Metz

Amsterdam to Metz.  Lucky I like trains too. 

I packed up fairly rapidly when it looked like rain, took the little ferry across to the station and treated myself to breakfast. A little kerfuffle finding the lift but overall an easy start. 

I had a luxurious double seat all to myself for the whole journey to Koln. I knitted, listened to a book and dozed the journey away. Arriving a little over 20 minutes late to apologies in three languages I made my next connection with ease.

Switching from an ICE to a plain old IC the facilities weren't quite as luxuriant (although far easier to board). I spent the journey watching every single person be flummoxed by the toilet locks.  This train was delayed too. Lots of apologies in lots of languages and this time connection missed. 

I found an alternative route and made my way to the platform after first checking my ticket was good for such changes. 

I have a question for the good people of Luxembourg City: who does all the ironing?  I don't think I've ever been anywhere where - especially on a hot day - everyone looked so perfectly put together. Not a wrinkle, not a stain, perfect white shirts everywhere. Even the gym boys had their brand new trainers nestled on shiny black leather bags. No one was sweating. Everyone just looked very tidy. Obviously I stuck out like a sore thumb. 

Getting my scruffy self on the train to Metz I told a couple of kids to move their scooters out of the bike space. I can pull off commanding French only when stressed. I was impressed by his quick response and polite reply. It was only later when a distressed man came looking for his scooter that it became clear they had been working together to steal it. 

After that drama (well not much drama, the train and station were remarkably free of staff so I stood around for a bit then bade a polite goodbye.) A quick ride through the town and onto the site only half an hour late.  I've pitched up next to the river, had a very cold shower, found my insect spray and promised myself a long lie in tomorrow.