Burke+O

May 3rd

Left Victoria Station this morning, leaving London to Dover. The country side was spectacular, and the farms were but a blur of different shades of green. The train ride must have improved over the years, and the compartment we stayed in was very comfortable. a trolley came down the aisle, and I bought myself a hot cocoa. The sky over England was overcast, and early spring was brisk by the water. The sea was also very cold, and I grimaced evrytime the ocean spray hit my visage. Nether the less, the ride across the English Channel was very beautiful, regardless of the sick feeling in my stomach. We arrived in Calais France at 11 AM, and we passed the Calais lighthouse and the town hall on our way to the train station. We arrived at the Metropole Hotel at noon, and we settled down in our room.

//Victoria Station//

May 3rd

Lille now has about 222,400 population. We started the morning at 9 AM and went to Lille's many churches. They were spectacular, and it's gardens were superb. The statue in the center of the town was amazing, towering far over our heads. the farmland has all but disappeared, and it has become very urban. The Cathedral of Amines is still very, very tall. The coal refineries were in the center of the town, and a train stopped weekly to pick up the coal.

//Cathedral of Amines//

May 6th

The Eiffel tower was good as ever, and the gardens of Paris were in full bloom. The pantheon was amazing, and Arch De Triomphe was teeming with tourists. French food is absolutely superb, and the French culture is very distinct. We arrived at our hotel at 4 PM, and we decided on going to the Versailles. The fountains were superb, splashing in the dimming light. In side the stained glass window cast shadows of color across the walls, and it very magical.

//Versailles//

May 15th

We started for Blois at 9:30 AM. The weather, like every day here, was perfect with the combination of the clear sky and spring flowers. The train ran along the side of the Loire, and many children were splashing in the waters. The architecture was spectacular, and the castles were wonders of 17th century technology. Many of the trees were cut, to make room for lot's of farmland, and the city has grown quite a bit during the past few decades.

May 17th

The bread in France is out of this world, and the French seem to have a pastry shop on every street. Today was tahe final day of our journey, and I bought some souvenirs.