Paris Travelblog

Our half term trip to Paris went well. We had never travelled abroad as a family before (the Channel Islands isn't really abroad), so last week's mini-break in France was quite an adventure for us. We caught the early Eurotunnel train on Tuesday morning and then I drove from Calais to our hotel in Val d' Europe, not far from Paris. As it was motorway for most of the journey, driving on the "wrong" side of the road wasn't so bad. Although going anticlockwise around roundabouts felt a bit weird. My trusty Garmin SatNav plotted the way, thoughtfully translating French kmh speed limits into mph.

We hit Eurodisney by mid afternoon, and although it was raining, we enjoyed exploring the place and had a go on some of the rides. For our evening meal we ate at Anette's Diner, a 1950's American style eatery complete with massive US sized portions and roller skating waiters/waitresses. The whole place seemed to go wild when Greased Lightning from Grease was played. We just about managed to contain our enthusiasm, but a bloke from the neighbouring table totally freaked out.

We spent the whole of Wednesday at the park and the weather was much better. More rides, shops, shows, food etc. The rides were great. We went on The Temple of Peril, Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Thunder Mesa Riverboat, Armageddon Special Effects and the Studio Tram Tour. Only Jonny and I dared try the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, where you plunge down 13 floors in a stricken Hollywood Hotel's service lift. Not recommended on a full stomach. The stunt show in the Studio Park was cool.

On our final day in France, we caught the train into Paris to see the sights, taking in the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. The city was pretty busy, with loads of hawkers pushily selling cheap souvenirs and countless beggars, all with a suspiciously similar sob story trying to prey on gullible English speaking tourists. We climbed up to the second level of the Eiffel Tower, which afforded panoramic views of Paris. After that we headed for the Eurotunnel, arriving back in the UK around 9pm.

We spent Thursday night in a Premier Inn in Ashford, Kent and on the way home we visited Leeds Castle, where a jousting tournament was being held. A nice way to round off our hols.

But it's back to work now. I preached twice yesterday. Today I worked in the study this morning, made a pastoral visit in the afternoon and this evening I'll be chairing a church AGM.