This is my second blog story about being on the move; the first dealt with the crazy 1985 history of biking to Greece, this second story is a bit closer to home and certainly much less dynamic.
Come and have a look at Vilvoorde NMBS/SNCB, for non-Belgians: the railway station...
Now what you looking at is a busy railroad junction, just north of Brussels, on your way to the second most important city of the country: Antwerp, Europe's number 2 port.
Ok, it is true, Belgian climate is friendlier than in Holland (less wind and rain, a bit more southernly temp's), but if I am not mistaken these metal grids used to frame real glass windows protecting travelers on their way from/to the platforms.
Even without huge quantities of rain, paint on wood is wearing off at a given moment; or should we, hasty commuters, simply not look up to see the label reporting the last painter made his round in 1981?
Are we travellers passing by Vilvoorde station that unimportant that even billboards stay empty? No cute faces promoting flashy products, just empty scratched off metal boards; guys, this is the city gate to the European Capital letting in the northern folks, what a missed opportunity...
Give me a million and I will make sure everybody will be proud and looking forward again to pass by Vilvoorde station, I have faith in you...
Your dedicated fan in the 8:33 Mechelen-Halle all stations train, peaking out of the open window at the very tail of the train
