My trip to belgium for christmas

It started off as the usual holiday, i had my bags packed ready, the Uber was pre booked, and i arrived at the airport in lots of time.

I learnt something new with the customary conversation with the Uber driver, Manchester airport can only start departures after 6am.

I arrived at the arrival terminal in plenty of time, so early the checkin desk wasnt even open. 

People arrived, and after an hour wait, checkin began. 

I shuffled down the queue, joining conversation with another solo traveller, and after around 5 minutes I was greeted by a wave, with my passport in hand i rolled my suitcase towards the checkin desk. 

"I'm sorry Sir, you have been placed on standby because the flight has been overbooked" 

The news was delivered in a soft tone, and as you can imagine i was slightly shocked, I was then informed i maybe entitled to compensation. I proceeded through security, bought the pre ritual holiday pint and proceeded to google standby and being bumped on a flight. 

After arriving at the gate, slightly concerned i wouldn't have a seat, but consoled by the possible compensation, I waited for everyone board, I was one of 3 passengers on the stand by list, we were then informed we cpuld board, and I was handed my boarding pass. 

I checked, and noticed it said Business, which on a Brussels Airline's A320 is the equivalent of the extra legroom seats on a Jet2. 

It's now 06:18 am, and we have just started push back. Arrival was on time, and the advantage of being upgraded to business, meant that i was first of the plane, there were lots of people connecting direct flights, and it appeared like i was the only person on the airplane departing at belgium.

Passport control was painless, and i filled my passport with another stamp. 

I arrived at the carosel to collect my baggage, and like the scene in fight club there were a few unclaimed suitcases circling, i waited 5 minutes, and my suitcase was the first to arrive. 

All is going well, i made my way to the train station, following the universal emoji sign for the train, queued for my ticket, and made my way to the double decker express waiting fir me. 

It was 10am when i arrived at nordstation, and the graffitti dusted the area and adorned the room a quick 5 minute walk, and i was checked into my hotel, painless .

Follow me on my 13 day journey of Belgium et al.