In Bruges

After about a 3 hour train journey from Calais arrived in Bruges. First thing that struck me was the number of bicycles outside the station. I wandered about the city looking for my hostel and who should I run into but one of the teachers from my old school. Spent a bit of time seeing the sights like the belfry, palaces, statues and windmills. Discovered at certain points around the city a funny smell, I think it has something to do with the canals. Stayed at St Christopher's Inn which was quite nice with a decent bar and tidy rooms. Only gripe here is the showers, you press the button and you get 5 seconds of water. Ended up going out on the town with the people from my room. That being an Aussie guy living in Holland, an Aussie girl living in Edinburgh, a guy from Spain and a guy from Brazil. also met two guys from California but they didn't have much sense of humour, so we ditched them. Went to the park where there was a bar and stage set up and had a good time drinking, yarning, and playing fooseball with a rock.

Calais beachhead

A sleepy seaside town from all appearances, Although it had a very nice stretch of beach that wasn't very busy at all. I stayed at a pretty cheap and basic hotel across from the station on my first stop here and saw what there was to be seen. On my second stop here I stayed at the youth hostel which was quite nice. 25 Euro for a private room with shared bathroom. also ended up with a free drink and internet as I did an interview for a journalist. Didn't get to laze on the beach as I had planned though as there was a bitter wind coming off the sea from England, does not bode well for my return.

Its over!

And so my time at Verulam comes to an end. It has definitely been an experience. From arriving with all my worldly possessions in a backpack on a snowy winters day, the two snow days, the fire, all the changes at the school, things have been interesting. Wrapped the year up with a bit of a shindig, a few drinks, a few laughs. My haul from it all, a box of chocolates, 2 bottles of wine and a bottle of scotch whiskey. I am going to miss the place. Not so much the students or facilities, but definitely the science staff. Them, and having a job with such a small commute. But that chapter has now come to an end. Who knows, I may be back someday. But for now it is time to move on and find a new job. But before that...

Summer break! 3 weeks in England, 3 in Europe riding the train around France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia, Germany, etc. I have a vague list of places to see but mostly I will go were whim takes me. Should be a lot of fun.