Ditto, Schnauzer. This is a most fun and interesting report. I should be out in the garden and I'm reading this instead!,

Gosh, hope I am not keeping you from important jobs but as Denise has now gone I have finished today's episode as well, so up to date now. Glad you are on board...

15th June Saturday

I can't believe I have only been here for just over a week, I feel like it is nearly two... Done so much, eaten so much.....and sadly it is Denise's last day.

We were told if we wanted to see inside some of the traboules then we should head out in the morning as they were often open for the postman but after that access was closed. So, map in hand off we trotted up and down rue de Boeuf and rue Juiverie. Unfortunately someone had also told the tour groups the same thing and suddenly from the quiet peaceful Lyon of yesterday a ghastly crowded town materialised. Where had they all come from? Franz and Helga, Demitri and Sofia but also with lots of Jean-Paul's and Marie-Celestes thrown in for good measure spoiling our photos. Not a Bruce and Sharon to be seen. We did our best with the photos, of course sunlight and shadows playing their evil part.

Stimulated by an espresso au lait we then headed out of town up the very steep montee du Gourguillon which does eventually lead all the way back up to the Notre Dame. I thought I had read that this street had been named after the gargoyles on the houses, but something had been lost in translation and we didn't see a one. (Actually we did see one very poor effort, not worth noting)
Back down montee des Epies to Eglise St. Georges and our restaurant of last night. As it was lunchtime and Denise had wanted to try a particular dish we decided to return. It was very busy, always a good sign, so we had to sit in the sun which by this time was quite fierce. A breeze was blowing and after a couple of glasses of cold white wine we didn't seem to notice anymore.

We both had a lovely big lunch as Denise was flying out that afternoon and she wouldn't have had time to eat before her flight. Gosh, go without food for more than three hours in Lyon... Unheard of. I had the porc medallions with a mustard sauce and Denise the duck. Oh, alright we had dessert as well.... Red fruit mousse for me and a cafe gourmand for Denise. I wanted to visit the miniature museum, which is attached to our building in fact and Denise thought she would do a last run at the shops. The museum was quite good, loads of stuff from movie sets, models etc and then a whole heap of miniature exhibitions. Unfortunately the day was really hot and there was no A/C. Wasn't sure whether I was having a continual hot flush or what.... Maybe the wine? Anyway I needed to exit stage left and we met again in the little square at the bottom of our building.

Our last cuppa together, boo hoo. Denise packed and we chatted for a little while longer until it was time to walk to the station and say our goodbyes. It has been so good to see her again and hopefully she will finally make it out to Australia one day.

Timing was everything, we missed the plane strike in Paris and then the evening we left Paris they called a train strike. Lets hope nothing else comes about.

Feeling a bit flat and low I bought a baguette sandwich for dinner and made my way back home. Now I don't have anyone to talk to I could get on with the typing which does take a long time to do. Some chappie is playing an accordion in the street below which is quite nice to listen to on my last night. Off to Nice tomorrow afternoon. So till then au revoir mes amies.

So glad to read more about Lyon. We had to cut our trip short before seeing several sites so I'm enjoying your TR vicariously.

I have spent insufficient time in Lyon, so it is good to read all of this.

did love Lyon so. nice to read about your time there.

Arrived in Nice now.
16th June Sunday

Au revoir Lyon et Bonjour Nice.
Decided to take it easy this morning, I had to out of the apt. by 12 so fiddled around, packed, emailed etc. the delightful Daphne came to clean bringing her 6 months old baby... She also owns the apartment.... I left her to it and had my last wander around taking some more photos and then ate my baguette sandwich in the little courtyard below the apt.

I wanted to leave plenty of time to get to the airport so headed off on the metro to the Rhone Express tram that goes directly to the airport. Found the terminus easily enough and there was the tram awaiting. Now here is something you don't see everyday, the conductor was waiting by the ticket vending machines to do it all for you...just hand over the money, even exchanged one of my old notes for a newer note that he said would work better. Can't get better service than that. It wasn't very express to begin with but soon we were zooming along. I don't think they spoilt too much scenery by putting in the tram line!

