Days 2 to 4 Paris to Carcasonne

Day 2

First night camping

Lets just say the course of travel never runneth smooth. Thursday my task was to meet Sarah from CDG Paris as she arrived at 8:10am. I got very little sleep due to the inconsiderate knobs I shared my hostel dorm. It was hot so I slept with my t-shirt and trousers but the window got opened wide leaving me waking and shivering. Any idea that I would leave quietly at 5:30am were put to bed by this as I took the time I needed to pack things and brush my teeth as loudly as possible. A fruitless protest as another dorm user was also leaving at the same time. Anyhoo I made the metro to CDG by 7am a full hour to kill before Sarah's flight landed. I needed to meet her at terminal 2E. The plane landed at 8:24am, and I waited the unknown amount of time to clear customs. After 45 minutes I became concerned. France has efficient immigration. I asked information if the Chicago O Hare flight had picked up all there bags and went through, and the reply yes. This led me to worry where Sarah was, with a phonecall waking her mother at 1am ensuing. I know Sarah wouldnt know my number, I'd always be 'Chris' on her phone, but I knew she knew her mothers. So her mom could pass on the message that Chris is waiting in 2E.  I won't ham out the drama but basically they were about to send her bags to Manchester and Sarah was in the process of stopping them doing that. Long story short, we were delayed but on our way and the adventures started. We made our way towards Notre Dame (again i Know). Then towards Gare de Lyon to catch the TGV to Lyon. Now we were dependent on instructions given to us at the destination campsite on how to get there, and despite my male distrust of inability to read instructions, these proved to be the finest in time and distance. From Lyon Part Dieu taker underground to Gare Du Vaise then 89 bus to campsite, the latter being the accurate to the minute. We put up the tent, then made our way to the supermarket to buy some cheese, french bread, and anything else including a bottle of Bordeaux Rose which would make us feel French. We had a great meal, then clumsily made our way into the sleeping bags and although Sarah had trouble sleeping.I have to say, I had the best sleep in a long time.



Day 3


Friday was spent in Lyon, and the first task as I suppose most of interrail is about is to find a way out now you have arrived. This we did trolling two stations to find our way to Carcassonne where I am typing this. The city of Lyon is quite a suprise. A city that carrys a large transport system which feels compact if only as it is so efficient. You don't get a full idea of the size until you take the time to climb up to this cathedral which overlooks and maybe dominates the city. From up there you see the old and new mingle. This walk and the subsequent coffee reward took up a good part of the day. On return we again visited the supermarket and bought our tea. That night it rained and for both of us the sleeping was terrible. So terrible we decided our next night would be in a hotel, where I am typing this now.

Day 4
An early start with a 5:15 alarm. We rose and packed everything up in the dark. Then a mad dash to the bus. The gates were locked and with only 6 minutes to get the 6:10am bus and consequently the 7:20am from Lyon to Avignon, Sarah squeezed through a hole in the fence. In pushing her I didn't notice her day bag was choking her but I stopped before she passed out. The door was opened before I did the same, so I didn't have to endure the same problems. Anyway we made it to bus to underground to station on time. However, as has become so familiar with Northern Rail, anytime you rush and cough up blood for a train, it will be delayed, as in this case for an hour. Our journey took us to Avignon, then to Narbonne where we drank coffee and water for an hour (I am keeping to my 'no beer till Germany rule). Then the train from Narbonne to Carcassonne. Somewhere between there and arrival we firmed up we will be sleeping in a bed, which is where I am sat now typing this. Carcassonne's main attraction is a medieval city which is filled with shops and cafes etc and is probably Southern Frances answer to Mont St Michel near St Malo in the North. As always walking castles is Sarah's thing, although I did enjoy too. Then retired to the hotel, where Sarah has turned out the lights and is trying to sleep and hiding her annoyance at me tapping on my netbook. We have decided we are catching the 12:56pm to Montpellier tomorrow. This was decided mainly by checking weather reports. Foix to the West was our original plan, but yahoo weather said it will piss down. Therefore we are doing what that little island of my birth won't let me do. We're escaping the rain or chasing the sun you decide. It is only a 2 hour journey and more camping. However, for now I will enjoy my comfy sleep in this comfy hotel, where I am typing this now.