Several of you may be wondering how we "drove" to Paris, so I thought I should explain...
On Sunday morning, we got up bright and early and drove down to Dover (remember the White Cliffs of Dover?) and checked in at the port. There are several ferry companies that transport people, cars and freight across the English Channel. We chose P&O Ferries, which was recommended to us (http://www.poferries.com/tourist/content/pages/template/routes_dover_-_calais_routes_-_dover_-_calais.htm.) As you can read, this is a large operations that makes numerous trips back and forth each day.
As we arrived, they had already pulled up our info on the computer by inserting our license plate number and knew we already had tickets, etc. They gave us a number to hang on our rear view mirror and told us what lane to be in (which was around 300 or so.) It looked like a huge toll booth with many cars and cargo trucks ready to board. We drove on a ramp and right into the belly of the ship. Men were directing traffic and getting the vehicles as packed in as possible. Once we were parked, we got what we needed out of the car (jackets, etc) and locked the car. Once the boat sails, you are unable to access your vehicle. We were greeted upon the ship and were surprised at how big it was. There were 3 different levels, several stores, bars, restaurants, a game room and an observation desk at the top. We enjoyed a quick breakfast as our 90 minute cruise began. When we were getting close to Calais, France we were given instructions on were to go (each section of the "parking lot" is color coded for easy locating - wish they had that at Wal-Mart!) Once we docked, we drove off the boat and right onto the streets of France. There were numerous signs reminding us to drive on the right side of the road!
Once in France, by the help of our wonderful GPS, we drove into Paris and found our hotel. During our stay, we used the public transportation system. On the way home, we hit LOTS of traffic both in France and the UK and the drive home took 10 hours! Next time, we may have to save up for the train ( http://www.eurostar.com/dynamic/index.jsp.)
On Sunday morning, we got up bright and early and drove down to Dover (remember the White Cliffs of Dover?) and checked in at the port. There are several ferry companies that transport people, cars and freight across the English Channel. We chose P&O Ferries, which was recommended to us (http://www.poferries.com/tourist/content/pages/template/routes_dover_-_calais_routes_-_dover_-_calais.htm.) As you can read, this is a large operations that makes numerous trips back and forth each day.
As we arrived, they had already pulled up our info on the computer by inserting our license plate number and knew we already had tickets, etc. They gave us a number to hang on our rear view mirror and told us what lane to be in (which was around 300 or so.) It looked like a huge toll booth with many cars and cargo trucks ready to board. We drove on a ramp and right into the belly of the ship. Men were directing traffic and getting the vehicles as packed in as possible. Once we were parked, we got what we needed out of the car (jackets, etc) and locked the car. Once the boat sails, you are unable to access your vehicle. We were greeted upon the ship and were surprised at how big it was. There were 3 different levels, several stores, bars, restaurants, a game room and an observation desk at the top. We enjoyed a quick breakfast as our 90 minute cruise began. When we were getting close to Calais, France we were given instructions on were to go (each section of the "parking lot" is color coded for easy locating - wish they had that at Wal-Mart!) Once we docked, we drove off the boat and right onto the streets of France. There were numerous signs reminding us to drive on the right side of the road!
Once in France, by the help of our wonderful GPS, we drove into Paris and found our hotel. During our stay, we used the public transportation system. On the way home, we hit LOTS of traffic both in France and the UK and the drive home took 10 hours! Next time, we may have to save up for the train ( http://www.eurostar.com/dynamic/index.jsp.)
3 comments:
Wow- What an awesome experience (minus the 10 hour trip home) for you and the kids especially. We are saving up to come visit!!! Love you guys!!
We would LOVE for you to come!!
I hope the kids are keeping a journey of their feelings about all these awesome experiences. They will want to remember how they felt!!!! And the pictures will become priceless over the years.
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