Arrived at the airport and was pleased to have given myself so much time. The first part is easy enough and then you head into "no frills " territory and have to queue for ages to drop off baggage and then walk and walk and walk. There are three shops in the departure area and they were very excited to mention this when you finally arrive. If you struggle with walking you would need assistance.

Finally boarded and by the time I had given up looking for the non existent put your seat back button we were on descent.

Bussed it into Nice central and was happy I had researched the stops etc cos there wasn't much info on the bus. Apt was located, it is a lovely apartment on rue Barralis, the entry way and stairwell are ghastly, the smell of smoke is truly disgusting. Fortunately I can't smell anything inside except the jasmine on the terrace which is in full bloom and quite overpowering as well. Am I never happy?

Need to get planning for tomorrow, thinking Cap Ferat and Villefranche while the weather forecast is good. Today it is cloudy and cool.... Hmm not allowed in Nice.

Schnauzer

The sun is out.....the Nice adventure begins... Hope there are still folk reading this great monologue. Here is today's episode.

17 th June Monday

An interesting night was had... The bottle collection this time at midnight accompanied by caterwauling cats, strange bird noises and the odd jet flying overhead. Hmm, maybe try the A/C tonight.

Needed basics, not much in the apt but a Carrefours was in the next street which was good. Next was breakfast on my terrace, very pleasant.

Wanted to get to Cap Ferat today, couldn't t believe there wasn't a closer bus stop, walked for ages, tried to buy a tram ticket but in the only place you could buy them there was a huge queue with a couple of girls going through what seemed to be their 3 week itinerary hour by hour with the only person serving. (Somebody later told me you could buy them at the distributeur at the tram stop, wish the T.I. had mentioned this detail). Crazy stuff, this is meant to be a tourist town. Found the bus stop easily enough as there was an enormous crowd waiting. One bus came but only half the queue managed to get on, the next bus 81, was actually my preferred bus and I was surprised I got on easily enough and even secured window seat, the bus soon filled up, they make no announcements, the 'tourist' stops aren't highlighted so you haven't got a clue when to get off. Finally I squeezed back to the driver to ask about getting off at the Villa Ephrussi, already gone past, but not to worry he does a circuit back again, I have no idea where everyone else was going as the bus appeared to be on the return route, maybe when everyone landed back in Nice they would realise they too had missed their stops..... All a bit unclear for me.

The Villa was just as amazing as I had hoped, looked around inside which took about an hour and then did the wonderful gardens which also took an hour. There was a water and music show every 20 mins and just as I rounded the last corner it started up. Yay!

Had a salad at the restaurant on the terrace, what a setting! Then I walked into Cap Ferat along the coastal promenade deciding which villa I would buy should one come up for sale... Bus back via Villefranche. Got off and did all the touristy things, very quiet really, I was the ONLY person walking along the rue Obscure which is an ancient, practically completely covered street, a bit creepy really. My feet were really sore and I think I may have walked the comfort out of my sandals. Feet are now soaking in a bowl of iced water.

I need to think about dinner but still not that hungry after my salad. I think my greedy eyes are settling down, not an ice cream or cake has passed my lips for over 24 hours, must be time to rectify that sad state of affairs.

Great report schnauzer! I am really enjoying it especially since I haven't been to Nice or Lyon yet.
Sounds like you are really having fun and sure eating well! I think this is a good way to do a trip report, good idea.

I especially liked your use of "not happy Jan", those were the funniest commercials!

Hi Schnauzer, I'm so glad you're sharing your journey with us. It's really nice to follow along with you, especially in real time.

I finally caught up on this TR today, schnauzer. You have been busy and I am enjoying your travels. You express things in ways that make it easy to feel like I am along for the ride.

What a great report. I am really enjoying your trip!

Oh no, I've gotten to the end and realized you're still traveling! Hopefully you and your upcoming reports will arrive before I get to the Dordogne the end of June. Meanwhile, I love your writing style. Thanks to you I learned of the Chagall exhibit in Paris which I'd not known about .. and I especially loved reading about your day in Cap Feret. The Villa is one of my favorite memories .. can still see those glorious views, the roses and inside on the particular day I was there, a couple, dressed in their wedding attire "rehearsing" their wedding dance! At least that is what we were told. It made for a storybook moment!

