Bonjour les amis! After 23 years of flexible travelling to Paris I still cannot contain my excitement each time I return. Being born here and holding half a french identity whilst having family based here has always allowed me to call this beautiful place home. I get asked countless of times why I'm based in London rather than in Paris and well...It goes without saying that France is a big part of who I am and sometimes it takes me returning to my childhood place to realise certain things and to get to understand (& know) myself better and stay connected with the way I grew up. The truth is that the excitement I share with you all as I write this, I fear would no longer be the case if I had to bring my everyday life into the equation. It would no longer be my little escape, a place where I can come to refresh and relax. - you know what they say too much of a good thing, just like every thing else it would lose it's charm and I am not ready to give the love I have for Paris up and the sensation it gives me, it holds a place too close to my heart. I have plenty of childhood memories that I cherish everyday when I return and I somehow feel right in my element and can forget the world and stress around me whilst I'm here (sure wine gives me a hand at doing that but hey I'm not complaining)
(photos are taken with my iphone so as quality goes they're not the best)
5AM I usually never catch the eurostar very early, it's always a later train but there was a good deal going on and catching the early train meant catching a bargain. Ofcourse, I usually would have caught a taxi this early like I usually do when heading to the airport early morning.. but let's just say with December's salary it's always a stretch especially after the Christmas period. Roll on payday - - x3 days to go! (& counting) I have to admit despite it having been -3 degrees celsius & freezing waiting for the night bus to arrive, it was quite pleasant and on the whole it was a not such a strenous process to travel. I suprisingly enjoyed it and with no traffic on the road made getting to my destination faster and with no problem.
First thing after passing through security you ask ?! Ofcourse it was going straight to Cafe Nero, I had to grab a coffee before commencing my journey. Whilst I was sitting down sipping on my coffee and waking up slowly, It still allowed me to notice and appreciate the different shades of brown that were surrounding me. Again being early there wasn't alot of people around which is not what I am usually used to, other times I've travelled early afternoon I had to search and really look for any seat to sit down - yesterday I can say that I had my choice.
Since moving to London it has made it easier for me to travel back and forth to Paris. It's a hop on, hop off process where you don't even have to wait for your luggage after the journey. You collect everything as you get off the train et voila les vacances commence. It takes about 2hours and a half journey in total if not slightly less. which is absolutely nothing if you think about it. Either that or I just got used to it.
Here's my favourite part - There is just something that I just love about travelling by train. I am not afraid of flying on the contrary even, I love it especially the take off and landing sensation which so many dislike, however there is a certain convenience that I just prefer when travelling with the eurostar. On a plane I usually distract myself often by tucking into a book or watching a film. However, when on the train I absolutely love taking in the scenery and to meditate and reflect on life whilst the outside world is passing by at a speed. Ofcourse other than the x20minutes that you're passing through the tunnel. At that point, that is when I would usually occupy myself with a book/magazine or catch a quick power nap or just enjoy my snack that I would have brought on board.
I just seem to always be lucky when travelling to get no one next to me. It's always the case on my way to a destination and find myself sitting next to someone on my way back but I don't mind. I like to see it that I start my holiday in style and end with it going back to reality. I love to spread myself, having my essentials on hand rather than underneath the seat (who doesn't) so it's quite fortunate to always have more than one seat available - the plus side to that is also having the luxury of resting diagonally to take in a better nap, not my first time I've managed to do that with ease.
I've been using the Eurostar for so many years now and I will continue to use it in the near future. I might consider the early train more often as not only is it hassle free but you gain more of a day when you arrive at your destination. I usually always come for a quick few days and I'm always sad to leave but I know that I will be back again soon enough. For now I'm going to switch away from technology, relax, kick back and enjoy the next few days to really be in the moment and I will speak to you all when I'm back.
A très bientôt.
X
