Our mini holiday in Cambrils was nice. We went for a couple of runs and swims, as well as a bit of shopping and relaxing. The train to Paris was nice but the weather not so much. Our accommodation turned out a bit random but worked out well. We climbed the Eiffel tower; Brenda did it in heels! We went to the Lovre museum which Brenda found fascinating but Sam found mostly boring! Also saw Notre Dam from the outside. We went to Orleans for a night (town of Joan of Arc). Really nice place with river and good weather. Had some good pizza and wine. Wandered around the streets, very quaint.

Then off to Belgium! Spent two nights in Bruges - nice but very touristy. Then big day trip to visit the Orval abbey brewery. Met a really nice couple from USA who were more in to beer than Sam! Brewery was a great experience which we both enjoyed. After a detour due to missing a bus, we went to a nice little village in a narrow valley called Bouillon. The hostel was amazing, perched at the top of one side of the valley with the castle on the other side. The town and river at the valley bottom, very pretty. We drank lots of Belgian beer and even managed our first decent home cooked dinner in ages! To top it all off, we saw the Ireland vs Oz RWC game which was fantastic!