Hi all, happy you are still travelling along with me. Hadley, what a great memory for you. I get to Dordogne beginning July after four nights in Averyon - 29- 3rd. Glad you found the Chagall.

Here is today!

18th June Tuesday

On the Buses
Another great day for getting out and about on the Côte d'Azur. Didn't feel like rushing off this morning, spoke to my BF in Sydney for her birthday and chatted to Mum. It is great having the free international phone calls, so I shall make the most of it, the timing isn't the best but it can work.

Eze was the chosen destination for today, a perched village not too far out of Nice. I had been to the T.I. The day before and she (having known where I was staying) had given clear instructions. I caught the tram to a main bus terminal, Vauban, which was a quite a way up town, found the shelter and discovered I needed to wait 35 mins, bah.. took advantage of the wait to try and get a bus map for Nice, this was a main terminus after all.... No such luck, nup don't have any of those, okaaay, how about a time table for the bus I am taking so I know what time it returns? Nup, don't have any of those either, whaat..sorry, have asked but we aren't given any. Sigh...

The bus turns up, half a dozen others are now waiting as well, off we go, well bugger me, where do you think we stop at? Yes, you have guessed it, the same bus stop in town I was at yesterday, OMG, WTF etc. what is wrong with the bods at the T.I. Can i say that on fodors? She sent me there yesterday so why not today. Oh well only wasted an hour out of my precious life. I guess I did get a window seat so that was something at least. We went on the higher Corniche out of town this time which did afford even better views than yesterday, the driver threw the bus around each bend at break neck speed, quite exciting really. Within 20 mins we screeched to a halt at Eze. Checked out and took photo of bus timetable for way home, trying to get smart here.

The village is picture perfect olde worlde vistas at every turn unfortunately with tourists to match. I meandered up and down and finally found a great little place called the Deli for lunch. Salad Nicoise and a coffee. Thought I had worked out the buses, not to be, (of course). Even the french were confused, but a few had managed to work out the system and soon we had a crowd. Before we took off the driver got out and looked at the timetable.... I mean what chance have I when the driver doesn't even know what time he should depart. Under starters orders, we were off racing towards Nice and the good bit was I think we won!

To ease the feet a bit (I had bought some Dr. Scholl pads for my shoes which appeared to have helped) I trammed it to the old town, had a fabulous gelato of coffee and fruits of the forest whilst I aimlessly wandered around. Very touristy and not really my thing, much preferred Lyon old town tbh. Found myself climbing up and up and eventually arrived at the cemetery. Asked some people who were rinsing their hands in the fountain how to get back quickly to the "right end" of the old town, we began to chat - Sue told me I must do this to make some new friends, and one couple had been to Sydney last year, they were pleased that I was speaking french and offered me a lift! Was this taking the new friends thing a bit far, jumping into cars with strangers? Oh well in for a penny, in I got and they very kindly dropped me at Cours Saleya. I didn't quite understand, either the ladies's mother was buried there or she had just been to her funeral. She wasn't crying so hopefully it was the former... I hope so. What lovely people, they didn't invite me home for dinner so that was the end of my new friends.

Getting a tad better with the bus thing and caught one close to my apartment popping into Nicolas for a bottle of rosé, next door for some cheese and a baguette down the road before kicking the shoes off inside.

I will spend tonight studying the bus information.

Hi Schnauzer! You're back in Paris! :-) Always a pleasure to read about your adventures. Thanks for taking me along…..

Gelato, hellooooooo. I am still using the beautiful message board you gave me, and think of you EVERYTIME I use it and tell the story over and over. No-one can believe how kind and generous you were/are! I did send an Aussie pressie to you I do hope you got it. I was so grateful to you. Glad you are coming along for another holiday with me.

Schnauzer

Finding bus/stations can be time-consuming. I do wish it were easier to find all the local bus lines on-line!

Please keep it coming and take care of your feet.

TDudette tell me about it, sitting here with maps, timetables etc. trying to work out tomorrow's buses. It would help if one got the right info in the first place eh?

