Turn Left and Go to London

On our second full day in Paris I made a left turn and went to visit a wonderful friend in London. How could I leave Paris when we just got there you may ask? Easy, when it's a friend you adore, and you haven't seen since 2017. He was on his way to the States in a few days so it was now or never. It was an easy choice.

GGR and I had worked together for years in a service organization for professional theatres, as well as some actual professional theatres, and for theatre (RE) people the bond is a strong one. Most of my best friends come from those long ago days and we have stayed together, helped each other, partied together and loved each other for many years. The friendships are lifelong and unconditional.

So off I went to Gare du Nord (train station in Paris) went through several layers of security and customs and hopped the train. I went through the CHUNNEL. I love saying that word. CHUNNEL. As we traveled along I was having a flashback to one of the most classic murder mysteries television shows of all times, The Tunnel. Starring Stephen Dillane and Clemence Poesy it starts with a hideous murder of a political figure whose body is cut in half and placed half on the English side and half on the French side. Hence the English and French detectives have to work together to solve the grisly crime. This is where my mind was going as we zipped along the 2.5 hour trip. Hoping we would not have to stop for any obstructions on the track(!) as we went through the CHUNNEL.

GGR met me at St. Pancras station and off we went with no particular agenda. We strolled through the markets, ate a long lunch, walked along the Thames and talked about his life, my life and how time goes by. Seeing my beloved friend again after six years made me thing about how much the friendship means to me and how I need to really, really pay attention and be a better friend. I am so very thrilled with his successful career change, and his happiness with his life in London.

Before we knew it, it was time for me to get back on the train to Paris and get back to my 3-month journey through Europe. I am amazed at how life converges in such unexpected and lovely ways. Paris to London in 2.5 hours and seeing GGR. And a trip through the CHUNNEL!