Thrilled to be going to Brussels!
Nov 11th, 2003, 03:04 PM
#41
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Giselle: Thank you for your suggestions. My son and I both like cats, he is always saying he is a "cat" person - and the Kattenkabinet sounds very interesting. Yes, I will make sure to keep a diary of my trip and share...
Steph
Steph
Nov 11th, 2003, 08:02 PM
#43
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rebecca: The Thalys is the high speed train into Paris. We took a commuter train from Antwerp to Brussels (about 15 mins) and picked up the Thalys there. From Brussels, it was 1 1/2 hrs to Paris.
There are different categories of seats. We chose the window seat with a table between us. I think it was 140 euro RT, pp. However, when we boarded the train, there were 2 ladies in our seats. We showed them our tickets, including the seat # on tickets and above the window, but they refused to move. One of them showed us where to sit instead (against a wall, yea right!). That didn't settle well with me as we had paid for the better seats. So about 15 minutes into the trip, I again calmly approached the ladies. One moved but the other didn't. So there we sat across from each other the entire trip. I wish a train attendent would have walked thru so he could have settled the matter. But nobody checks your tickets, no scanners, no security. Kinda unnerving considering high security measures in this day and age.
There are different categories of seats. We chose the window seat with a table between us. I think it was 140 euro RT, pp. However, when we boarded the train, there were 2 ladies in our seats. We showed them our tickets, including the seat # on tickets and above the window, but they refused to move. One of them showed us where to sit instead (against a wall, yea right!). That didn't settle well with me as we had paid for the better seats. So about 15 minutes into the trip, I again calmly approached the ladies. One moved but the other didn't. So there we sat across from each other the entire trip. I wish a train attendent would have walked thru so he could have settled the matter. But nobody checks your tickets, no scanners, no security. Kinda unnerving considering high security measures in this day and age.
Nov 12th, 2003, 12:32 AM
#44
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,642
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WGS, that's a unique experience for the Thalys. I ride it frequently and my ticket has been checked carefully most times. You should have sought out someone to help you; if no conductor was around, go to the bar car and ask for help there (not much use now, I know, but if this ever happens on a future trip...). Were you in second class? 140 euros seems like a high price unless you meant that for both of you. You can get second class tickets for much less than that or ride first class for about that amount.
The Thalys is all reserved seating. If someone is in your seat, they must move. If they won't do it voluntarily, seek assistance.
The Thalys is all reserved seating. If someone is in your seat, they must move. If they won't do it voluntarily, seek assistance.
Nov 12th, 2003, 04:38 AM
#46
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BTilke, I just checked our tickets. Yes, we were in second class, 17th car. That price, 140E was round trip. We have never used a train of any kind so we just asked for window seat and they suggested the one with the table. That way we could both have window seat yet face each other. Hubby didn't want to pursue the issue as we had just had a wonderful week in Belgium with no problems, no attitudes and didn't want to start now. I, on the otherhand, was miffed. So I eventually got my seat, but he remained in the seat against the wall. The only time someone looked at our tickets was when we boarded in Paris for return trip. There was a person on the platform that glanced at our tickets then let us on. (She was talking to other train employees) We flashed our tickets and she nodded ok. There definitely wasn't enough time for her to check dates, car #, time, etc.
Next time (hopefully there will be a next time), we won't be as 'green' as we were for this trip. A little experience goes a long way.
Next time (hopefully there will be a next time), we won't be as 'green' as we were for this trip. A little experience goes a long way.
Nov 12th, 2003, 04:08 PM
#47
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WGS, thanks for the information. The train sounds perfect (except for your individual experience). I haven't researched Belgium yet and just came up with the idea of going there before going to France, my main destination.
Nov 12th, 2003, 11:43 PM
#48
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,199
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Steph,
In case you want to go from Antwerp to Paris, there are various Thalys connections that go directly from Antwerpen-Berchem to Paris Nord without having to change in Brussels. Total journey time is only 2 hrs 8 min.
Dec 11th, 2003, 05:13 AM
#49
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am now re-thinking Luxembourg...maybe Paris, since I have had time to roll what Myriam mentioned in my head...sounds like a great thing to add into this trip. I got news that my friend who lives in Southern Germany is meeting us in Brussels for a couple of days, he has never been to Belgium - Someone asked me why I plan my trips so far ahead, well....my friend wanted to get a room in the same hotel and he cannot! He waited too long and they are booked up! I book trips early to make sure I get what I want....
Thanks for all the great information, I have started watching Flemish films in hopes for glimpses of the scenery - like Pauline & Paulette - it shows the Grand Place, incredible, especially with the flower carpet!
Steph
Thanks for all the great information, I have started watching Flemish films in hopes for glimpses of the scenery - like Pauline & Paulette - it shows the Grand Place, incredible, especially with the flower carpet!
Steph
