The Equinic Diary Of NEXIS             Team Nexis assigned yours truly to be the scribe for our part of the Equinic Torch relay. Our assigned leg of the journey was to pick up the Torch from Team Viking and deliver it to Germany. We certainly wanted to give everyone a chance to carry the Torch for a short way if at all possible and we wanted to give as many people as we could, a view of the Equinics Torch. Therefore we had planned a rather auspicious route that would take us from Copenhagen to Scotland, down through England, back to Amsterdam, through Belgium, to France and finally to Germany where we would hand over the Torch. Our journey would be by plane, train and foot and cover seven days. Team Nexis at Robert the Bruce Monument Day 1 Team Nexis, consisting of Zonerkid, Hannibal, Formtrack, Sallydee and yours truly arrived in Copenhagen where we were to meet the Vikings. Our CEO Formtrack was quite free with either his checkbook or his Credit Card (I really don't know which) and booked us all into a lovely and warm hotel. Of course there were only five of us at this point so I guess he wasn't too put out. We would be picking up more of the Nexis Team members along the way but someone had to take care of all the logistics of moving several people and a Torch along the prescribed route. The evening of our arrival in Copenhagen, we went down to greet the Ferry that was bringing the Torch and Team Viking. They looked awfully fierce in those horned helmets they wear but were a great group and we instantly liked each other. There was a nice ceremony as they put the Torch into our hands and Formtrack was given the honor of carrying it through Copenhagen back to our hotel. The streets were lined but the cold and rainy weather soon drove everyone back inside and even thought we had wanted to run the Torch through more of the streets of Copenhagen - it was just to darn cold and we were afraid the rain might put the torch out. God forbid - we sure didn't want to be responsible for that! So back to the Hotel we went. We put the Torch in a special room where it would be under guard and spent the evening at the Disco with Team Viking. It was quite a show as those Scandinavian guys and girls are really something. They danced our feet off and we all drank way too much. Many Skol's and Uffda's later we all stumbled off to our rooms, as the journey would start early tomorrow. Day One Oh my, that Aquavit - I have had hangover's and I have had hangovers - but this was the worst. I am sure that I saw Sallydee dancing on the table with Sabbath and I can't even describe what was going on in the corner with Hannibal and that leggy blonde. I sure hope the pictures I took turn out. I, of course was quite demure and sat silently at the table drinking my beer - well - except for those two shots of Aquavit. Amazing everyone and mostly ourselves, we were all up very early and collected the Torch for a before dawn drive to the airport. The officials, however, at the airport were not thrilled to have a lit Torch going on the airplane but after Formtrack explained they said okay, as long as we kept it turned way down. The plane was delayed for almost an hour because, Equinic Torch or not, people on our flight, decided they didn't want to fly with us even though we pointed out that the Torch had a special holder for the plane ride. Our flight to Edinburgh, where we would meet Euan, was uneventful and because we had lots of room most of us caught a quick nap before arriving in Scotland. Loch Ness Euan was there to meet us with a few more from Team Nexis, including Swale, Lionart and Tallin and also a great crowd of cheering people. Euan was asked to carry the Torch as this was his home and he held it high as we followed a parade route up the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle. It is quite a climb and we were all puffing by the time we made it up the hill. It was all worth it as the streets were lined with people cheering us on and the view was spectacular. We left the Torch on display at the Castle under heavy guard by a Highland Regiment, where everyone who wanted to, could come and see it. Euan took us on a tour of the Castle and then we found ourselves on a bus for a quick tour of Scotland. We saw and not necessarily in order as we were quite rushed, Stirling Castle, quite impressive and what a view, and the Monument to Robert the Bruce. Hannibal climbed up the hill to see the William Wallace Memorial but the rest of us just looked up. We also had a quick look for the Loch Ness Monster, and even though Tallin said he saw it, I think it was just a log - but then maybe….. It was kind of misty. After a quick ride through Inverness it was out to visit Culloden, which was very moving. It certainly does make one stop and think about how many were killed on that bleak moor in 1746. Sallydee and I kind of liked looking at our guide. He looked just like Jamie from Diane Gabaldon's "Outlander" Series. I even had my picture taken where my far back relatives, the Macintosh Clan had fought. We did a bit of shopping in the magical little town of Pitlochry and after a stop to see some Highland Cows - I couldn't help it, I just