Did you go to the TI on the Promenade des Anglais? We picked up several bus schedules there last summer.

HT, yes that's where I went the first day... Working it out now, I think.


19th June Wednesday
On the buses part deux

Couldn't get to sleep last night thinking about those blasted bus schedules, anyway up late this morning. Decided to rest my feet so didn't do anything until after lunch. The Museum Marc Chagall was on the agenda and also the Museum Matisse. I was determined to conquer these darn buses and after hours of research worked out the 22 was going to go from almost outside my apartment all the way up to the Marc Chagall Museum, fantastic I thought, anyway asked the driver does this go to Chagall Museum, nah, of course not. You have to go to the terminus and then catch the number 15, of course why didn't I think of that. Anyway as we got to the terminus a 15 pulled up behind us, so things were looking up. However the transit police also got on and issued fines to all those who hadn't validated their tickets, shame they didnt issue bus schedules as well! I got off at the museum and spent the next couple of hours looking at all the great paintings and sketches, there were stained glass windows as well. There was a long film on the life of Marc Chagall which was very interesting and after a brief visit to the shop headed back out to continue up to the Matisse Musee. Hey, finally getting the swing of these buses, no hanging around for hours today.

Instead of going straight into the museum in order to give my artists eyes a break I walked up to the Monastery at Cimiez and discovered the most gorgeous garden, almost hidden from view. Very peaceful and colourful at the same time. There were views back towards Nice but also some not so good views of the 'suburbs'. Walked back through the main garden near the museum to find a small printed sign on the door - due to extraordinary circumstances the museum was closed. Great, so they didn't think to post this on their web site, considering it is a major site and closed for three days. I mean really.... There are posters all over town urging you to go and see this museum. Grrr. Oh well nothing to be done, another day? Back to Place Massena and had a quick look at the shops and found the biggest Monoprix. Bought some dinner as I am preferring to eat in at the moment. After walking all day I just don't feel like going out walking around again for dinner... I know....bussed it back home at least I have learnt how to reduce the walking by quite a bit.

I just love all the amazing facades on the buildings, one gorgeous, glorious old building after the other.

The weather isn't looking great for tomorrow. I was thinking Antibes but will see what the day holds when I wake up.

Oh rats about the museum! The garden sounds lovely! DH and I never made to the Chagall museum. We did visit the Russian Orthodox Church--it made me want to see the one in Russia.

I'm thoroughly enjoying these updates, they are great fun to read.

Your poor feet, I think lots of us can sympathise. Iced water is definitely the best treatment, although excruciating at the time. Do you have more than one pair of shoes? I've discovered that changing shoes at some stage during the day can be very helpful and will ease the pain somewhat.

Really enjoying your trip report.

Like you, we generally prefer to eat in after a day of sightseeing. Have you found Picard? We really enjoyed some of their delicious frozen foods. Favorites so far are tajine de poulet with apricots and spices, tartes tomates, and taboulé with raisins and mint. The tomato tarts are especially good.

Here's a list of Picard locations in Nice:

http://magasins.picard.fr/search?query=nice

A couple of years ago, I started this thread where I got many other suggestions for apartment cuisine:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...m#last-comment

You have sold me on Lyon, schnauzer. And sorry to say that your bus misadventures in Nice and environs have me laughing out loud. But you are an admirably ambitious traveler (and bus-taker). This report is so, so enjoyable. Thank you!

Leely, I think you would really like Lyon, particularly as you are a fan of great food. It is so easy to get to from Paris, even an overnight with an early start and late departure could be good.

Maine I will check those choices out, I did go in the other day. I didn't know what to look for.. Tks.

20th June Thursday
Antibes, single men, and more buses.

