Booking Ref: 2398818
Our bags arrived at our hotel in Spain a week ago. Whoo hoo, we’re almost there. John, our tour guide rang to make sure we knew what was happening and where to go. He certainly seems well organise and a nice chap.
Then, it’s a (nut) case of getting organised! Brains and memory are Jan’s department. Normally, we have to pack for an overnight stay, but we will get there in the evening of the day we leave. We will still have a small wheelie suitcase and a small rucksack, though. The plan is to leave by 6am to amble gently to the station.
But, first the usual family pre-holiday feast.
We left on time - hooray. I'm not sure we have managed that before. It was then a gentle half-hour amble up the hill to the station. We could have caught the bus, but then it may not turn up, and we could get some steps in before sitting for most of the day.
The trip to St. Pancras was easy. Jan sat downstairs in the station, near the entrance to the Eurostar, while I went to see our tour manager, John, who seemed extremely nice and well organised. I went and found Jan, and we wobbled through customs (fast-tracked because I have my walking stick). Then it came to going through security … that was when Jan realised she had left her backpack on the seat outside!
They were very good about it. They let her out, under supervision, and the bag was on the seat where she had left it. They then ushered her through customs to get back to where I was waiting. Images of going on holiday alone went through my brain cell … but, no such luck (ouch, Jan. That slap hurt.)
Then into the packed waiting area for an hour. Time for breakfast.
The train was on time. Everyone rushed for the train, so we waited for the queue to die down. We still had loads of time. The nice John came around to discover that we were all present - and we were!
A “light” breakfast was served as we went through the Tunnel.
It was so light that I had to keep my finger on the tray to stop it floating away.
Paris arrived at our train at 12:58 local time. It was kind of Paris to move just for us. We then had to walk quite a way to get to the coach across Paris to the Gare de Lyon - boring. Our coach couldn't get in because the coach for the other party travelling in our direction had broken down. This blocked the slip road where all coach pick-ups happen. This took 20 minutes to sort out. We wished the other party good luck and were on our way.