*We will miss this view of Eiffel Tower from our apartment terrace...*

July 28, 2024 -

Travelers - Jeff & Mandy (with baby on-board) & Teo (2 yrs)

Hi and Welcome to All! Today our Scotland Itinerary begins! First we are scheduled to travel from Paris to London via the Eurostar Train. We will spend about 24 hrs in London. Then tomorrow we will catch a train to Edinburgh Scotland.

Our alarm rang at 7:00 am awakening us from a great night's sleep in our cozy Parisian apartment. We met the new day with anticipation of another day of new experiences …

Opening the widow shades we were greeted with a bright sunny day. Which was such a welcome sight after two prior days of rainy weather..

*Marcelle located 159 rue de grenelle, Paris*

Yesterday evening while on an evening walk after our relaxing dinner, we noticed a very welcoming breakfast/coffee shop just down the street from our apartment that we just had to try this morning. We took a stroll down the street, lit in the morning glow, to arrive the little Marcelle Cafe to be there when they opened at 9am..

*Peach/Apricot Smoothie, Coconut Water, and Americana*

*Acai Bowl and Banana Walnut Porridge in Coconut Shell Bowls*

We ordered a Apricot/Peach Smoothie, Coconut Water, Americana, Acai Bowl and two Banana Walnut Porridge Bowls. (Notice the bowls are coconut shells) It was delicious breakfast and just what we needed to start our day off right!

Back at Latour Apartment, we quickly collected our bags and said goodbye to this beautiful Parisian apartment that we had the privilege to call home for a few days.. This apartment was located in the 7th Arrondissement a beautiful neighborhood of Paris close by the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River. We really enjoyed getting to this area of Paris in meanderings the past few days..Exploring the Charm of the 7th Arrondissement

The 7th arrondissement of Paris, often celebrated for its iconic landmarks and rich culture, is a treasure trove for families seeking adventure and connection. Nestled along the Left Bank of the Seine, this district provides a delightful mix of historical significance and modern allure.

Cultural Landmarks
One cannot visit the 7th without a stop at the Eiffel Tower. Standing tall at 1,083 feet, it’s an awe-inspiring sight that sparks immediate wonder in children and adults alike. Ascending the tower offers not just breathtaking views of Paris but also a memorable family experience. Nearby, the Musée du Quai Branly—Jacques Chirac introduces kids to the diverse cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, making it a perfect spot for families to explore art and history while fostering a love for global cultures.

Nature and Green Spaces
Take a leisurely stroll through the Champ de Mars, the expansive park lying at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. This beautiful green space is ideal for a family picnic. Children can run freely while parents enjoy the stunning backdrop. Alternatively, the gardens of the Hôtel des Invalides provide a serene setting to unwind amid meticulously curated floral displays and historical architecture.

Embracing Local Culture
Explore the nearby Rue Cler market for an authentic experience. This open-air market is delightful for families, filled with stalls offering fresh produce, local cheeses, and baked goods. Let your children pick out ingredients for a fun evening meal, or simply enjoy sampling treats as you meander through the vibrant market.

In the 7th arrondissement, families can immerse themselves in the beauty of Paris while fostering a shared sense of curiosity and joy. This district exemplifies how travel can unite us through love for culture, nature, and the amazing world we share. Each step in this charming part of the city helps create lasting memories, making it a perfect destination for adventurous families.

We will miss the stunning views from the terrace overlooking the tops of the surrounding buildings and the Eiffel Tower standing majestically so close by. Teo was always eager to help anyway he could. Whether that was calling the elevator or helping to open the door.

*Sometimes a good stretch and tippy toes is all that is takes..*

*Night view of Eiffel from the living room of Latour..*

Our taxi driver met us at the doorstep. He helped us load up our suit cases then off to the train station we went through the bustling streets of Paris on toward Gare du Nord station.

We were scheduled to board our Eurostar Train 🚆 departing at 12:12. Our Greeter met us on the street and assisted us through the train station check points. We then visited together until it was time to board. This wasn’t really a necessary service but it certainly did help to have a helping hand managing the luggage and check points. A toddler can be a handful, plus a pregnant wife needs her space to relax…

*Gare du Nord Train Station*

Gare du Nord station, located in the heart of Paris, is one of the busiest railway stations in Europe, serving millions of passengers each year. Opened in 1864, its grand architecture features elements of neoclassical design, characterized by a striking façade and an impressive clock tower. The station acts as a major hub for both domestic and international travel, connecting travelers to destinations such as London, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Inside, a bustling atmosphere prevails as commuters navigate various shops, cafés, and services available to ease their journeys. With its rich history and vital role in European transportation, Gare du Nord stands as a key landmark in the City of Light.

