Broadstairs and Alsace

In May, we took the train from Beziers to Broadstairs to see the boys during half term and to bring the car back to France via Alsace. 

All was going well with the train journey, and we were looking forward to our lunch in Paris close to the Gare du Nord, when an announcement told us that we would be delayed by 90 minutes - there had been a fatality on the high speed line.

We decided to join the queue for lunch on the train and fortunately, we were quick enough to be able to buy some food before it all ran out. 

When the train arrived in Paris, it was just possible that we might be able to catch the EuroStar that we were booked on, but only  if the RER between the Gare du Lyon and the Gare du Nord was waiting in the station for us.  Amazingly, it was there and we raced into the EuroStar hall slightly after the last minute. Fortunately, the train was delayed and so we caught it.  

As usual (if weather permits) we have trips to play grounds and the beach










Ernie announced that he wanted to go on a train. When he was small, he adored trains, but shortly after Lenny was born, he became afraid of them and it was impossible to persuade him otherwise.  Lenny  has missed out on trips as a result and so recently, we have been taking him out while Ernie is elsewhere. 

Our first outing with both   boys by train was to Margate (1 stop) where Ernie and John played golf. The following day we went to Ramsgate (1 stop in the opposite direction) to watch trains, and the day after to Canterbury, where we went to the playground and park. 








Then it was time for Helen and Nick to get away for a night and for us to visit the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch  miniature railway. 

On Tuesday, we left early in the morning to drive to Alsace via the EuroTunnel. We were not able to stay in our usual hotel, which was full, but used another, more boutique hotel, which is a further out of the village.

We walked in the forest on one of the days and up to the Chateau d’Andlou.









and on the other, went to meet friends Toni and Sylvia who used to live in Thézan, but are now living in Algolsheim on the French German border. After a very agreeable lunch, we went to visit the magnificent Belfort Citadel










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