Travel Day to Brussels
And we're off! My niece Khloe and I arrived at Fort Lauderdale International airport about 9:30, just about 90 minutes prior to boarding for our 3 hour flight to Newark. Arrived there actually 30 minutes early, YAY.....only to have to sit on the tarmac for over 40 minutes to be able to park. We had about three hours between flights, so we had a bite to eat for a late lunch and made our way - not very far - to our gate for the long international flight. Boarded that flight at a little after 6 pm and left Newark about 7:40 pm. We had premium economy seating so we were comfortable with plenty of room and lots of entertainment choices.
Both of us watched a movie, finished the movie while we picked at a light chicken dinner and then both of us were out. The next thing we knew it was a little over an hour to landing and breakfast was being served. Watched the sunrise come up as we descended into Brussels where it was 29 degrees and very foggy.
We cleared customs in minutes, went to the luggage carousel and the third bag out was mine....about half a dozen later, there was Khloe's. So easy. Walked out to the outer area and met our Viking driver. He told us we were waiting for two more. They came in about fifteen minutes and the four of us were loaded into the van and headed out for the Radisson Hotel. It was about a thirty minute drive, still mostly foggy conditions. We pulled up and were met immediately by our Viking host, Astrid, who told us that it was just the four of us on the pre-cruise extension! WOW, personalized service!! Astrid gave us the packet with our itinerary and explained since it was only about 10 am the rooms probably would not be ready, but we should check that out first. I was the first one to the desk and our room WAS ready. And so too was the other couple's. We agreed to meet in about an hour and a half for an "orientation" walk - as much to get some fresh air and stretch our legs as anything else.
Khloe and I both took showers - the step up into the tub/shower is literally above my knee, you need an extension ladder (LOL). And then joined the others for a walk. It was pretty brisk outside, but the cold air felt good as we circled the block around the hotel.
We returned back to the lobby in about an hour and agreed to meet for a complimentary drink and to review the itinerary with Astrid. So at about 5 pm we all gathered in "the library" a quiet room off the main lobby where the five of us got together to go over, in detail the next few days. Because it's just the four of us and the guide it was very informal and we all shared stories. Of which everyone wanted to know about Antarctica and about all the Viking trips we've been on. Afterwards we walked across the street to what could best be described as an "upscale food court" for dinner. I had originally thought I'd get Greek but the worker behind the counter said they were closed - which I found odd. So Khloe and I had Indian curry food and were back in the room by about 7 pm - which for us was about 1 pm the second day of our travels.....we're tired and headed off to an early bedtime. We have a full day tomorrow - touring Brussels all morning, get an afternoon break and then will have a walking tour to the Christmas Market here in Brussels. And by the way, THIS Christmas Market was recently in the news across all of Europe........that's right, voted BEST in Europe - and we'll be there tomorrow for the amazing light show and to sample all the different stalls holiday treasures!
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