Friday 27 January - Travel by Eurostar Paris to London

After ten weeks in Paris we were both reluctant to leave having a good feel for the way things run. Metro lines 2 and 4 took us quickly to the Gare du Nord where we found that our train had been put back by 12 minutes.  There was not so much confusion at the Gare du Nord as I have noticed in the past and we were quickly through  check in, French Customs, UK Customs and security.  We had a good wait but lined up in good time to ensure we were some of the first to board because baggage space can be difficult. As it was we had one of the original Eurostar sets which are being replaced by new trains and scrapping has started.

This was the train that took us to London. Behind it is a new 320 Eyrostar and a Thalys TGV

The French countryside through Lille to Calais is unremarkable, the 20 minute ride through the tunnel is boring while the Kent countryside is nothing special. The least said about the Thames marshes the better. When we crossed the river Medway I really felt back at home. The Medway bisects the county of Kent from north to south. Those born to the west (like me) are Kentish Men, while those born on the other side are Men of Kent. Suffice to say, in spite of a possible track circuit delay, we arrived in St. Pancras on time. The overall roof is magnificent. A walk through the domestic station into Kings Cross and we found a table in the Parcel Yard for an excellent lunch.

A pint of Fullers London Pride went down very well before the steak and mushroom pie with chips arrived. A nice drop of wallop.

The Picadilly line was not crowded but the train was extremely noisy. The Millennium Gloucester was expecting us and the room is quite comfortable. Had a pint of Fullers Jack Frost at the Hereford Arms and made a reservation for lunch on Sunday.

There is an hour difference from Paris and we are both tired.