A FULL DAY OF TRAVEL FROM LONDON TO BARCELONA

London to Barcelona: 

We were up early and did our final packing. Uncertain about the status of the Underground, as there were two different unions planning on striking and this would effect the trains we needed  for transport to St Pancras Station we simply opted for a cab. Besides it was raining and we have a three block walk to the Underground station and would of had to have schlepped the bags down some stairs, thus the cab seemed a wiser choice. 

At St Pancras Station we were a bit early and got some coffee and breakfast sandwiches . Lynn had an egg and bacon and I had a Bacon Butty with brown sauce, actually got an extra to go.  Our train was running late by 10 minutes, which is no problem as we have a couple hours in Paris to transfer from Nord to Gare de Lyon station.  One feature of the Eurostar service is one can purchase Paris Metro tickets on board thus saving time upon arrival. 

After we boarded, we stored our bags in the bag storage area and found our seats. Our seats are forward facing and we have a work table, and no one is sitting across for us. So after we departed, I made my way to the Club Car and purchased our metro tickets, so we are ready to transfer. While onboard the Eurostar we have been using the free WIFI, which can be spotty but, all in all, not bad. Also there is power at ones seat, we traveled 2nd class and found it to be more than adequate. This is our first experience with Eurostar and would definitely use them again. 

Chunnel Info as follows: the Chunnel tubes are 75 meters apart and the are 75 meters below sea level. Our speed has been up and down and we topped out at over 300 KPH. The length of the tunnel is 50.45  KM.  

For reasons unknown to us we will be arrived a bit late giving us 2 hours to make the transfer from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon on a very very crowded Metro Line. Glad it was just for two stops. At Gare de Lyon we located our Hall and gate, and then bought a sandwich and drink for lunch. We then decided to walk about and ended up in Hall One waiting for a platform announcement. We quickly walked to the full length of the train and located our rail car, stored our bags and found our seats. On this part of the journey we chose first class where the only advantage is larger more comfortable seats. We started off pretty much on time and are enjoying the view from our upper deck seats, passing the country side where sheep and cattle grazed. 

There is no WIFI on this train thus far. All photos today will have been taken with the I Phone, many from a fast moving train. Oh Look, There goes Belle reading a book. 

A very uneventful rail journey, other than an unsuccessful pickpocket attempt by a person in Gare de Lyon. I think his wrist is a little sore tonight. Instinct kinda took over. Oh well, no loss on my part, just a good reminder to be wary. 

We arrived at Barcelona Sants and made a quick walk to the Hotel Transit. Here the hotel concierge checked us in and we were up graded to Veranda Room over looking the Avenue in front of the hotel. We have done a little bit of repacking and will be dining alfresco at a local cafe in the morning.