VERY fast trains, Guernsey etc
We completed all the remaining touristy things we had planned for Paris. We did not get to climb the Eiffel Tower because of the vey long queues and waiting time but we an do that next year.
Several more scenic and historic walks were good and we tested out more of the local Bistros.
Monday morning we were packed and ready to go "apres petit dejeuner". Michel had popped down to the Boulangerie and brought back fresh Brioches, Baguettes and Croissants- which he did every morning. Another discovery was Mirabelles jam- a bit of a delicacy from the North of France. Yum! Overall, the Chambre d'Hote had been excellent. Great and clean house, excellent service, close to Metro and Le Bus.
Anyway, off we went with out 56Kg of luggage. It has wheels which made things easier and it was mainly downhill to Corvisart Station. Unfortunately, the Metro was packed. A combination of Paris school holidays, the volcano and workers. We let the first train go and squeezed onto the second. People stood up from their folding seats to give us some space- very good of them. It was just 6 stops to Montparnasse station. We were looking forward to the World's Fastest walkway but never saw it. We had quite a lot of stairs to traverse but made it okay to the TGV platforms. There was a comfortable lounge and things were all very organised.
The TGV left exactly on time and was comfortable and fast. We were surprised there were no electronic displays of speed etc (as in Japan). So, I (Dave) put on my phone-GPS system. Very embarassing - the unit started going "boing, boing" and flashing up a big 285 in a circle. We were exceeding the speed limit of 110. In fact, the system can only be set for speed limits of 250Km/hr. Anyway, we cruised along at 310Km/hr much of the time, dropping down to 160 for the suburbs of Le Mans. From Le Mans to St Malo, was a bit slower at about 200Km/hr and we spent about 30mins at the station in Rennes. We arrived on time in St Malo in just under 3hrs and having averaged about 190Km/hr for the time we were moving. This was less than half the time to drive.
We then caught a taxi to the Ferry Terminal and they kindly allowed us to check in our bags very early. Then a walk to the mediaeval walled city of the old St Malo- unfortunately severely damaged in the war but now restored. The heavy fog we had experienced lifted to a crisp sunny day.
The ferry terminal was a zoo- full of people- many escaping the the chaos caused by the volcano. So, we were a bit late leaving but arrived okay in Guernsey to be met by Liz and Bernadette (daughters 1 & 3) and a delightful dinner at Bern's place.
All the best,
Dave & Penny
