You win some you lose some!
Aachen aka Aix-la-chapelle is an ancient imperial city. Famous as Charlemagne's residence and also as a popular Roman spa. The cathedral has amazing stained glass windows and an awful lot of gold. Quite different to most - almost oriental.
I liked the city although the woman in the tourist office was amazingly offhand. How do they get the job if they don't like tourists asking for any information?
Spent a peaceful night on a quiet road next to a park and close to the camping park which was too busy and cramped. Loads of dog walkers.
In the morning after walk was able to buy a crunchy brown croissant and a coffee.
Made my way to the Carolus Therme. It was brilliant. Several pools with warm thermal water and jets and waterfalls running at various times. I did a 20 minute water gymnastics session which was easy but much needed. It was all so easy and well organised. I managed to spend two hours there and never felt so clean!
To cap it, when I went back to the car there was a little cafe and I had a most delicious homemade lentil and vegetable soup for only €3.
So that was all the good stuff.
On my heading towards Calais the sat nav took me via Brussels and Brugge. I fancied a different route and chose Charleroi which sounds really nice doesn't it?
Well, it is the worst European city I have ever seen. Tragic jam on the way in past dirty old garages and car wash places. The cheapest diesel I have seen at €131 but I didn't need any.
The absolute centre had a nice fountain but within 50 metres were some young unsavoury characters running around as though up to mischief and scruffy.
Decided to get out as soon as possible.
Not possible. More jams getting out and it took me past some really nasty massive industrial buildings - all chimneys and rusty pipes. This went on for ages. It was so bad it was almost interesting.
Then I wanted to look for somewhere to camp but nothing suitable and after going through some villages with horrendously potholed roads.
Decided to get out of Belgium and looked for the nearest border with France.
Retrieved my French Aires book and found a quiet little aires in the village of Crespin near Valenciennes. Only three places but is empty anyway. Missed the shop closing at 8pm and walked into a little bar. So friendly. Kids playing pool and people playing cards. A girl has just left,she kissed every one goodbye and came over to shake my hand although we hadn't spoken at all. Sheer politeness.
Noticed on the motorways and other roads that there were many broken branches. They must have had a big storm to do that.
Have found a Mcwifi and booked my tunnel ticket for tomorrow 2 August.
Now need to find a vet for Sacha's passport have made three attempts already but not managed it as they seem to be rarely open.
So that is the end of this trip as I'll be back in England tomorrow - all being well. Au Revoir!