Train to Paris

We arrived at Waverley Station at 0910 and waited for our train where we were told (at the wrong end of the platform!). The train arrived and we got to the other end where the bikes stay. Nobody was there to open the doors until 0925, when the guard came. Andy struggled to get the bikes on and panniers off, when the guard shouted, "We're three minutes late!" Then he told Andy to get off the train. Andy protested that he still had to pack and secure the bikes. The guard got angry and shouted that Andy was f-ing nuts! Andy protested that the bikes were not secure, and the guard said he would throw Andy off the train if he didn't get off. Andy abandoned the bikes to their fate and we enjoyed an overcrowded journey to London, with cancelled seat reservations.

Eurostar was a different kettle of fish, going from the new, swanky St. Pancras International Station. Staff were attentive, polite, helpful and efficient. We enjoyed a fast, 200 km/hour journey to Paris, where we met our old friend Doug and his girlfriend Sylvie, on her birthday! We had a lovely meal at a Lebanese restaurant, which was great for vegetarians and vegans. Today (Tuesday) we're going for a tour of Paris and Isla's first busking.

Thanks, Jo, for your comments. We don't know why the cyclist from Moscow won the Tour de France. We'll think about it on the sleeper to Berlin tonight!