With the wife about as cured as one can hope for, the day began at 0400 hours. Actually, truth be told…the day actually began much, much earlier. I fell asleep around 9 PM and woke just before midnight. I’m honestly not sure I ever went back to sleep. That’s jetlag for you. But I did enjoy my first cup of coffee (actually a double-shot of espresso) around 4:45 AM. Coffee Count = 1.
Our taxi arrived promptly at 5:30 AM for the one hour drive from Tunbridge Wells to Ashford International. After a brief wait in the passenger lobby (and enjoying a cup of coffee) we proceeded to the platform to wait the arrival of the Eurostar train. Coffee Count – 2.
Once onboard and pulling away from the station, we enjoyed a hot breakfast served in the First Class coach. This included a full English breakfast and two cups of coffee. Coffee count = 4
Apparently the tunnel is 21 miles long and runs approx. 150 feet deep under the English Channel. It seemed to take just 20 minutes or so to complete the underwater/underground portion of the trip and we soon pulled into the station in Lille, France. Since I had not yet had the opportunity to ever visit France, I asked one of the crew members if I could very briefly step off the train and onto the platform. She agreed and actually escorted me in doing so. She didn’t want to take the risk of the train leaving me on the platform. How very, very nice of her.
Once back on board, we pulled away from the station and were soon served an official (so I’m told) French double espresso. At this point I can pretty much see sound waves. Coffee count = 5.
Brussels –> Antwerp
Our final destination after all this was Antwerp. After arriving in Brussels, we changed platforms and manage to get to Antwerp, drop bags off at hotel and get to my father-in-laws house before high noon. Oh…I had one more coffee this afternoon around 2 PM. I believe this makes coffee count = 6. But in all actuality, when you count the double shots, it really increases the count to 8. But really..who the heck is really counting.
What about the pipe?
Oh yes….I almost forgot (not really, after all what is the main focus of this blog?) my father-in-law absolutely loved the Lane Limited 1-Q. I brought him two tins and within 5 minutes of walking in the house, he wanted to crack the tin open and smoke a bowl. Which we did just that. We then enjoyed a second bowl each after lunch.
Tomorrow we have some family business to sort out and as a result, there may not be much fun information to share with you all. However, I do have a article I wrote earlier in the week that will publish tomorrow about the Tin Society.
Finally, I do want to thank those of you who have helped share my blog site on Twitter. Things have begun to take off nicely and that’s certainly encouraging to keep writing. So please keep it up. If you enjoy my content, please share with your Twitter followers. I really appreciate it.
As the clock is about to chime 8 PM here in Antwerp, Belgium…I think I’ll head down to the outdoor bar for a nightcap and the last pipe of the day. Good night to one and all.
Until next time…
Happy Piping!
Jerry