had to see them as they are so strange with that really long hair - we were soon headed back to Edinburgh. A highland Cow Very late that evening we crossed the Firth of Fourth, don't you just love that name, and arrived back at our hotel The Balmoral. Nothing but the best for Team Nexis! Euan had rented us one of the conference rooms and after cleaning up from our day's excursions, we were treated to a wonderful Scottish meal and of course entertainment. We had a grand evening and enjoyed all things Scottish - the Pipes, the whiskey and even the Hagis, which I wouldn't eat, although Zonerkid did, brave soul that he is. We even learned how to do the Highland fling and believe me it is aptly named, as all of us were flung hither and yon to a lively tune. After the festivities we were all glad to retire, as tomorrow would be another long day. Scottish guide at Culloden - looked just like Euan. Day 2 Up early again, I am way to old for this although the younger members of the group all looked quite well, and back to Edinburgh Castle where we retrieved the Torch. A quick run down the Royal Mile and into Waverly station where we boarded the Eurostar for a quick ride to London. This is a very fast train and quite luxurious. Most of us spent the time looking out at the English countryside and talking about the things we had seen and done in our quick run through Scotland. Four hours later, we were pulling into Kings Cross Station where even even more people greeted us. I kid you not - four hours - the trains go really fast! Lissa, who had set up this segment of our journey, met us at the station. Formtrack was also on his home turf and between the two of them had many things planned for us. Our group had now grown to 12 with the addition of Leesnyder, Lissa and Desperado. After a brief ceremony at the Station we ran the Torch through the streets of London, around Picadilly Circus (Tallin, follow that bus), then over for another brief ceremony at Trafalgar Square. Finally with the Queen herself watching from a window, we were honored, as Formtrack and Lissa were allowed to carry the Torch leading the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. It is a good thing there were a lot of us because by the time we ran the Torch out to Ascot, we were all quite worn out. When Swale, who was running the Torch at the time, rounded the corner into beautiful Ascot, he ran into a sea of horse people, all cheering him on. The Torch was placed on the finish pole and after still another ceremony was left to burn through the night and most of the next day while we were off to do more sightseeing. The group was split up with half of us staying with Lissa and half with Formtrack. We all met for dinner at a pub called the Pot O'Nails and then took a lovely river cruise down the Themes. The boat was warm which was a good thing as it was quite chilly. We were able to see Big Ben, the old Shakespearean theater, a number of towers, the new London Bridge (the old one being in Arizona) and many other historical features. It was a lovely evening and we all returned to our quarters with a strong sense of history. Day Three Lissa had us all up early and on to a special tour bus. We picked up Formtrack and his group and off we went to Stonehenge. I am not sure what I expected but it sure wasn't what I saw. Stonehenge is in the middle of nowhere, in the center of a huge field and is very lonely and eerie looking. The giant stones can be seen for miles and you have to walk quite a ways to get to it. There was some grumbling from Leesnyder as his feet hurt, but once out there, it was so impressive. They have those thingys you rent that play the story in your own language and you follow the path and hear the story. Other than Desperado trying to sneak across the forbidden area for a close up look at the stones - we all had a wonderful time. It was then back on the bus for a quick stop at Bath. Bath is an architectural wonder, which you just have to see for yourself. The Roman baths, which the town was named for, are awesome and they have excavated down to the original walls. Just amazing! I loved the story of the shepherd with the itchy pigs. After our sightseeing we all met at the Saracen Pub for a drink. This pub has been in continuous operation since 1500. Can you imagine! Think of the stories that the walls could tell. Soon it was time to return to Ascot and pick up the Torch for our late flight to Amsterdam. Our chartered plane (thanks John) got the Torch and us to Amsterdam without incident. Unfortunately no one had mentioned that the airport is quite a ways out from the town and you had to catch a train into the city. With the help of some locals, it is good thing most of them speak English, we managed to get on the right train. All was well until we came into the city. There are three stops and with none of us speaking the language we had no idea which one to get off at. Not wanting to go to far we decided on the first one. Of course it was the wrong one and as we stood on the train platform with the Torch watching the train disappear without us, it was not an auspicious start. I suppose we should have known it was the wrong