#11 14/02/14

THE CHANNEL TUNNEL

     Engineers have been dreaming of an underwater link between Britain and France since 1802. Finally, in 1994 the Channel Tunnel (nickname "The Chunnel" by the English) was officially opened.

This fifteen million dollar project took seven years to complete. It is 50km long and built 45 metres under the seabed. The trains which go through the Chunnel can travel at up to 300km/h due to the advanced electrical system.

     The journey from London to Paris via the Chunnel takes just three hours. It is also handy for drivers since they can load their cars onto the trains. The don't need to book in advance, as train depart every few minutes. However, while on the train, there isn't much to do and many criticise the Chunnel for this. Unlike the ferries, there is no duty-free shopping, no video game palour or refreshment stand. Nor can you look outside and enjoy the view. As a result, many would find the Chunnel unappealing and would take the ferry instead.