Crossing the English Channel was unremarkable - it just felt like another train ride, although we were probably traveling at 70 to 80 mph. I took some pictures of the French countryside while passing by at a high speed. Here is what that looks like - Hey maybe I'm channeling Monet??? hee hee my camera had a little trouble auto-focusing at that speed.
After arriving - we had to ask at the train station where we hire a taxi - we were directed to the taxi area out on the street and then because of Reed's disabililty, we were taken to the front of the line and given a taxi! (See? I knew he was useful for something!) The taxi ride was fast and the driver didn't pay much attention to staying in his lane. It was interesting. We passed by the Louvre enroute to the hotel. We got to the hotel and got our luggage and scooter and walker, etc. unloaded, paid the driver, got our room and turned right around to find a bus to the Eiffel Tower. Now, our travel agent didn't think we would be able to get the scooter onto the metro busses, but, not a problem! We just asked for the accessible ramp and they accommodated us. It's an empowering feeling to realize that you're on your own in a foreign city and you're actually finding the places you want to go! We rode about 3 miles on the bus and got off at the Eiffel Tower. We had a partly sunny, partly cloudy day. We got in a long line to buy tickets, and once again, because of Reed's disability, an employee takes us to the special line to get our tickets. We take the lift to the second level and take a lot of pictures outside on the observation deck, then we have to wait because of the crowds to buy another ticket to the top level which is 324 meters above the ground. Reed is not allowed to go up to the top - for safety reasons. So I went up alone (with a bunch of strangers) and walked outside at 1000 feet above the ground! I didn't feel any height-fear - I guess I'm just so excited to be here that I'm not afraid! amazing! |
Someone asked me to include tips in my blog in case they get a chance to travel to Europe.
Plan ahead where you will go, get reservations and tickets/vouchers ahead of time online for sights you will see.
Plan to buy bus passes or train tickets - the cheapest way to get around.
Exchange your cash at the airport. You will need cash for taxis, etc.
Call your credit card company and ask if they have a surcharge on international purchases - many cards do. Capital One Visa does not charge 3% on any purchase in a foreign country.
Bring your own washcloths and soap - many European hotels do not provide washcloths and the soaps are weird
Also - tell your credit card company the dates of your overseas travel - or they will be calling you to verify charges. Overseas charges look out of the ordinary so they get red-flagged and if they can't get a hold of you, they might freeze your card.
Check out Tripadvisor.com for hotel and restaurant recommendations
Check with your cell phone provider to get an international phone. If you don't, roaming charges apply! OR buy a sim card to put into your cell phone after you get to your destination airport.
You will need to buy adapters for your electric devices in Europe. You can get them at the airports, or at pharmacy-like stores. You can buy adapters for US plug-ins to UK plug-ins. Then you will need different adapters for US to European plugs. If you don't get adapters, you won't be able to charge your phones, I-pads, computers, or use your hair dryer. And remember - these are adapters not transformers!!! You can only use your hairdryer on low or you will burn your scalp! US electrical outlets use 110 electricity - Europe and Great Britain use 220.