stop because there were no people to greet the Torch's arrival. Men being men would not ask for help, but I had no such qualms and leaving them with our bags and the Torch, I wondered down the platform asking everyone of the very few people that were there, how to get to Amsterdam. Finally I found someone and with lots of pointing at the guidebook and the map - he told us to get back on any train except… and here he said a word I didn't understand, and go to the next stop where I should get off. The next train? He didn't know exactly when but soon. HA! I went back to where the group was sitting looking cold and lonesome - who's idea was this anyway to go to Amsterdam, and told them what I had found out. They didn't seem to think I had done a very good job but since it was so late, almost midnight local time, we decided to get on whatever train came through and stopped. Lionart, being practical, wanted to get a taxi but there weren't any around. Soon the shaking of the platform announced another train and it stopped, so we quickly jumped on and off we went - we knew not where. People in Amsterdam have seen it all and seemed to find nothing strange about a group of racetrackers getting on a train late at night with a giant Torch. My friend had told me to get off at the very next stop which seemed to come awfully soon but no one asked us for our tickets or even more money, so at the very next stop we got off. And there were all the crowds. After another brief ceremony as it was quite late, we did run the Torch through the streets to where the city fathers had set up a special place for it to stay so everyone could see it. After leaving the Torch, again under guard, we made our way back to the hotel and thank goodness they hadn't sold our rooms. Some of the guys decided to go out for a little fun that evening - I thought they were just looking up Yochem's phone number when I saw them looking in the phone book. HA! Have you ever looked in the Amsterdam phonebook? Well, let me tell you it is - well it is a - ummm - quite - errrr - well, lets just say, you can find anything you want in the yellow pages. Amsterdam is quite an "open" town. The rest of us settled for a nice stroll along the canal before retiring for the night as it would be another big day tomorrow. Day Four In the morning we were told we could easily walk to Anne Frank's House. Most of us had never been to Europe so we had asked Formtrack if we would be allowed to go sightseeing along with our duties concerning the Torch. He had told us sure and I think it was because he wanted to go himself. Hence all the planting of the Torch while Team Nexis took in the sights. Anyway, bright and early we all took off walking to see Anne's house. And walk we did. And walk. And walk. And walk. We had been told to just find the church tower and we would find the house. We could see the tower but getting there was something else. Finally some nice young college students took us in hand and even in the middle of winter it was a wonderful tour and we were glad we had gone. We took a cab back as our feet were getting a bit sore from all the sightseeing and the Torch running. Tallin's favorite houseboat - Looking at Ann Franks house on far left We had a couple of hours before we were to meet Yochem who was going to take us out to his restaurant in some unpronounceable town, so we took a canal cruise. It was awesome and I really liked the houseboats that were tied up along the banks everywhere. I thought we were going to lose Tallin as he decided a houseboat would fit his lifestyle. He really liked Amsterdam and I was sure he was not going to be with us when we were ready to leave. He kept asking our guide about how much one cost and such. Of course I heard he had a really good time the night before and maybe that had something to do with it. Yochem met us at the hotel with a small bus and drove us out to his restaurant. So as to not embarrass the rest of his customers, he put us off in a room by ourselves. We were really hungry by now and he was a very gracious host. His restaurant is top notch and we had a great lunch and had a great time learning about the area. Too soon it was time to leave and get back to Amsterdam to pick up the Torch for our journey to Belgium. We let Yochem carry the Torch back to the train station and there Formtrack had a surprise for us. He had ordered a special car to carry us and the Torch for the rest of our journey. It had a clear bubble roof and the Torch could be seen from the outside as we passed through the countryside. Soon we were all on board another of Eurostar's fast trains - they can go well over a 100 miles an hour - and on our way to Brugge via Brussels. We had all heard about the new sculpture that was on display and we all wanted to see it. So while our special car was being hitched to a new train that would take us to Brugge we took turns running the Torch through Brussels so all the locals could see. It wasn't hard to find the sculpture as everyone knew where it was and gave us good directions. The Sculpture was called the French Kiss and had moving parts. The Torch might have been a big attraction but that sculpture took