The reason I used British Airways direct to London from Phoenix was to avoid having to use US Airways. I also thought it would be a good idea to travel by rail in Europe. It would give me an opportunity to travel with trains from three different countries. UK's Eurostar, France's TGV, and Germany's ICE. I have always used trains as much as possible and have many fond memories. Unfortunately, the night before my scheduled departure from London's St. Pancras Station five Eurostar trains broke down in the chunnel and stranded 2,000 travelers. It took three days to clear the tunnel, identify the problem of the brake down, and resume partial service. Early Tuesday, 22 December, 26,000 seats were available (about 2/3 of normal) for the 100,000 travelers stranded. Reservations and normal procedures went down the drain. After more than a three day delay we arrived at Gare du Nord. This picture was taken from the second story overlooking the station, were arrangements were made for connecting rail travel. Gare du Nord is used by the Eurostar, TGV, and ICE trains among others. Observed speed of the Eurostar was 155mph (250kmh) and observed speed between Paris and Strasbourg on the TGV was 197mph (317kmh) using a Garmin etrax Vista Cx. This picture was taken on 22 December 2009. Thank you for viewing, commenting, and favs, Sig...