As we stood on the platform this double decker monster, oozing power, rumbled into view and with some excitement we entered the cabin. The first impression is one of quiet luxury, carpets, glass, chrome, muted colours (oh, get on with it - Ed.) and a wide gentle staircase up to the upper deck. The seats were wide, very comfortable and they reclined. (When was the last time that you travelled on a train? - Ed.) This is the way to go!
The only stop was at Valence, which threw us slightly because we thought that it would stop at Lyon, so it was just as well that we weren't going there! Whilst you know that you are travelling quickly, it is difficult to judge the speed, that is until you run alongside the motorway and easily pass cars that must be travelling at around 130 kph. The total journey time was 3 hours 1 minute (including 1 stop) for a journey of 719 kilometres. That's an average speed for the journey of 240 kph (150 mph), which means that at times you are travelling considerably faster than that. The train pulled into Gare du Lyon right on time. Very impressive.
***
We had booked the Hotel Galileo (54 rue Galilee, 75008, tel. 0147 206606), just behind the Champs Elysée and a stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe. It was a nice little hotel with 26 rooms and reasonably priced, considering it was in an expensive part of town. We would definitely go back.
We needed lunch (now there's a surprise - Ed.) and Jan, searching her books, came up with "the best Lebanese restaurant in Paris," a couple of blocks away. Noura, (27 avenue Marceau, 75116, tel. 0147 23 02 20) was very good. Jan was sensible and had one dish and a pud but I stuffed myself with an extra dish. The starter, a large plate of mixed hors d'oevres, was more than enough but I also had a mixed grill of lamb, kofta and chicken. Puds were sticky and very sweet. What was particularly surprising was the Lebanese wine (this will please Chris). We polished off an excellent bottle of Rosé du Printemps 2003 from Domaine Wardy from the Bekaa Valley. Light and delicate it was not, but given its location I guess it would have to be fairly robust! Recommended.
The main purpose of the trip was to meet up with Will and Ginny, who were stopping off for a couple of nights in Paris on route between Portugal and Florida. Will was my boss many years ago and was very influential in my early business life. We became friends and I have greatly enjoyed his company ever since. He's a very kind man, with a great sense of humour and a good person to know. Ginny, I haven't forgotten you, but that's enough fawning for one day.
Dinner was at a very atmospheric restaurant, La Taverne du Sergent Recruteur, 41 rue Saint-Louis (on the Ile Saint-Louis) 75004 tel. 0143 54 75 42. The fixed price menu (39 euros), covers all you can eat and drink and is excellent value. If you're hungry in Paris this is the place to eat.
Will and Ginny were, as ever, excellent company. A fun night.
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