Daily Conversation - Transfer from Paris to London

Good day & Cheerio!

It’s Kara starting off the blog again tonight as we take turns using the blow dryer. We’ve had a full day and are ready to get a bit of rest before we hit the streets of London again tomorrow.
We had breakfast as usual at Sequoia Lodge in Paris and then went back to our room to do a final check that we had all of our things and then headed off to the train station at Disney (Marne-le-Valle Chessy). Yesterday we walked to and from the parks using the walkway along the lake at the resort complex. Because the buses were continuously slow during our visit we decided we’d just walk with our backpacks and duffels. It was not a bad walk, and we arrived at the train station about an hour in advance of our train – apparently far too early by European standards. We waited until our TGV train arrived and then boarded bound for Lille, France.

When we had booked our train tickets several weeks ago, Gayle and I “agreed” (or rather I suggested and she apparently rolled her eyes at me via our phone call) that we would get the “low” first class tickets for our train rides today. That gave us a served meal on the Eurostar and first class seating on both trains. Apparently until today Gayle had thought I was nuts for booking this extra luxury, even though it was a very affordable luxury, but I’ll let you tell her if it was a good decision or not, while I go take a turn with the blow dryer.

Gayle: (From above, it’s also important to know Kara was going to try to call home at 9am this morning. 9am Paris time. To which I reminded her it was only 3am at home and calling at this time probably wasn’t a good idea!) So, we’re at the train and this issue of the 1st class tix, eh? Yep, Kara definitely made the right call on this one. It was like 1st class on an airplane, except there was more room, no security, no waiting, no re-circulated air, a huge window… I think you get the picture. In fact, on the TGV train from Disney to Lille, France there were only about 5 others in our entire train car, including the cutest little dog who took a nap in the aisle!
We were both really excited about the EuroStar simply for the class of service and of course, the speed. One of the best things today was the UK Border Control officer; it was SO nice to finally hear a non-French accent! Literally seconds after pulling out of the station they were taking our drink and lunch choices. We received a nice lunch with salad, entrée, dessert, bread, and “beverages”! J I captured a few seconds of video to illustrate the speed, but not sure if we can get it to upload from here…. The only annoyance was the constant pressure changes from passing other trains, going through tunnels, and of course, being under the English Channel. Very soon we arrived at St. Pancras Station where the real adventure began.

Each of us brought a rolling duffle and rolling backpack. Luckily there were “lifts” (elevators) at this station, so all was well, minus the significant crowds. We stood in line for a Tube (subway) ticket to one of the stops nearest our hotel. (We probably should have just used our pounds in the self-serve kiosks instead.) Got tickets and were off to the Tube! But when we arrived at Westminster Station, life started to get a little mean. There were two sets of stairs (up) from the platform to the main station level. (Umm, hello? It said this station was handicap accessible! Apparently that was only if you were transferring lines!) There was no lift, so dragging our bags was, well, an exhausting drag. We finally make it outside and no kidding, there are another couple sets of steps to traverse. Huffing & puffing, I proclaimed, “I love America!” Over the bridge and through hordes of people, we finally make it to our home for the next 5 nights: the Marriott County Hall. This hotel sits right on the Thames, over the bridge from Big Ben, and immediately behind the London Eye. This is where I wanted to stay since my previous visit here in 2000. Check-in was seamless and our room is divine. It’s a good thing we’re doing the trip in this order, Paris then London, because our room here has everything the Disney one didn’t. (I could go on and on about this, but will spare you.)

Once we recovered from our baggage Olympics, we set out to get the lay of the land and find dinner. We walked around Parliament and Westminster Abbey on our way to supper at The Abbey. This is a bar/restaurant we found on the Net. I was joking with Adam Smith that it was kinda like Scotty’s, but in London. Oh, but it was so much more, as it had class and sophistication. It was one of the nicest bars I’ve ever been to and would happily return. We had our requisite 1st night in London fish & chips and then stopped at a convenience store for a few snacks for breakfasts, etc.

Too soon it was time to head out, as we had pre-reserved tickets for the London Eye. Wow. No picture ever allows you to truly understand the scale of this massive ferris wheel. In fact, I started to get a big anxious, but as they say here, it turned out to be “brilliant”! We then investigated the area behind the hotel and stumbled upon a lovely Italian café/restaurant, which we plan to visit later this week, as well as the back entrance to the hotel.

For London it’s incredibly warm, nearing 80 degrees. Gratefully our room air conditioner is more than up to the task, unlike what we endured at Disney. So at least for me, I’m planning on my first good night’s sleep of the entire trip tonight. With that, I’m off – wondering if I will read any of my book before I drift off to dreamland in the cushy and cool bed.

Tomorrow? Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, and much more, including… Harrods! (I think my credit card just screamed.)

Kara: I’m back from the blow dryer and think Gayle has captured everything so with this we’ll just say good night!

Gayle: PS…Yes – we know we now own 60% of GM – it’s the only thing on British television!