Back in London after three days with Kate & Sebastien in Lille. It was great to see Kate again, and to finally meet Sebastien. Kate’s looking well, with only a few weeks to go until Biloute arrives. They’ve yet to decide on the baby’s name, so Biloute (“thingamygig”) is the working name for the moment!

The weather on Friday was typical for Northern Europe at this time of year; low grey clouds and pissing rain. Saturday and Sunday were much better and today it’s back to rain. Friday was veg around the house day, catching up on our goings on over the last few years.

On Saturday, Sebastien took me out for a blast on his Yamaha R1, topping 190km/h on the highway. I was a bit freaked out at first, as he was zig-zagging in between the cars, but apparently that’s legal in France, and all the drivers expect it, so it was no worries after that. I had noticed drivers moving out of our way, and I was wondering why that was. I just thought French drivers were very courteous! We stopped off in Lille for some vin chaud (mulled wine) and a walking tour of the city centre. It was absolutely packed as everyone tried to get their Christmas shopping done.

Sunday saw us all jump in the car and take short drive to Bruges in Belgium, to sample the local beers, mussels and chocolate. Bruges itself is a beautiful city. Lots of old buildings in good condition and in regular use. I have photos which I will organise and get online in the next few days. I’ve no photos of Lille as I wasn’t taking my camera on the motorbike!

Again, it was notable that French drivers don’t really give a toss about the speed limit. The limit is 110km/h on the motorway, but we managed 180 in the fast lane at times, and the slower lanes were still doing 130-140. Apparently it depends on what area of France you’re in, with lots of police around Paris, so not as many people speed around there.

Today’s blast back to London aboard Eurostar this morning was better, as it was daylight outside. There’s something hypnotic about watching the countryside rush past at 300km/h, with steeples marking all the local small towns en route.

I arrived in London and met up with Paul for a semi-liquid lunch, and am now taking advantage of the free wifi in the Apple Store on Regent St. while waiting to meet Isabella ;-)

Update: Bruges photos