06:30

Day 2 of our trip and breakfast, after my woefull attempt at ordering a white coffee, consisted of an espresso and a croissant. The travelling today starts with a 7 hour 8 min train journey from Gare de Lyon to Milan Central on the TGV, which I have to say is a very nice train. Equipped with our baguette and Evian, we were ready for the journey. As you wuld expect the scenery is beautiful, however the weather has declined a little since leaving what was a very sunny morning in Paris.

09:41

Not much to report at this stage of the journey, apaprt from as we head south, so does the weather.

10:15

May as well take this time to tell you our French phrase of the day.

Fiona - "Une baguette" - translation "a baguette"

Shaky - "Au revoir" - Translation - "Goodbye"

Never let it be said that we don't try to fit in with the locals. Now we need to start brushing up on the Italian.

10:45

Just stopped at Chambery station to sap a few passengers. Just 6 more stops and 4 more hours till Milan. However! A strange little woman with a strange little dog has just boarded the train. Its yapping at everyone walking past it. It may not see teh next stop if I can find a window that opens!!

11:46

Another stop, this time at St Jean de Maurienne, and if I am honest, it is not the best station I have seen. It makes Knottingley look state of the art. They don't seem to bother with platforms, it is more a strip of tarmac.

The Shearings holiday rep has just walked past and I am a bit confused as to where his coach is stored, because I could only just get my bag in the luggage rack.

Feesy's cold is getting better. THink she has passed it onto the French bird opposite, as she has sarted sneezing.

11:54

Immigration doing passport checks on the train, very thorough indeed. They took one look at my pink faux leather passport holder and mumbled the word "English", then moved off. Yappy dog doesn't have his, think he may be kicked off at the next stop.

12:04

Modane station

Oh dear! All of a sudden we seem to have been transported to Narnia. There's snow ont he ground everywhere. Very picturesque, but starting to regret the decision to only bring shorts and vest tops.

13:55

Just departed Turin, last stop before Milan and I can honestly say that I am ready to get off now. Its been a very scenic journey though with every kind of weather in one trip. The one thing you realise most when travelling by train, is that apart from the tourist spots and the occasional pictureque village is that there are as many run down and graffitti plastered places as there are in the UK. This is by far the best way to travel in order to see everything a country has and not just what it would like you to see.

14:56

Well almost in Milan. Still raining but can see the sky brightening up a bit. Fingers crossed. Everyone around us putting coats on and me and shaky are tugging at the bottom of our cut offs trying to keep our ankles warm. Must admit that Yappy dog hasn't been too bad. I'm sure its better than the goats we will find on the trains in Slovenia.

15:20

Arrived in Milan 30 minutes late. Not bad for a 7 hour journey. I can be later than that going to Bradford. Got our day ticket for the Metro which covers Train, bus and tram for €3 each, bargain. Finally arrived at the hotel, after missing two buses. First one becasue we were buying fruit and the second becuase we thought we needed a separate ticket. Well what can I say about the hotel............. JACKPOT!! That's what. Absolute diamond in the rough, considering the area and only £38. Pictures will appear in the album shortly.