I was woken very early this morning with a storm coming through Nice, oops had put some washing on the terrace so leapt out of bed to rescue it. Back to sleep for a bit longer but the day was still looking a bit grim when I finally got up. Phoned my mum and had breakfast whilst deciding what to do. The clouds appeared to be breaking up so decided to try for either Antibes or St Paul de Vence. Looked at the timetables and realised I needed to get my skates on. There is a stop at the corner of the Promenade and rue de Congres (according to the timetable) but of course it wasn't actually there but another 100 metres up the road, right outside the Negresco Hotel in fact, wouldn't want the rich folk to have to walk to the bus eh? Okay, checked timetables, still haven't decided where I am going, love the excitement of making last minute decisions... The Paul de Vence bus is due to arrive first, meant to leave the originating stop (only one away) at 10.15, hmm should be along any minute then, waiting, waiting, waiting, nothing. Okaay, the Antibes bus is due 5 mins later, still no sight of either, finally at 10.35 the Antibes one shows up, god only knows what happened to the 400. Decision made, on I get, flash my weekly pass to have him refuse it, had to pay the princely sum of one euro. The bus was very slow but I do enjoy seeing the "real" France and watching normal folk going about their daily business.

Eventually we arrive in Antibes, a quick visit to the T.I. to get a map and off I go. If you want shoe shops then Antibes is the place to go. Well I was in the market so in and out I went, trying on numerous sandals in numerous shops. My feet were feeling a tad better today after resting them a bit and I had put on the short boots with sockettes, cute look, not. To be honest none of the shoes really felt comfortable, I have dodgy feet at the best of times so decided to wait until my feet actually recover and then buy some at home. In the last shop the lady owner was up for a long chat, I couldn't get away and we discussed ageing parents and their ailments, having single sons and will they look after us in our old age? Also how the education, handwriting and speech of the youth of today has deteriorated. Phew, it was great practice for me and we left on great terms, having agreed with each other on everything and she didn't seem to mind I hadn't even bought anything.

I had left Nice three hours ago and upon my new chum's recommendation went to a cute cafe nearby in Place Clemenceau, with orange chairs. Had a jumbo bruschetta and coffee, one of the best so far. A single man of a certain age actually came and sat down at the table next to me, this was a first, I tried to look seductive but he was more interested in his iPhone than me. It was probably those damned sockettes that spoilt it. Oh well, fortified, I figured I should start looking around, and look around I did. I don't think there were many streets I missed. I loved the feel of Antibes, not picture perfect but very quaint, a town where life goes on as normal and the tourists fit in. Sure there were plenty of touristy shops but there plenty of normal shops and houses and local folk as well. Anyway walking down one old street this older "cool" guy from Cannes stopped to chat with me, obviously a sockette fan, where was I from, etc etc, the usual stuff, but that was it.... No invite for coffee or to get in his car.... Oh well again, but progress, maybe I need to go to Antibes again. Yes, I liked Antibes, big tick from me.

Decided to change the mode of transport home and took the Envie bus to the train station. Lucked out again at the ticket machine, the SNCF man was collecting the money from the machine and did my ticket for me. Thanks... Train in 10, it went from the platform on the other side and then realisation hit, I hadn't composted my ticket and had to run all the way back to the main hall to punch my ticket, phew ran back in enough time. A quicker journey but still had to catch a tram and a bus home from the SNCF. You should see me jumping on and off those buses now..... (When they turn up).

The weather is improving so maybe St Paul de Vence tomorrow if I can find the bus. Saturday is meant to be gloomy again so may leave Matisse for then.

Here is a funny article about travelling in France. I can relate to it...

http://www.paris-update.com/fr/hot-t...mation-railway

That's so funny, schnauzer, because I immediately thought of that article (just read it yesterday) while I was reading your post! The author is a friend of ours. I particularly loved "Il faut savoir." So very French!

Still enjoying your report - how great to just let the day lead you. And you will master those buses, I just know it. ;-)

Oh, that article is so ridiculous. I have a colleague who lives in Moret and she comes to Paris each and every day. You have to take a COMMUTER train, not a main line train to get there. The information is on the Transilien site, not Voyages-SNCF!

Kerouac I think that may have been part of the article, that crucial information known to locals wasn't made available to tourists when searching on the net. At least that was my understanding.

After all my bus dramas recently I thought it was funny anyway....

Schnauzer

I hope we will soon be reading a romance. Having met schnauzer, I can say that she is as pretty as she is witty. Bon courage, dear.

