JohnB writes:
Buster wrote:
For those that have not visited Bruges, let me describe a car journey
to that city.

We arrived on the Sea Cat (The Vomit Comet) at Ostend and drive 13
miles to Bruges where you are directed down a tunnel some miles out
of the city. After driving some distance underground, you are directed
into giant car parks and take the lift back to daylight, where you
arrive in the middle of a huge town square with Bars and restaurants
around the edge, and the latest shops within a short walk.
No Stress at all.

None? You jest.
Now had you jumped on Eurostar and simply crossed platforms in Brussels it is
likely you would have ha a much more pleasant journey. Just think, not having
to queue at the ferry port or having to drive. You even admit the crossing is
less than enjoyable.
Instead, you could relax with a book and a meal, or enjoy a snooze.

From your self-centered point of view, yes. But the OP could have
been carrying a substantial amount of luggage (or intending to carry a
substantial amount - e.g. beer - back), been travelling as a large
group, or with babies or small children. He could also have decided
to travel at short notice, or started from somewhere well outside
London.

Any of those factors could make train journeys and multiple
interchanges totally impractical, prohibitively expensive or just far
too much trouble.

We need some new thinking on this. Public transport is not the answer,

It goes towards providing it. More roads don't.

It doesn't provide anything for those who can't use it, for whatever
reason.

--
Jonathan Marten, SCM Team Engineer VSP Bracknell, UK
Sun Microsystems

"Progress is not expedited by frequent requests for progress reports"