Thursday, December 31, 2009

St. Pancras to Gare du Nord

We are traveling at over 200 mph, backward, through the English countryside on our 2 hour, 22 minute journey to Paris. Backwards, as for some reason, we seem to have reserved seats facing the rear of the train. Regardless, we arrive in Paris at the same time as the forward facing seats. It is New Years Eve, and we will be in Paris by 1PM today. While I am blogging on the Eurostar, I will not be able to post this until we get settled into our Parisian hotel on the left bank. The check-in process at St. Pancras station in London is very similar to airport security, with baggage scanners, passport control, etc, although we were only required to be at the station 30 minutes before departure. It is really amazing that we can travel on the ground between these two great cities in such a short period of time and in the comfort of the Eurostar. So civilized I say.
We are approaching the chunnel taking us under the English Channel, while our fellow passengers enjoy their full (and free) English breakfast. Frank and I enjoyed our "included in the room rate"  full breakfast buffet at our hotel before we left for St. Pancras. The Hilton Green Park was very centrally located, with excellent service; and the price was very reasonable for central London. The only negative was the lack of water pressure in the shower on our first and last day. Otherwise, the hotel scored a very solid 3 to 3.5 out of 5.
 
Next stop Paris Gare du Nord station, and a taxi ride to our hotel on the Left Bank. Ooh la la !

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