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Published: October 6th 2005
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Dover Castle
Some of the Normans forgot their vehicles Today we had our first full English breakfast with the nice folks here at Loddington House B&B. The eggs, toast, meat, even mushrooms & a tomato I can understand - but where did the canned pork and beans come from? Buff is in 7th heaven. As a vegetarian, I'm starting to worry just a tad. Maybe I should keep the box of See's Chocolates we brought as a gift?
Caramel=dairy, cherry=fruit, nuts=fiber...
Buff grabs it out of my hands for delightful Mr. Cupper, his sister and parents who live behind mysterious doors in parts of the B&B rather like the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, they are there, but you can't see into them or appreciate them from the outside.
Toodles to the Cuppers, brief stop at the Internet Cafe (we still haven't heard from our cottage in Wales) and head off to see our first castle. Dover Castle is a Norman Castle with Keep built on a site fortified in prehistoric times. It guards the historic gateway to England and has been one of the most important fortresses in the country. It was even called to duty in WWII and has secret underground tunnels.
Then, with Mr.
Eurostar train at Ashford Station
Yes, we are actually going to get on a train! Cupper's assurance that the Eurostar station in Ashford was only 15 minutes away and clearly marked we took off to arrive at 13:00 for 13:29 departure. We traveled parts of the motorway at least 3 times only to arrive moments before the train left, but not in time to go through security, passport check, etc. Will have to hang out for 4 hours until next train. We tried to shop at large outdoor shopping area that looked like circus tents, but didn't see any stores that appealed to us.
Finally we are on the next Eurostar. Very nice, even in standard class. The Chunnel takes only 20 minutes (we time it) and soon we are traveling through the French countryside. It doesn't look a lot different to me than any other countryside (say in the States) except for the obvious importance of a church at the center of each village/town. Not long and we were at the Gare du Nord -the main train station - in Paris.
And that's where it all began. We were prepared there would be pay toilets in Europe and knew we would need coins for them. The Lonely Planet Great Britain book mentions
What is that grizzly object?
Me trying to take a picture of Buff inside the Eurostar. explains it. Well, first thing of course, I needed to go. I ask Buff for money. He pulls out this wad of Euros that would make your jaw drop, it did mine, and maybe a few people standing around us who saw it. I immediately jump in front of him (I make a pretty good shield) and a newlywed American who is waiting for his wife to come out offers, eventually insists, that I take the Euros required. I do and go in, leaving Buff to figure out how we will Metro to our B&B. When I come out, I see a look on Buff's face that is half paranoia/half terror, but everything else around him looks normal. He tells me "Don't look or speak to this guy" (a young French man who was trying to engage Buff in conversation) "just come with me" and we proceeded up the escalator, the young man by this time at the Metro attendant's window motioning Buff & I to come back, come back and that he was getting us help. Buff ignored him staring straight ahead and used his hand to indicate he would not be speaking with the young man further or
Arc de Triomphe
I got goose bumps when we came out of the Metro station here and saw it. need any help, thanks anyway, and telling me "it's a scam, he and his buddies are up to something. He's not really trying to help. He's not talking to anybody." While I protest, "He's talking to the Metro Agent, he's trying to find out what line we should get on." Buff disagreeing.
At the top of the escalator, French police everywhere (their uniforms are that distinctive one you see - don't know why that should be surprising) Buff tells me what he saw the young man and his buddies pantomime, having to do with a wallet and money and probably some poor tourist. We eventually had to go back down and catch the Metro and there WAS an agent in the office and I do think the young man was trying to help, but they may have had their fun at the expense of a "tourist" first.
The rest of the 2 days in Paris was not enough. We loved the Metro and rode it everywhere. Tried out our very rudimentary French and were surprised how offsetting it is to be surrounded by people speaking a language you don't know. When asked something in English, most of the
French were very helpful and seemed to speak at least some English.
Around the end of the working day, musicians (we saw sax, guitar w/synthesizer & stringed instrument group) would pick strategic places down in the Metro and play for money from the passing commuters. See picture of the stringed instrument group. They were even selling CDs! The music was beautiful down there echoing and traveling through the chambers. Interesting note: Later in London a French woman asked Buff directions for the Tube and he was able to help her.
We were warm everywhere we went, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, Musee D' Orsay (I'm probably the last to do so, but I "discovered" an impressionist artist whose work I love - Camille Pissarro.) The only exception was the evening cruise on the River Seine, bit chilly. Everyone gathers along the river, dancers, walkers, the tourists, lovers. What a cruise to see the historic buildings and bridges of Paris and especially the Eiffel Tower at night. Tomorrow we Hoverspeed back to England.
P.S. The pastries, restaurants and eating at the sidewalk cafes was wonderful, but authentic French Fries, we didn't find that tasty.
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Patti B
non-member comment
I'm envious
Buff/Gaile: Enjoyed the travel blogs - they bring back some memories of a long ago trip. Glad you shared some experiences with your friends !