The days were officially counting down, and I needed to start migrating toward London for my 9:00 AM flight back to Arizona on September 28th, 2025.
This was immediately after I’d just crushed a bucket-list item in Venice, which—geographically speaking—put me on the wrong side of Europe for someone trying to go home.
The plan was simple and therefore doomed:
get closer to Paris, then slide into London like a responsible adult traveler.
The Universe, however, had other plans.
I missed a connection.
Fourteen-plus hours later, I found myself on a first-class high-speed train—not because I planned it, but because exhaustion, fate, and poor timing had teamed up against me.
Sometimes luxury isn’t a choice.
It’s a consequence.
My September 2025 European tour both started and ended in London. I passed through on September 1st on my way to Faro, Portugal, and returned at the end for less than 24 hours after bailing on Paris early.
I’d been to Paris about 20 years ago, and it only took about an hour to remember why it’s not for me. If you don’t speak French, people can be rude—I experienced that almost immediately while trying to buy a train ticket. Apparently asking for a ticket in English is a bold move.
If you love Paris (like my very fashion-conscious niece Amber), check out Norse Airlines—they’ll get you there cheaply. If you’re more like me, grumpy and impatient, plan a short visit and bail early.
Below are a few photos from my brief stay in Paris—the week before the Louvre was robbed. I swear it wasn’t me. 😄
Eiffel tower 
Louvre
Arc de Triomphe
Notre Dame
Train station to get to the Chunnel to London
The high-speed Eurostar train between Paris and London is fantastic. It feels a lot like flying—security, early arrival, the whole routine—but it’s far more convenient than actually getting on a plane and dealing with an airport.
First things first, every time I arrive in London:
I find a pub, order fish and chips, and grab a cold pint. It’s not cheap—fish, chips, and a beer run about $40 USD—but it’s worth it every single time.
Check out how light I pack!
I landed in London at 2 p.m. and left the next morning, which meant attempting to see the entire city in under 24 hours. I did as much tourist stuff as humanly possible, and by the time I boarded my long flight home, I was running on fumes.
Fish and Chips
Big Ben
London Eye
Buckingham Palace
Westminster Abbey
Mission accomplished! 
I racked up over 25,000 steps, took a nap that felt more like a system reboot, and then dragged myself back toward Arizona. Planes, trains, and automobiles—because apparently, I enjoy suffering in multiple forms of transportation to save a dime ..
Paris to London train
London to Los Angeles flight
Los Angeles to Phoenix rental car
eBiked home from rental car drop-off.
I can’t even begin to calculate how many miles I traveled last week—and honestly, ignorance feels healthier.
Czech Republic to Germany (Oktoberfest on September 20, because of course), then Switzerland, Italy, France, London, and finally back across the pond on September 28.
At this point, my passport deserves a nap, my legs are filing a formal complaint, and my internal clock has completely resigned.