I woke up in Brussels, Belgium about thirteen minutes before my alarm went off. I was still tired but it’s getting better. Shower, repack, head to Brussels Midi train station to take a Thalys train to Paris. I board the train and someone is in my seat. Not only is she in my seat, she is completely settled in. It looked like she had some manual, a lot of paper, a calculator, highlighter, pen and phone all out. She appeared to be working very hard. I’m not sure how she had the time to get all of that out since the doors had opened two minutes earlier, but there it was.
I stand over her, she doesn’t look up. I say “You are in my seat.” Nothing. Again, louder “YOU ARE IN MY SEAT!” She looks up and says something in a language I don’t understand. I put my ticket in her face and point to the seat number. She repeats whatever she had originally said that I didn’t understand the first time. Someone trying to pass by tells me “She is willing to exchange seats with you.” Oh here we go again. No. I have the window seat. I chose the window seat. You could have done so just as easily. But no, you decided to take my seat. This is so obnoxious. Not even the part about wanting to switch seats. The part about getting all settled before even asking. This is disgusting human behavior. So I make it clear, NO. She then has to gather up all her stuff and get out of my seat. Ugh.
I passed out as soon as the conductor checked my ticket. I woke up in Paris. Today’s walk to the hotel is three minutes. Get this. I do not get lost not even one time. Not even for one block. I found it no problem. I am psyched!