10th June 09 - Avignon to Nice

At midday I caught the TGV to Nice, taking over 3 hours to get there. I was fortunate enough to get a seat next to a woman called Laura from Ibiza in Spain, a like-minded individual heading towards Genoa in Italy to work on a yacht. We spoke for most of the trip about discrimination, religion, environmental sustainability, & Obama’s recent speech & health care policy - just a few small topics for the trip. The chat certainly made for a comfortable trip.
After getting a map & basic info from the Tourist Office at the train station, I decided that a 10 min walk with my bloody heavy backpack (I think I’m carrying around 18-20 kg all up) was not going to be on the agenda. So, instead of a taxi, I opted for the cheaper option - what they call a trambus (a tram). A lovely young student from Nice helped me buy my ticket then insisted on riding with me the two stops to my hop off point. We discussed his finance studies & his desire to visit Australia & live/work in the USA. A feel good conversation. I hopped off the trambus at Rue Massena & it didn’t take long to find the Hotel Regence located there.
After unpacking my bags to get my shorts & sandals out (it’s warm here), I ventured out for a wander feeling completely comfortable in this friendly city. As I strolled down the beachfront, I saw it - a tourist train, one of those little ones that take you to some of the pertinent city sites. Now, I’m old enough to know that looking like a dorky tourist is acceptable when you are almost completely anonymous, as I am in France. So I took the chance, purchased a ticket (7 euros) & jumped on board for the ride of my life (not!). We drove around for 45 mins which included a 20 min stop at a place overlooking the city. Thrilling!!!!!
After another long stroll, it was time for dinner - a delicious seafood risotto & wine - before heading back to the hotel for the eve.

27th May - London to Paris on the TGV

Zvroom!!! This train really does go fast. I was unlucky enough to be leaving London for Paris at a peak time & so had to pay peak rates (ouch). But I did get to sit in 1st class as they were the only seats left.
On arrival in Paris I first needed to change over some Pounds Sterling for Euros. I started a heated argument with the change bureau guy when charged 7 euros for changing 42 pounds - what a rip off! Lesson - don't change money at airports or train stations.
The ease of switching from the TGV to the Metro (Paris underground) made travelling easy & it wasn't long before I was nearly to my resting place for the next 5 days.