"Trip to the Sunny South" in March, 1885

A witty Victorian traveler recounts a brisk, six‑week journey across Europe and the Mediterranean, beginning with a restless February departure from Birkenhead. Armed with guides, pistols and a dry sense of humor, he and his companion weave through the English countryside, brave choppy Channel waters, and arrive in Paris, where they encounter both the city’s glittering boulevards and its petty bureaucratic hiccups.

The narrative captures the charm of 1880s Paris—its bustling markets, grand opera house, and the glittering Champs‑Élysées—while gently poking fun at the quirks of travel, from customs inspections to the bewildering price of French cigars. As the duo moves onward, the author’s keen eye records the vivid colors, sounds, and personalities of each stop, promising listeners a lively portrait of a bygone era’s grand tour.