TTT

Schnauzer, such a fun read. Merci. Really hope that you get to see the Matisse soon! I love Nice….

21st June Friday. St Paul de Vence and Vence

I set my alarm for the first time this trip as I wanted to get a jump on the day. I walked to the first stop for the 8.35 no. 400 bus not wanting to miss out again. However we didn't disappear into a black hole but stopped right where I was yesterday. Hmm, something different about the 10.15 obviously. In just over an hour we had arrived at this magical village. I was determined to get some photos without the tourists but the Japanese tour bus had got the jump on me! I pushed through and got some great quiet shots. However I did speak severely to another group, god only knows where they were from but they were just hooping and hollering all through the cemetery, no respect at all, really got my goat up. I don't think they understood English but my message was more than clear... I told 'em.

Did a half tour around and then visited the Chagall photo exhibition at the T.I. and picked up a map to see what I had missed the first time around. They weren't open until 10.00. I had to laugh, I was reading about the tourist office in Nice which is open at 8.00 except in the summer when it opens an hour later.... Umm, when do the tourists come to town? Got to laugh at the logic.

Spent hours traversing every street and side street, it is amazing how few people actually bother walk beyond the main tourist drag as you can see from the photos.

At about 3pm decided to head 10 mins further up the road to Vence, this town also has a medieval section but not a patch on St Paul. However it did have a friendly "nice town" feel. I had exchanged a few words with a lady on the bus going up, I had seen her walking around St Paul and thought she may wish to walk around together, but before I could say allons-y, she had disappeared into thin air. After an hour it was back on the bus for home, another huge day for the feet! Funny the fare up had been 1 euro but the way home was 1.50. I do like the way the young automatically get up out of their seats for the elderly when travelling on the bus, very respectful.

Tonight was the fete de la musique to celebrate the first day of summer. There was going to be music and bands all over town so I decided I had to get out and about tonight. Donned my cool Nice evening attire and headed out to the old town. I wandered about trying to find a couple of the Restos that had been recommended. It it is such a maze I could only find one and it was closed! I did find rue l'Abbaye which had also been suggested for good Italian and Corsican food. I came across Ville de Seville and they found the last remaining table for une personne, cue violins...I ordered the rigatoni Sicilian gratinee. Chocked full of roasted Mediterranean veges it was superb and enough for a family. All their servings were enormous ....

Feeling veritably stuffed, couldn't even begin to think about dessert, I headed out into the throng that had formed and followed my ears, finding bands, drummers and DJs. It was much better than the last fete I was at in Paris. Finally at about10.30 I made my way home, the music had followed me and it was hard to get to sleep. A big day.....

Two days in a row..... Latedaytraveller thanks for joining me, nope didn't get to Matisse see today....

22nd June Saturday Nice

A very slow morning after such an exciting day yesterday. About 12.00 I hopped on my local bus and headed for Place Massena and the shops. I decided to give Matisse the heave ho, couldn't be bothered to shelp all the way up there again. I needed a couple of things so visited FNAC and some other shops along the way. Took the tram to Place Liberation to check out the market but as usual I was too late, same in Antibes, oh well, I guess I am not a get up early for the markets kind of gal. The architecture is just amazing in Nice and nearly every building is worth looking at for the facade, so spent some time looking up and around. I also love that in the smaller towns they make such an effort with the baskets of flowers everywhere, all the public places are so colourful.

There are so many homeless people in France, they are everywhere and often accompanied by dogs, not only one, but sometimes, 2 or 3 and then the puppies. It of course pulls on all the tourists heart strings. Very sad to see the not so glamorous side of travelling. It is a horrible life for all of them.

The Russian Cathedral was only a bus ride away, worked it out and here I am sitting in the gardens typing away. Very peaceful and a good way to rest those feet.

Last night tonight in Nice but still a visit to the Negresco hotel and the Massena museum left for tomorrow morning.

I really need to see the Russian cathedral the next time I go to Nice.

We had read about the Russian cathedral in Eyewitness (can't remember if I saw it in Fodor's also)--we figured we'd never get to Moscow though.

