Tomorrow evening we leave for Italy. Thankfully. At last. The journey is both long and quite straightforward. One huge day and then an easy few hours, on the next. The possibility of doing it in a single day is tantalisingly close, but it just doesn't work. At least not whilst living in Scotland[1].
# sleeper
It starts with the sleeper to London. Despite what the name suggests, this leg involves very little sleeping. Couchettes aren't a thing here. Chairs that recline a small handful of degrees are a thing. And, the folk who can't afford the luxury of sleeping horizontally are also denied access to the dining car. Though we do get (tray)table service at the push of a button.
# under the sea
After a little walk from Euston to St Pancras, it's time for the Eurostar. Arriving early enough to check in because, y'know, security theatre. I'm usually surprised by how much of the ride out of London is tunnelled. Suddenly popping out somewhere in the Garden of England.
# across France
Swapping Gare du Nord for Paris Lyon, it's then double-decker[2] high-speed all the way to Milano. I haven't done this route before. Two years ago, I was about to, but a landside closed the tunnel, which has only recently re-opened[3].
# timings
we leave a bit before midnight and arrive a bit before 2100. Big day.
# to do
- prepare snacks
- choose something to read
- maybe download a film...
all aboard