Riding the Eurostar: A Journey From Paris to London

Taking the Eurostar from Paris to London is one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to travel between these two major European capitals. The Eurostar is a high-speed train that connects Gare du Nord station in Paris, France with London St Pancras International in the United Kingdom, covering the distance in just over two hours. 

The journey is smooth and scenic, with the highlight being the Channel Tunnel (or “Chunnel”), a 31-mile tunnel beneath the English Channel. The train travels through the tunnel for about 20 minutes, emerging in the English countryside before continuing to London. 

Eurostar trains are modern, clean, and well-equipped with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, luggage storage, and comfortable seating. Travelers can choose from Standard, Standard Premier, or Business Premier classes, depending on their preferences and budget. Standard Premier offers more spacious seating and a light meal, while Business Premier provides added perks like lounge access and flexible ticket options. 

The convenience of city center travel makes Eurostar particularly attractive. There’s no need to travel to outlying airports or go through long security lines. Instead, passengers need to check in just 30 to 60 minutes before departure. Customs and immigration checks for both the UK and Schengen zones are completed at the departure station, making arrival in London hassle-free. 

Tickets can be booked in advance online, often at better prices. It’s also an environmentally friendly choice, with Eurostar claiming up to 90% less carbon emissions than a short-haul flight. 

Whether you're traveling for business, a weekend getaway, or exploring Europe, the Eurostar offers a fast, efficient, and enjoyable way to travel from Paris to London—turning what was once a complex international journey into a seamless and memorable experience.

Piazza Navona in Rome, Italy

Piazza Navona is one of the most iconic squares in Rome, celebrated for its elegant Baroque architecture, rich history, and vibrant atmosphere. Located in the heart of the historic centre, it occupies the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, built in the 1st century AD. Piazza Navona retains the elongated, oval shape of the original stadium, once used for athletic competitions.

During the 17th century, Piazza Navona was transformed into a masterpiece of Baroque urban design under Pope Innocent X, whose family palace, the Palazzo Pamphilj, faces the square. The centerpiece of the piazza is the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi), created by the renowned sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This dramatic fountain features representations of four major rivers from four continents—the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Río de la Plata—symbolizing the reach of papal authority across the world.

Opposite Bernini’s fountain stands Sant’Agnese in Agone, a beautiful Baroque church designed by Francesco Borromini. The church marks the traditional site of the martyrdom of Saint Agnes and adds to the spiritual and artistic ambiance of the square.

At either end of the piazza are two additional fountains: the Fontana del Moro and the Fontana del Nettuno, both adorned with dynamic sculptures. Today, Piazza Navona is a vibrant social hub, filled with street artists, musicians, and open-air cafes. Visitors flock here to enjoy the lively atmosphere, admire the art and architecture, and soak in the charm of Rome’s past and present.

Whether visited by day or lit by lamplight at night, Piazza Navona remains a captivating symbol of Rome’s enduring beauty and cultural richness.

 

Louvre Pyramid in Paris, France

The Louvre Pyramid is a modern architectural masterpiece that stands at the center of the Cour Napoléon courtyard of the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. Designed by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei, the glass and metal pyramid was inaugurated in 1989 and serves as the main entrance to the world-renowned museum.

Composed of 673 glass panes, the pyramid rises to a height of 21.6 meters (about 71 feet) and forms a striking contrast to the classical architecture of the historic Louvre Palace. The structure is both functional and symbolic, representing the merging of old and new. Beneath the pyramid lies a large subterranean lobby that connects the museum’s three main wings—Denon, Sully, and Richelieu—streamlining visitor access and circulation.

When it was first proposed, the design was controversial. 

Many critics felt that the modernist style clashed with the Renaissance and Baroque elements of the surrounding buildings. However, over time, the Louvre Pyramid has become an iconic symbol of Paris, admired for its bold vision and elegant simplicity.

The pyramid also has deeper symbolic meaning. Its geometric form references ancient Egyptian pyramids, a nod to the Louvre’s extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities. The transparency of the glass panels allows natural light to filter into the underground lobby, creating a bright and welcoming space that enhances the visitor experience.

Today, the Louvre Pyramid is not just a gateway to the world's most visited art museum, but also a cultural icon in its own right. It has been featured in numerous films, books, and artworks, and is a popular spot for tourists to photograph. The pyramid exemplifies how contemporary design can enhance historic spaces, blending innovation with tradition in one of the most celebrated cultural sites in the world.

London Underground: Mind the Gap

A few snapshots from the Underground / Tube in London, England.