To London and Paris

The first flight was wthout hitches, especially on April Fools Day, except that I again packed a bit too much -- hey, three seasons! We flew American Airlines to London, premium economy. Entertainment and seat controls well designed but we stll prefer Lufthansa for comfort. Tried watching Belfast, but couldn't get subtitles. Hard of hearing descriptors helped, but I fell asleep. Jan completely out for the flight.

Landed in London to warmth and sun. Easy border entry. After grabbng a snack (hard to work the pay machine; store manager just stood there), we were easly able to grab a famous, black London taxi. They're modern and roomy. Driver gave us a great tour as we plowed through London outskirts and city traffic to St Pancras station. We talked about The Crown series He said Americans know more about royal gossip than the Brits; apparently The Firm keeps a lid on news.

Then...getting to the continent. We had had to reserve the Eurostar (Chunnel train) because we found out before we left home that our British Airways flight to Paris had been cancelled. So, at St Pancras (a very old part of London now fllled with motley new and old buildings) we were early and tried to take an earlier Eurostar. Full, plus the line outside the station wound down the street and around the block. We were told to get something to eat and come back for our actual reserved time. Had a great meal in a pub in an old, former part of the King's Cross station across the street -- filled with pub antiques; best fish and chips ever. Corcoran's, take note!