In choreography, there is a trick, we call, retrograde. Meaning- take a sequence of movements strung together, and starting with the last pose/gesture/step, work your way backwards, step by step, by step. Choreographers use this trick to generate new movement material, create themes and variations.
I keep thinking that is what Bruno and I are doing, working backwards, re-tracing steps all day today.
Checking out at 8:30, we worked our way back to London, from the 6th Arrondissement.
First stop, the Saint-Sulpice Church, right by our hotel. We've been visiting it twice daily; in the morning, and in the evening.
Because you can count on God to provide, trees, for Bruno.
Thank you, God.
Next, Metro Line 4 to Gare du Nord. No visuals as we are laying low, so as not be targets for mugging.
09:42 TGV to Calais Frethun.
I'm really liking the TGV. In Coach 1, the seats (and tables) have width. I can place Bruno in his bag, on the table, and he settles for the whole journey. An observation- most travellers London-bound are of course on the Eurostar. Which then means, this TGV train is filled only with native French. And I have to say, the French are very considerate, quiet people on their national rail. There is none of that drinking-to-get-as-drunk-as-quickly-as-possible antics on the TGV, or loud, rude obnoxious behaviour just for the sake of.
Another observation is how much they love dogs, and treat dogs with tender respect. This has made traveling with Bruno, logistically easier, and even more enjoyable.
Bruno needs a TGV ticket (7 Euros for his size). This ticket states on the top right corner, "1 Chien", and in the middle, "petit animal jusqu' a 6kg dans un contenant". Tickles me, each time!
11:20 Folkestone Taxi picks us up from Calais Frethun.
1130 we are at the Pet Control Center on the French end of things, by the Eurotunnel.
As we did last summer, there is some paperwork to clear in order for Bruno to return home. His microchip will be checked, as well as his documentation of tapeworm treatment and all necessary vaccinations in his passport.
When this is done, the lady at the counter will hand a sticker over, to be placed on the dashboard of the car. Then we are off.
There was no checking of documents on the French end of things for humans today. So we drove on towards the British Border, where everything went pleasantly.
12:50 We drive onto the Eurotunnel, and Bruno settles back down to rest.
Good boy, Bruno.
The Eurotunnel journey as mentioned before takes 35 minutes. When we get to the UK, we drive off and onto the freeway. There are signs prompting you to drive on the left side of the road, as oppose to France.
Life is one hour behind France in the UK. So I have a choice of trains to catch. I take the 12:11 from Folkestone West to Charing Cross, which is actually slower, but I would rather be on my way, then wait another hour for the direct train to St Pancras.
It's a 2-hour ride, where Bruno naps, snacks, snuggles, and naps more.
And finally...
I'm not used to arriving in London via south of the river. So this was a new and fun perspective for me. And that is one of the objectives of retrograding in choreography- it shows you alternate view points and allows, play.
 Bruno says- Mom, mom. mom... (Hold on, Brunz! We're almost there!) From Charing Cross, hop onto the Northern Line, switch to the Central Line, jump off at some point, and walk home. 
Total time involved in the retrograding exercise? Same as the original journey done 3 days ago.
7 hours. Which makes me think, hey, I did a good job with my choreography, staying within the original time frame ("musical score")!
 |
| 1530 Paris, 1230 London- The End. |
No comments:
Post a Comment