I just got back home from a quick trip to the U.K. and to Brussels. A quick rundown on the trains:

1> I had business in Ravensthorpe (between London & Birmingham). Rode British Rail from London Euston to Rugby. Although I had heard a lot of bad things about the U.K. rail system, our trip was really quite good. The trains ran pretty much on time, the ride was fast and smooth.

2> Took the Eurostar from London Waterloo to Brussels Midi. Wow! what a ride! On the way over, we did have to stop several times in the English countryside and I think that we missed our time slot for the Channel Tunnel. We arrived in Brussels 30 minutes late. The return trip was right on time.

3> Took Belgian Rail from Brussels to Bruges. It was simply amazing how on time the trains were. And smooth and fast.

After riding the rails in the U.S. that are shared with the freight lines, I was amazed at the quality of service in Europe. The trains were clean and efficient with cheerful staff.