a super huge TV on the wall. At the other end there is what looks like a Super king size bed and to the side a massive bathroom with both a Bath and a walk in shower.
"What are we doing this evening Margherita?" I asked.
"Shall we eat here at the Hotel and have a drink on the terrace?" Margherita asked.