Days 1 and 2

Delays in Sydney caused me to miss my connestion in Halifax so I was rerouted through Toronto and got to London a little later than originnally planned. Caught the Tube to St Pancras with seconds to spare and boarded the Eurostar for Lille, France. Chunnel was a disappointment - nothing but darkness. Emerged in a snowstorm and arrived in Lille at 6:30. Ibis Hotel clean and modern. Pas de punaise des lits - a phrase I was ordered to learn.
Lille is an interesting city, a mix of new and old and is the birthplace of Charles de Gaulle! The city is getting ready for Christmas with outdoor markets in every square. They also have the obligatory Ferris Wheel, I think it was part of the European Community membership agreement.Temp is -2 so mulled wine was in order. Visited Palais des Beaux Arts where they have a wonderful Rubens collection with a few Goyas thrown in but I didn't see one Bidet.
Tomorrow - Vimy Ridge