Since our flight was not scheduled to leave Brussels until 11:55am we were able to have a leisurely morning. Had breakfast at the hotel, finished packing up and headed to the train station. Once we got inside we ditched the umbrellas (one was dead and we set the other down for someone else to use). The train runs directly to the underground train station at the airport. We got both of the suitcases checked (no need to carry-on for the home trip), took a leisurely stroll through the duty-free shops and made it through security in just a few minutes.
Since we had used miles to get business class seats we were able to use the British Airways lounge at the airport prior to our departure. It was a quick flight to London Heathrow (less than an hour) and we arrived to blue skies (Brussels was very wet so we picked the perfect day to leave). We once again were able to use the BA lounge and were able to relax while we waited for our flight (which was delayed about 30 minutes). Got on the plane and enjoyed the percs of business class (wish we could fly like this all of the time). And we were delayed even longer due to a fuel spill from a airplane (which we saw as we finally taxied out to the runway).
The service on British Airways is great - very professional and very proper (Charlotte was wearing a sweater and the flight attendant asked "Madam, may I hang up your cardigan for you?"). And the food and drink were very nice as well. Watched a few movies and dozed off just a bit (the plane never got dark because we were chasing the sun all the way to Seattle). Got through customs and immigration with no issues, grabbed the luggage, caught the shuttle to the parking lot and hit I5 about 7PM and we were home a little after 10PM. I wish our freeways were as good as the freeways in Germany.
So time for the wrapup - gone four weeks during which time we visited six countries (and set foot in two others), traveled quite a few miles by train, plane and automobile, lodging that met or exceeded our expectations and weather that was much cooler and damper than what were were accustomed to in September in Europe. While we had mostly good meals pork seems to be the main course in Germany (but it was always good). We were glad we got a guide in Berlin and Prague. We were on our feet a lot (and took several eight mile hikes that were very scenic). The weather did change our plans on occasion but we never let it stop us (but it did keep us from doing some things that we had hoped to do). We saw some beautiful scenery as well as beautiful historic towns and buildings. Our time in Berlin and Prague was very thought-provoking as we thought about the reign of Hitler and the effect of Communism on Berlin and Prague. It was great to visit friends in Copenhagen and Belgium (probably the highlight of our trip).
It seemed that the time went by very quickly but we were glad to get home. While we got to see a lot of different towns and sights it was at times a somewhat challenging schedule as we moved from town to town. But with that said we would rather do that type of trip now while we are still young enough the do it. And we were very fortunate that we stayed healthy the entire trip and there were no major issues to deal with. And the home front survived without us (but we did miss family, especially Gavin and Liam).
Will we go back to Germany - possibly but we would probably go when the weather is warmer and we would stay somewhere for a week and take day trips and do more hiking (which is endless in Germany). It is a beautiful country that reminds us of Oregon. And most everyone who helped us in some capacity was very nice and accommodating.
So that is a wrap for this trip - time to start planning the next one!
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