Very enjoyable TR and you go girl for calming down the folks in the cemetery!

23rd June Sunday

Last morning, so a visit to the Negresco Hotel and the Massena Museum were on the agenda. Packed up and wandered down the road, first stop the museum which was the Massena family home, a prominent local family. Lovely old house with a semi museum, semi still a house feel to it. There was also an art exhibition on the second floor, a couple of Matisses, lots of olde paintings and a couple of Raoul Dufy who I like, but I do prefer his brother Jean's paintings having seen an exhibition of the Dufy Bros (not (Doobie) in Paris a couple of years ago.

Onwards for a squiz at the Negresco, sea view rooms starting at 450euros so won't be staying there. A bit over the top, but jealously will get me nowhere.

Back to reclaim my security deposit in cash from the owner, I was planning on tucking the flat screen telly under my arm if she hadn't turned up, but she did, good cos my bags are heavy enough already. I had searched for the Sunday bus times on the net so knew there was a bus at 1317, but of course when I got there the times on the timetable were completely different! Anyway I was actually early and caught one at 1306, three buses came at once, as always.

Caught the train easily enough and we zoomed along until Toulon where we had to wait because they were back burning and a fire had got out of hand. We were told there would be a two hours delay, whaaat? Within minutes bottles of cold water were delivered to each carriage. It was like a combination of Lord of the Flies and a Red Cross drop in the African desert. Gosh, no food or water for two hours quelle horreur. Everyone grabbing for a bottle.

There was another lady from Aus travelling to Crea Langues, she was travelling in the next carriage and we had introduced ourselves. It was nice to think that there were two of us in this dilemma. It is about an hour and half by minibus from Aix to the school so we borrowed a french persons phone and rang the school. The school already knew of the problem and was "working on it". The other lady and I decided we needed food so made our way to the buffet carriage and just as we were perusing the menu for SNCF specials an announcement was made to say the pompiers had cleared us for take off. Yay so only 45 mins late instead. Good stuff, no train treats needed after all.

We finally arrived 1.5 hours late and of course the arranged transport had already gone without us. Not to worry someone did eventually pick us up and we arrived at the Monastery at 9.30 for a very late dinner then bed.

Started school this morning and as anticipated I have gone backwards since last time, but I knew that would be the case. Oh well, not to worry. My room is lovely and the food sensational, so that is fine by me. For once I am trying not to get upset by being useless at French, I managed quite well thank you for the past two weeks.

Funny how a 45 minute delay doesn't seem so bad when they first tell you it will be 2 hours! Do you suppose they plan it that way?

Looking forward to more.

Hi everyone, I am been relaxing at Crea Langues a fabulous language school in Provence. It has been great and have only written a little in my journal.

Friday 28th June

Last day at Segries today. It has been wonderful as always, there is just something very special about this place. It has been much more relaxing this time, no flapping about doing homework etc. I have taken things slowly and enjoyed the company and the serenity of the "place" much more.

The food has been wonderful as usual, a lot but healthy Mediterranean cooking, at least that is what I am telling myself! No, it is really. We sat in the chapel of the monastery last night and sang french songs, which was kind of special, except for my singing that is..

I am of course getting nervous about my next installment.. I pick up a car tomorrow and drive from Provence to L'Aveyron which is about 400kms. I have all day and it doesn't get dark till late so fingers crossed I won't get lost.

I shall start reporting again when I arrive at my next stop, till then trust everyone is well. Stay tuned.....

Schnauzer

Drive safely! I know how anxious one can get before picking up a car and driving on the 'wrong' side! Happens to me every time. But you will be absolutely fine once you've driven that first mile.

I'm so glad you enjoyed the past few days at the language school, and hope it has encouraged you in many ways.

Looking forward to travelling along with you to the next installment!

Take care.

Thanks julia for the kind words of encouragement, they have made a difference to me. I needed that, merci. I know you have the done the same thing so it is coming from the heart, not an Aussie "she'll be 'right mate" comment.

I hear you are meeting with Barb, that should be great fun. I have been rereading her diva blog, still so funny.

Thanks again and tune in for the next episode,
Schnauzer