day one- leaving blighty

After crashing at my brother's the night before leaving, I walked with Mary (his lady) to the station, a bit of fun getting through the barriers there as the inspector hadn't seen an interrail (three month unlimited travel in Europe) pass before!

But get through we did! 

In time to catch an earlier train to St pancras station, Mary filmed me leaving to make sure I'd gone 😁

The train south was a direct journey so I was in London really quickly! 

I decided to go straight through customs (first time in years for me!) which went off without a hitch thankfully! 

Sitting with my pack waiting to board a young lass also travels came and sat down with her pack.... Like attracts like I guess! 

We were chatting away for about an hour like we'd known each other for years, such a nice start!

one quote from her employer 'there's only two things you have to do in life shitting and dying'!!! 

For two people on the roads it was a true statement of freedom! 😄😄

Onto the Eurostar and an uneventful trip towards Paris through the foggy french winter countryside, interrupted near the end by bark from a dog I didn't even know was sat behind me! A cute little dog that an autistic kid had to help him keep calm, naturally a chat followed! 

Into Gard Nord station and I decided to walk to the hostel only about a mile or so away, different architecture inevitably and cold but a pleasant enough wander through the streets and along the banks of the canal to the hostel.

Settled in and my kit locked in a cage below my bed(glad I brought a padlock!) I went down to the bar in the hostel for a pint and a pepper pig pizza! 😄 Ok just peppers on pork sausage but I liked the silliness! 

I also liked the pizza. 

Of to bed for an early night in the nice clean bedding on the bunks.