the cake. It was unbelievable! We all had a few choice remarks to make about it. After taking many pictures we ran the Torch back to the train and found our special car already hooked to the train and ready to go. Arriving in the late afternoon in the town of Brugge we were greeted by Flstables (Alex) as he lives here and he couldn't have been nicer, even though his horses will be competing against Team Nexis in the Equinics. Leaving the train we took turns running the Torch into the Market Square where it would spend the night. We even let Alex carry it in to town. Alex has a girlfriend who works at one of the best hotels - the Navarra and she got us a great deal on rooms so we felt quite well taken care of. After cleaning up most of us went back to look at the town square that was so beautiful it took our breath away. The old buildings with their gold trim were beyond belief. Alex showed us all around and we all loved the smallest street in the world. You had to walk sideways to get down it - but the walk was worth it as when you got to the end - well you just must go there to find out. Many pictures later we were off to dinner and then bed as we were all quite exhausted. Day Five City Hall - Market Square - Brugge We were all up early, as we wanted to see some of the sights of Brugge. First up was a carriage ride around the city. The horse looked like one from one of Formtrack's claim bandit stables - but it was fat and sound and we had a wonderful time. Then we just walked and looked. I cannot recommend this town enough - it is the most beautiful place I have ever been in and Alex is so lucky to live there. But we had to leave and so, picking up the Torch we jogged back to the train station where we boarded our car for our trip to Paris and one of our Nexis tracks - Longchamp where we would meet up with the rest of our group. Market Square - Brugge We were all enjoying the ride and talking about what we had learned on our journey so far. Do you know what is different about Dutch Elms and regular Elms? Their roots grow straight down to find soil due to all the water in Holland. In the French part of Belgium there are bridges with no roads. Do you know why the Duke of Wellington was called The Iron Duke? After defeating Napoleon he was giving a nice house and made Prime Minister. He was such a bad one that he had to put iron bars on his windows so people wouldn't throw bricks though them. There was also an awful story about Henry VIII who invented divorce. It seems that when he died, his coffin carriers stopped for a beer while taking him to his burial ground. They got drunk and - well I am not going to tell you the rest - it is too gross. I won't swear to the truth of any of these snippets of history - but that’s what we were told. The French country side was beautiful as we sped through it, most of us with our noses pressed to the windows and the Torch looking beautiful in it's holder. We were all glad to get off our tired feet for awhile, but in no time at all we were in Paris and were met at the station by Glfstrmdoc who was in charge of our activities here. It was early evening when we arrived, but Paris was bustling. We had people lining the route and cheering us on as we ran the Torch out to Longchamp where it would spend the night. Leaving the Torch in its holder, we were all glad to head back into town. Doc had many activities lined up for us and we knew we would be up quite late. Again we stayed at a wonderful hotel right on the Seine. Formtrack was so generous. After dinner we were off for a bit of Paris nightlife. Leesnyder and Zonerkid were so busy looking at everything I am surprised they didn't get a permanent crick in their necks. Tallin completely disappeared but did return to the Hotel but very late. Hannibal and Desperado had a great time at the Paris nightclubs we went to, and so did the rest of us. Lissa was in rare form - give that girl a few drinks and no telling what might happen. Too soon it was time to return to the Hotel as our journey is almost over. The plans called for sightseeing all day, then a gala French dinner at the hotel. Day Six and Seven I can't begin to describe all the things Doc had planned for us. We saw the Eiffel Tower, walked along the Left Bank, trekked through art museums and palaces. I ran out of film and so did everyone else. We even got to go tour the wine country, thank goodness we got to go on the bus, and see the French Alps - from afar. All to soon it was back to the hotel and although most of the Team went out on the town again I stayed in to finish up this Diary. I don't know about any of the rest of Team Nexis but I wore out a perfectly good pair of running shoes during our section of the journey. It was of course a once in a lifetime experience and I think everyone was glad to do it for the Equinics. We will all have some wonderful memories of the places we went and the people we met. We will leave early in the morning to go back out to Longchamp and pick up the Torch. Our special train car will be waiting at the station to take us to the German border where we will pass the Torch on to Team Germany. I hope they have as much fun as we did. Bird