Introduction
In June 2004 I made a two week visit to Europe, starting at Cambridge and then travelling to Brussels, Berlin and Hamburg by the Eurostar, Thalys and ICE high speed trains. This was to attend the wedding of a friend at Cambridge (England) and to have a holiday. As well I visited some people in the IT business along the way and rode around several cities on a small folding bicycle.
This is a technical travelogue, in the style of my book Net Traveller.
Highlights
London to Brussels by Eurostar
Boarding the Eurostar
The Eurostar was looking a bit tired and in need of refurbishment, compared to French and German high speed trains connected with in Brussels, but it is still fast and efficient.
Brussels to Cologne by Thalys
Thalys high speed train
The Thalys from Brussels to Cologne is a very new bright red version of the French TGV high speed train.
Cologne to Berlin by ICE
ICE Interior
The German ICE high speed train looks fatter and more business like that the elegant french TGV. Inside it seems a bit bigger.
Berlin to Hamburg by ICE
ICE in Hamburg
The ICE runs into the center of Hamburg.
Models of the Trains: