Sunday 24 and Monday 25 November 2024

A big couple of travel days on the train from Nice to Paris which was a comfortable six hours on the TGV. Our Paris station, Gare de Lyon was a taxi ride to our overnight two star hotel within walking distance of Gare de Nord, because we are departing there on the Eurostar to London tomorrow. 

This was another good train trip at just under 300 kph and 2.5 hours.

Alyssa was waiting for us at St Pancras and we had a long and lovely lunch in Searcys Brasserie and Champagne Bar, a very nice and well presented restaurant within the station. Very reasonable bill at the end – until you realise it’s in pounds!

The train to London Bridge, then to Marden in Kent was seamless and Johnny collected us for the 20 minute drive to Kilndown, where we will be house sitting with Truffle the naughty dog for a couple of weeks.

It has been interesting to reflect on the various train journeys we have taken throughout Italy and France. One of the great advantages is the fact that you don’t have all the hassle of airports – getting to and from, let alone getting through them. The heart of the city to the heart of the city in what really is clean and comfortable carriages; the ability to walk about and the countryside sliding by at over 300 kph, is really pleasant. The downside is lugging your bags, often big suitcases, on and off and the inevitable long staircases. But one mustn't grumble.

The hotels near the stations are OK, some are a bit dodgy and the neighbourhood sometimes sleazy. So, if you’re overnighting, a dodgy hotel in walking distance to your station next day is OK. If you’re staying more than a day, we hop the Metro to another suburb (or walk quickly) to the finer dining and cultural pursuits.

You can see Flashy in the mirror. Artistic eh?

Beef carpaccio.

Smoked salmon