Cheese, Beer and Trains! (So much culture)

After an amazing trip to Greece (more on that later) I'm back riding solo and first stop on this cultural journey is the train station! I had expected...passport control...general airport-ish levels of security? No; more like a very expensive carpark boomgate and a quick look at the passport; no need to remove your helmet.

The crossing took around 40 minutes, barely enough time to get off the bike sit down, have a drink before having to get back on and go!

Unfortunately only one photo crossing into France as there was no inbound passport control - simply ride out of the station and onto the roads!

Shortly thereafter I did manage to snap a proper border shot!

I continued to push east until I hit my final destination for the night - Antwerp. Apparently the city got its name due to the giant which lived in the nearby river demanding a toll to cross. Somebody cut off his hand and threw it away (Antwerpen means 'to throw a hand' in Dutch). Hence the statue in the town square!

Antwerp also has an amazing cathedral; initially designed to have two equal towers - the 2nd tower was never completed!

Also the sun was setting and the beer was good so I had to take multiple shots here

Sadly - another souvenir I didnt have room to carry!

Thats it for now - I'm off to Germany tomorrow!