25 May 2015 - From Paris to London by bus

It only took an early start under grey skies with a few underground staircases to lug our bags up and down to get to Bercy Bus Station.  We had plenty of time and plenty of food for our bus journey to London.  The agony of moving days is short lived but at the time it is really intense work to carry our entire belongings for the year!

Au revoir rue Felix Faure!

Some time before 7 AM...

Paris Metro to Bercy

The Chunnel has been the subject of many people's dreams and here it is!

Sculpture at the stop in no man's land

He's been asking for Starbucks but it is so over priced!

Tim delighted with his Starbucks...he found 15 Euro just lying about with no one to clam it...

Snacks at the border crossing

You know you are close to England when you see Rupert Bear

The ID bus, the cheapest way to get from Paris to London was comfortable and had Wi-Fi which worked periodically.  The border crossing process all went smoothly, first through the French exit and a few questions entering the English side of the border, which is still on the European side of the tunnel.

Heading back to England after 24 years!

The Chunnel trains run frequently

We were most excited to find our bus actually drove onto the Chunnel train and that we could walk around a bit during the 35 minute crossing.  I can remember the long journey on over night boats from Calais to Dover so 35 minutes was amazing.  I suppose the French and English had been dreaming about the Chunnel for years.  Our journey was a bit delayed by an accident on M25 but all in all pretty smooth.  Our driver spoke only French but was friendly and kind and a good driver.

Chunnel carriage

And the French and their doggies can go in comfort...

Our carriage was one great cavern but the car transporting carriages are double decker

Last land view of France before entering the Chunnel

In the Chunnel on a train next to our bus!

Driving into London was a trip down memory lane and the kids were delighted to see their first double decker bus.  Luke talked loudly and excitedly about Big Ben as we drove past and it was pretty exciting to see Westminster Abbey in all its splendour.  So we are in London!

Although it isn't far from the Victoria Coach Station to Victoria Railway Station it felt like a long way with all our bags.  Soon enough though we were all sorted with Oystercards (Myki equivalent) and were on the London Underground feeling confident with our navigational skills.  We got off the train at Kilburn Park, on the Bakerloo line and found our accommodation without too much trouble.

Roof of Victoria Station

London Underground

At first glance, this Airbnb certainly needs a bit of love and the old moldy smell which confronted us as we entered the building did set off alarms for me.   We sorted out bedding and towels and there was enough to go around but it is poorly equipped with essentials - such as 1/4 roll of loo paper in one toilet and none in the other, poor lighting and generally not very welcoming.  

Double Decker bus!

A telephone box with Wi-Fi?!

 Airbnb properties, on the whole, have been welcoming, stocked with essentials and beds made as if someone was expecting us!  None of that here!  Still, we worked things out, switched on the hot water, got takeaway chicken for dinner and rehydrated ourselves after travelling all day and the kids went to bed.  The loft where Tim and Annika are sleeping has poorly laid flooring so the sound of their movement reverberates throughout - like living in a caravan!  But you know what, we will adapt quickly and call this place home before we know it.  It is close to the main shopping area and underground station so everything is at hand.

Classic!  Baked beans with Chicken meal!

London postbox

Our lounge room, school room and bedroom!

That's the kitchen, that's all folks!

Luke scored the double bed cos he REALLY needs good sleep.