Au revoir, Paris! Hello, London Town!

This morning I woke VERY early, at 5am, checked out of my hotel, and took a taxi to Gare du Nord- the Eurostar station in Paris.

I took the Eurostar train directly from Paris to London. I was amazed by several things: 1) the speed of the train- we got to London in less than two hours, and 2) how beautiful France is- the countryside is green, lush and there are the most quaint villages and chateaus across the country. The train ride was very enjoyable. I sipped a cappuccino and enjoyed the sights. I thought the 20 minute ride under the English Channel would bother me, but it wasn’t bad at all. I wish travel via train was as efficient in the US as it is here.

I arrived in London, at St. Pancras station, knowing my hotel was nearby, but I forgot to write down the address of where I am staying. I went to get a taxi, and none of the drivers knew where “Nido” was. I must have asked 20 bloody drivers! Finally, becoming more resourceful, I walked back into the station and used the wi-fi to access the internet and get the address.

I took a very brief taxi ride for 5 pounds to my home for the next month- Nido student living at King’s Cross. The area isn’t right in the heart of everything, but I am a few blocks from two HUGE metro stations, and Bond Street is just 3 stops away, and Piccadilly Circus and Hyde Park are just 4 stops away. I am staying in a dorm building for students from all over the world, attending various schools in London. I paid a little extra to have my own private room and bathroom-I am not too keen on sharing my living quarters with anyone besides Dave and Coco.

I settled in my room, and then walked a few blocks to a market to buy essentials- water, juice, milk, tea, yogurt, cheese, cookies, soap, toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent, soup, ravioli and tomato sauce- all for 24 pounds! Not too shabby. I then walked next door, and decided to try an authentic FULL English breakfast. And let me tell you, the full part is right- the portion was HUGE, and although I did not think the combination of baked beans, fried eggs, sautéed mushrooms, hash browns, toast, half tomato, sausage and bacon would be good, it definitely surprised me. I loved the sautéed mushrooms, and the chicken sausage was delish! I did not touch the bacon, because it looked like it was still oinking. LOL. I enjoyed a spot of tea, all for 5 pounds! I couldn’t believe how affordable my tasty breakfast was.

I walked back to my room, unpacked and took a 3 hour nap- I am truly exhausted. My bed, a twin, is less than comfortable, and my linens and pillow are a joke. I need to find some decent linens so I can sleep better. Aside from that, my room is nice- my bathroom is large for European standards, and I have a kitchenette, equipped with a small fridge, sink, and burners- pots pans, plates, etc. Another bummer- my building is 16 stories high, and I am stuck on the 2nd floor, with NO view- which makes me sad. Oh well, I won’t be in the room often.

At Nido, there is a laundry room, several cafes, a gym, a wine bar, and wi-fi, so I guess that makes up for it?! When I went to do laundry, I met Fernanda, a student from Mexico City. She was very nice. I am also two doors down from a girl I go to school with at Cal Western, so it’s nice to have a familiar face. I am getting SO homesick- well, not homesick, I just wish Dave and Coco were here with me…and my parents, brothers, Momma Scott, nieces and nephews, friends- you get the picture. Earlier, when I looked at a picture of Coco, I cried…I just wish I could snuggle her.

Anyways, I decided against going out today/tonight- I am staying in, blogging, reading, and going to bed early, because in the morning I need to be at the London Eye by 9am, and I need to figure out London’s metro system!

I am going to check out for the night…write a comment if you fancy?! Had to say it. :)

xoxo- Tiffany