The Chunnel To Paris

Although London is the capital of an island nation cut off from the rest of the world by water, it is still remarkably close to the rest of Europe--if you can get there. Fortunately, since the advent of the Chunnel--the high speed rail that passes beneath the English Channel--that's a lot easier than it used to be. We decided to take the opportunity while Uncle Bill and Aunt Linda are here to make a one-day trip to at least see the highlights. To do this, we had to be up at 5 a.m. for a 6 a.m departure from the house. We crossed London, and by 7:45 a.m. our train was on its way. The train ride itself is about 2.5 hours. Seats are comfortable and reserved. There are restrooms in each coach and a restaurant coach so it's an overall good way to travel. Going through the Chunnel was a non-event. It's just like an extended ride on the tube with nothing to see but black walls on either side. The only thing really noticeable is that the ride on the French side is a lot rougher and the resulting ride a bit more bouncy. It may be track condition or the fact that the train goes faster on the French side. The cost is about 57 pounds each way with kids being half price. That's not a huge savings over the air fare, but it has two advantages: you end up in the middle of Paris and there is a time savings because you don't have the extended airport check-in. That's not to say there isn't security. All the features--passport control, customs and screening are there--they just go faster. In all, it's a good way to travel.