A Short Stop In Epernay

One of my solo adventures was two weeks in Europe.  I actually wasn't solo the whole time as I visited my brother in Germany for a few of the days, but for the most part, I was on my own, with a duffle bag over my shoulder.

This trip took place in September and I celebrated my birthday in Epernay, France.  I had already spent some time in Paris, a day in Versailles and was making my way towards Germany.  I celebrated my birthday by having a yummy prix fixe dinner in my hotel that was topped off by my first taste of Crème Brule.   Wow, I fell in love with Crème Brule on that trip!  I also became a Perrier drinker and croissant lover during my week in France.

Epernay is a cute little town in the Champagne region of France and it is the home of Moet & Chandon, makers of fine champagnes.  I toured the town and toured the winery – topping off that experience with a tasting.  It was raining.  It rains a lot in Europe, I've figured out.  I woke up early the day after my birthday and rushed, in the dark and in the rain, to the train station, hoping to catch the earliest train for Paris so I could transfer and stop in Luxembourg on my way to Brussels.

That was not to happen because that train never made it.  Instead I spent an excruciating two hours with a scary guy who wanted to date me even though I lied and told him I had a fiancé.  In the rain – did I mention that?

Eventually, the next train came – the one I had originally planned on taking before I got the bright idea to leave early and make an extra stop.  I was off to Brussels…