*Train Station Monitor shows which platform the train is departing from..*

*Platform 5 Train waiting with doors open...*

Travel easily across Europe with Eurostar, the fast train linking London, Paris, and Brussels in just a few hours. Enjoy comfortable seats, onboard services, and beautiful countryside views. With many daily departures from central locations, Eurostar provides a hassle-free way to travel compared to flying. Explore famous sights, lively cultures, and different cuisines without the stress of airport security or long transfers. Experience the convenience of European travel with Eurostar, combining efficiency and comfort on every trip.

*Train Number 9027 - Carriage Number 15*

Our train left right on time. Destination bound for London St Pancras station. It was an easy 2 hour journey through the French countryside till we entered the tunnel going under the English channel.

*Tin magnetic animal set works well for travel..*

Teo enjoyed making friends with a child sitting nearby and playing with his little magnetic animal set…Find them at https://studio331.co/shop/

*We've arrived at the beautiful St Pancras Train in London!*

St. Pancras International in London is a key railway and transport hub, known for its striking Victorian architecture, red-brick facade, and Gothic tower. It connects London to major European destinations like Paris and Brussels via Eurostar. The station features various shops and restaurants, enhancing the experience for commuters and tourists, and showcases historical engineering and design.

*MiaMilly Suit works perfectly with a toddler to sit on top of his luggage for easy ride through the train stations or airport etc…*

*A glimpse of of the many flowers lining the streets in London! Paris didn't have flower displays like these..*

*London...filled with black cabs and red top buses*

Arriving into London on schedule, we made our way to the taxi queue to catch a ride to our hotel for 1 night. We rode this beautiful taxi painted in the UK flag colors. Our cheerful driver asked asked we’ll we wanted to go. To the Goring Hotel we said, and with a nod of his head we were off! The first thing we noticed was how beautiful London us this time of year with so many flowers in full bloom. Whether plant in the ground or cascading from hanging pots, there was such flower perfection on every street we drove down it seemed. A nice change from Paris which didn’t have many flowers planted. Soon enough we arrived at the hotel our driver and door man helped with our luggage. I paid the drive around 10 lbs for the ride. (Yes we had to switch from using Euro and start using the Sterling Pounds instead. We actually used mostly credit cards on this trip that would waive the foreign currency fee this sure makes it simpler… looking forward to other simpler digital payment options regardless of crossing borders seem to be on the horizon)

Goring Hotel was a beautiful place to spend a relaxing one night stay for us. It has very colorful story to share and has been part of some very big moments of London history. It is still a small boutique hotel that is own by the same family for several generations now. One thing they have that is unique are the sheep mannikins throughout the hotel and in each room. Téo even had a small sheep in his crib! It’s name is Barbara and he is already attached to it.

*The stunning Veranda Terrace Tea Room...*

*Afternoon Tea Menu...lets get started!*

*Tea served and finger sandwiches waiting...*

*Tea Etiquette...start at the bottom and work up... the finger sandwiches first, scones are next with the best clotted cream and jam, desserts are last even if they look so inviting:)*

Once settled in our room, we freshed up a bit then headed down stairs to have Afternoon Tea in the garden view terrace. For anyone not familiar with Afternoon Tea in UK, it is an occasion. It meant to be a time of relaxing enjoy the moment with you friends and family while indulging just a bit on an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones, and small cakes. Of course there is a wide selection of teas to choose from.

*Happy to be in London in such a quiet garden*

Téo was needing to burn energy…thankfully there was a quiet little garden right next to the terrace of hotel. This was the perfect spot to let him run and play in between the different courses of the Afternoon Tea.

*We discovered interesting quotes here and there in the garden...*

After Tea we headed out for nice walk to find a local park to wander in. The James Park right in front of Buckingham Palace seem to be the place. It was a really beautiful park to explore and to let Téo run off more energy. We ended walking to far end of the park which was near the royal stables, hoping to see the guards/horses on guard but they weren’t standing at post this time in the evening.

*Buckingham Palace in the evening light*

*Angel Monument in front of Buckingham Palace...*

*One happy boy and some happy ducks... how perfect life can be…*

*Horse Guards building in the distance...*

*We found a memorial walk marker for Princess Diana with a blue rose in the middle...*

*Huge old trees... oh the stories they could tell...*

*Bustling city one side and a tranquil park on the other side...*

After our James Park adventures, we were feeling hungry again. We started looking for food which turned out to more challenging then we expected, beings it was Sunday evening and nearly 9:00 pm. We went from restaurant to restaurant and finally found some pizza at a restaurant that let us order takeout. Not really what we had in mind but it worked and we were fed.

Finally back at the hotel after our long walk, we were ready to call it a day…tomorrow we are scheduled catch a train at 14:00 bound for Edinburgh, Scotland…Yay!!

P.s. The next Scotland Blog Post be posted Tuesday evening of October 29, 2024…check back in!

Hello London!

Beautiful Edinburgh

Paris, La Ville Lumière