Having deposited my suitcase at Kings Cross, I finally arrived at Waterloo International in plenty of time to check in for the 1253k Eurostar departure for Paris. Check in was much like at the airport and was quite efficient. Once in the lounge area, one could have been anywhere - not a train to be seen. The tracks are actually above this level.

Boarding and departure were on time, second class seating again much like on an airplane, certainly not much more room. Departing on third rail power, the first item of note was a commuter EMU consist overtaking our train at Vauxhall! The trip to the Channel tunnel entrance was relatively slow, taking some 75 minutes at speeds of about 75 mph. There was one stop of 2 minutes for a signal and one passenger stop at Ashford, where they also load the truck and car trains and switch to overhead catenary power.

Entering the tunnel, speed appeared to increase, however in the total darkness one cannot really tell. We emerged in about 24 minutes to daylight and speed picked up to a smooth 240 kph (or at least close to, as accurate as I can be with a second hand sweep watch for timing!) Paris (Gare du Nord) was reached in a further 80 minutes at 1653k, and several TGV trains were in evidence at the platforms.

Next day was my return to England, and this day the differences between the French and English parts of the operation became more apparent. The departure lounge of Gare du Nord overlooks the long distance tracks and several TGV's were seen arriving and departing. Eurostar departed on time at 0910 and immediately accelerated to track speed. Paris was hardly left when we reached 240 kph! With one stop at Lille we continued on at speed, slowing only slightly for the tunnel, and completed the crossing in 21 minutes.

After the usual stop at Ashford, the train crawled along to Waterloo, stopping briefly for several signals and again, with suburban EMU's passing us. we arrived within three minutes of schedule. The impression, however, is that the schedule could easily be reduced substantially if the English side of the trip was at reasonable speed. On arrival at Waterloo, passengers had to clear English Customs in the station, another unfavourable comparison as the French do this on board while the train is moving. Overall impressions were good, and hopefully the construction seen around Ashford is the beginning of some higher track speeds on the English side. The locals told me that the plan is to connect the Eurostar with other high speed tracks to serve other cities directly. The second class coaches were 90% full and timekeeping was good. Daily specials are available in England, which would make the price lower than the $95US that I paid when booking from Canada. While the French make the English look very slow, it is a worthwhile trip to do.