Fences!!!

Breakfast and last few purchases before heading back to Calais.

As we approached Calais we saw a large plume of black smoke in the distance, discovering later it was the tyres which had been set alight by the striking ferry workers. One exit on the motorway was already blocked and the next was certainly getting that way with the volume of traffic. However, we were heading to the Eurotunnel and wondered what wait we were in for. We arrived an hour earlier and sailed through, getting on a train half hour earlier than planned. We have been so, so lucky on both our journeys. But I do feel for the lorry drivers held up in Operation Stack that went on for miles and miles along the M20.

Back home and a much needed cup of tea and catch up with mum and dad. They had decided to head home straight away as they always wake up very early and didn't want to disturb us.....and probably just looking forward to getting back to their own home. I am seeing them again in a couple of weeks, so I didn't mind and very much appreciate them staying so we could all have a break.

I have had great fun in Ghent but think I prefer Brugge. Smaller, intimate and prettier. Maybe visiting Ghent straight after a 10 day festival was bad timing but it seemed the city was suffering from a big 'hangover'. Some bars/restaurants/shops were closed for their annual holidays and the locals could be quite abrupt......had enough of festival goers or the Belgian way???

This blip was taken through the window on the train showing the fences around the area and a police van parked on the bridge.

Have a super weekend.