Thalys, RER & Eurostar

After perusing all the other devices we have that have a camera on them, such as iPads and phones it turns out we do actually have some pictures of our grand tour  - The Hague, Paris, London, Amsterdam

First we had the little Dutch train from the Hague to Rotterdam. Of course neighbor Koos saw us leave and declared us nuts to go with 3 kids and all that stuff. We already think it is a huge improvement that Rick now carries his own stuff.

With all the bags and stuff we decided for the 15 min not even to bother try find a real seat. Although I think Kaat and Duuk where quite comfortable here.

As we had allowed ourselves enough transfer time at Rotterdam we even had time for some croissants and coffee at the new Rotterdam station.

Then on the train we where served even more breakfast.

And we had free wifi! 

And so we arrive pretty well fed and relaxed at Gare du Nord.

On the way out from Gare du Nord to Eurodisney it was super busy and hectic. We where just glad to get there with 3 kids and all our stuff. On the way back we where experts and hence all trained and relaxed and we played a zillion games on the way.

At Gare du Nord teh fun was over, the vending machine ate our last coins and refused to spit out the juice Kaat was screaming about. The customs official was being very difficult about Duuk's passport and the fact that he has no last name and the train was super long and the quarantined customs area meant we had a long walk to find our spaces and got it all loaded on the train only just in time.

The Eurostar trip from Gare du Nord to London we kind of slept, all, a lot. So much so that we forgot about the diaper we had put on Rick back at Eurodisney Metro station as he had to go to the potty just as the train was about to leave and we could not find the public bathroom. The boy did not complain and went 'baby style' in one of his sisters diapers. Once in the taxi in London he announced he had to go again, and then happily said (fortunately in Dutch) - but I still am wearing that diaper. You think I can go in that? We sighed with relief (as we had another 20 min or so to go) and said yes......well the answer should have been 'No'. Baby diapers are not designed for big boys like Rick. And so poor Rick shuffled out of the taxi backwards when we arrived at Mees' house as he was embarrassed for his wet trousers. Poor boy! I felt very guilty.