AU REVOIR PARIS

-chocolate croissants are heaven on earth
-eurostar
-landing cards - back in london

Our last breakfast at the Sofitel was as usual, delightful. We were the only guests awake that early, 6am, and frankly that's just how I like it. No chatter! The remarkable staff at the Sofitel turn every experience into a delight. They are trained to remember you, what you like and how you like it. Almost immediately a pot of fresh coffee was presented in a French press. We savored our last chocolate croissant and helped ourselves to the freshly made greek yogurt served with fresh berries and granola. Sure it's pricier than hell, but dear lord, it's wonderful.
After breakfast we checked out of the hotel and made our way via taxi to Gare du Nord in order to take the Eurostar train back to St. Pancras in London.
The Gare du Nord train station is quite nice. A bit hectic by the time we arrived and a little confusing but better than the push and shove cattle car experience of some public transportation. Overall, I think Eurostar is excellent. For this trip we booked Standard Premier Service which is the middle tier between first class and standard. Lunch was served on board which consisted of a choice between a beef/lentil mixture or a cheese plate. I had the beef lentil. Red wine, coffee, tea, soda and water is offered as a drink.
At Gare du Nord for all inbound London trains, proceed upstairs. Just to the right of the main area upstairs is a counter on which you will find "landing cards." You will need to complete one before you proceed to passport control.
Check in for your train and go through passport control where you will hand over the completed landing card. Proceed through security and into a lobby where you will check the monitor for your train platform number.
At St. Pancras transfer to the Underground (Tube.) Take the Picadilly Line to London Heathrow Airport (LHR.) FYI, there are lots of stops from St. Pancras to Heathrow, so try and find a seat where you can be close to your luggage.
Once you arrive at Heathrow, check the monitors for your flight and proceed to the appropriate terminal and gate.

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