Metro, Train & Buses - I am on the Road!

It has begun. I am on the road.and the first destination is Stockport (Greater Manchester) via a quick stop over on the way in Oxford. Heading to Ma&Pa for a few bowls of chicken soup, a ciao to Aunty then back south.

It was a tough start to the day as I had to drag myself out of bed at 5am and then drag my bags to the Gare du Nord. I think I underestimated the weight of my ruck sack. I had the image in my mind of being found spread eagled cartoon like on the pavement, being crushed by my gigantic ruck sack. This did not occur - which is a shame as I think it would have been a great photo opportunity (for someone else!). After the fire a couple of weeks ago in the chunnel, I was expecting a difficult journey to London but I was mistaken. At the Eurostar terminal, I was given a new booking for the next available train - the train I was originaly booked on was the following one.- checked in and boarded immedialtey the train. I think it was probably the quickest Paris-London.journey I have done. It was great to arrive in the rejuvenated St Pancras Station. The Grand Old Lady is looking good. The Eurostar travellers are just discovering this forgotten main line station - except to the few of us who used it in the past to come down from Leicester (my city), Notingham, Derby and Shefield. One of the great Cathedrals to the age of Rail. I may be sounding to much like a trainspotter, but it is magnificant example of gothic architecture, constructed with red brick. i would recomend a visit to the new home of the British Library, next door to St Pancras as a contrast. I digress a little. On leaving the Eurostar terminal I headed to the underground - passing on the way a bank to take out a loan to purchase my Underground ticket. After living in Paris, the cost of travel in London does come as a shock - for a short trip and then the coach to Oxford. A pit stop for coffee & noodles, and then heading up North.

Day 1 - Metro, Train & Buses but as yet no planes...

More to come...