Taking inspiration from other threads I am going to write reports on trips I have across the country (and beyond). First up is a trip last year from York - Italy via train and this will be split across 3 parts.
Days 1 2 York to Paris
Since we was on an early morning departure from London Kings Cross, Stevenage would be our first stop. Getting to York station, it was a quick dash over to Platform 6 where 43308 + 43300 with the 16:01 York to Kings Cross stopper. Although a boring journey, we pass a failed Freightliner in the Grantham area, causing delays to many northbound journeys. On arrival in Stevenage, we head straight over to Premier Inn to check in for the night and head out to explore what Stevenage has to offer.
Breakfast at 05:30 in a McDonalds in Stevenage and tea on the Champs-Elysee showed me just how the Eurostar has improved links to Europe. After catching the 06:10 to London Kings Cross, formed of 365503, we had over 4 hours to spare before our Eurostar departure. This was planned however so we could get a tube into the centre for some early morning photo opportunities. After getting the Victoria Line back to Euston from Green Park, we then take a stroll along Euston Road after quickly seeing if any thunderbirds were in the station. 57302 was noted, along with some needed 378's and my final 350, 350102
A nice easy check in at the Eurostar terminal followed before boarding the 11:01 to Paris formed of 373218. It was soon apparent the condition interior wise was not up to the standards you expect from a well renowned company. However, it was nice to tick it off the list. After speeding through the Kent and the Northern France green countryside, arrival into the capital was 10 minutes early. Booking into the hotel next to the Gare-de-Lyon, we head for a boat trip along the Seine and visit the Eiffel Tower before spending the night on the Champs-Elysee. The Paris Metro (underground) was similar to Londons in parts but also different in others. Exiting the trains meant going through ticket barriers which were like metal doors. At night, a lightning storm hit Paris and from our room we looked out across Paris and witnessed a lightning bolt hit the Eiffel Tower itself. Pictures of the event were in British newspapers the next day, however it would not be the first patch of bad weather we come across on this journey.
Days 1 2 York to Paris
Since we was on an early morning departure from London Kings Cross, Stevenage would be our first stop. Getting to York station, it was a quick dash over to Platform 6 where 43308 + 43300 with the 16:01 York to Kings Cross stopper. Although a boring journey, we pass a failed Freightliner in the Grantham area, causing delays to many northbound journeys. On arrival in Stevenage, we head straight over to Premier Inn to check in for the night and head out to explore what Stevenage has to offer.
Breakfast at 05:30 in a McDonalds in Stevenage and tea on the Champs-Elysee showed me just how the Eurostar has improved links to Europe. After catching the 06:10 to London Kings Cross, formed of 365503, we had over 4 hours to spare before our Eurostar departure. This was planned however so we could get a tube into the centre for some early morning photo opportunities. After getting the Victoria Line back to Euston from Green Park, we then take a stroll along Euston Road after quickly seeing if any thunderbirds were in the station. 57302 was noted, along with some needed 378's and my final 350, 350102
A nice easy check in at the Eurostar terminal followed before boarding the 11:01 to Paris formed of 373218. It was soon apparent the condition interior wise was not up to the standards you expect from a well renowned company. However, it was nice to tick it off the list. After speeding through the Kent and the Northern France green countryside, arrival into the capital was 10 minutes early. Booking into the hotel next to the Gare-de-Lyon, we head for a boat trip along the Seine and visit the Eiffel Tower before spending the night on the Champs-Elysee. The Paris Metro (underground) was similar to Londons in parts but also different in others. Exiting the trains meant going through ticket barriers which were like metal doors. At night, a lightning storm hit Paris and from our room we looked out across Paris and witnessed a lightning bolt hit the Eiffel Tower itself. Pictures of the event were in British newspapers the next day, however it would not be the first patch of bad weather we come across on this journey.
