Let me share a few 'train moments with the Bear':

On the way to Lille, Bear plonked our case down in front of a service door. I pointed out the sign saying 'leave clear - door in use' but Bear just swore at me. I picked up the case and moved to another seat. Staff were toing and froing throughout the journey. I gave Bear a 'meaningful look' the first time someone went through but he turned away.

It was my first trip on Eurostar and so I'll admit I was excited. Bear accused me of behaving like a schoolkid. So I retorted that it was better than being a grumpy old sod.

As Bear is inclined to keep the tickets in his (sweaty) shirt pocket I insisted on having them in my handbag. If I couldn't produce them instantly when required he grumbled.

While queuing for tickets at Liverpool Street, Bear couldn't quite hear that the lady behind the window was turning away anyone who tried to join the line behind him. As he approached someone else came up behind him and the lady started shouting and waving again. Bear thought she meant she wouldn't serve him so he began to get cross. I had to intervene (from where I was waiting in another queue) and, fortunately, he got the message and was quite nice to her - despite the fact that she had to inform us that if we travelled before 7p.m. it would cost £66 each but after 7 it would be £50 for both of us. Bear said he didn't want to buy the bloody train; just travel on it, so we decided to wait it out and found a seat from where we could 'people watch.'

It was actually quite interesting and made the time pass more quickly. Most passersby had very serious, almost miserable, expressions but those with a mobile attached to their ear were more likely to be smiling or grinning broadly as they talked animatedly.

The station filled with businessmen and women in suits, casually dressed travellers and holidaymakers weighed down with luggage. Most were clutching a newspaper, their ticket, or something to eat as they strode, sauntered, shuffled or bounced towards their chosen mode of transport.

Once on the train we found seats easily but it soon filled up. Bear was horrified when a chap near us put his laptop on the table of the seat next to him and a young woman put her bag on the floor by the seat beside hers and then started gossiping loudly on her mobile.

We heard all about her latest (s)exploits, her period problems and some of the bitchiness at work. It wasn't surprising that no-one challenged her for the spare seat until there was no other choice. Laptop man had soon been asked to occupy his own place but it took a more desperate commuter to interrupt her call and ask for the seat. She glared at him and complained that her luggage wouldn't fit on the rack. He said he'd put it up for her and did so. She continued her gossip a little longer but then made sure that she disrupted her fellow passenger by trying to get something out of her case.

Even though I had to agree with Bear's loud comments on these situations I certainly wouldn't have voiced them. Perhaps I'm too polite?