Toulouse at Last

The best laid plans:

I bought my train ticket at the station instead of on line – seems that the prices differ incredibly – I may have paid double  the internet price.

I arrived early because the taxi I booked arrived early – he then charged an extra 5 euro for transporting my bags with me. No hard feelings at all..

The train was incredibly hot – arrived at Gare de Marseille with a connecting train in 20 minutes. The Departure board kept saying delayed – first 10 minutes, then 5 minutes, then back to 10 and on to 15 minutes. 

Finally got onto the train  - and there was announcement to say that all trains leaving on the line in the Bordeaux direction would be delayed due to a fire beside the train tracks. No further explanation or even a wish list of when the fire would be put out. I heard the word ‘merde’.

And so we sat. For. Nearly. Three. Hours. Except for the smokers who kept leaving the train for another smoke. Silver lining, the four people I was sitting with all became my new best friends.

Finally to Toulouse after 7 pm, (didn't notice anything smouldering, not even a sign of smoke beside the tracks) out to dinner with Josette and Henry, people who from the first time on the Rallye du Canal du Midi have become wonderful friends. I even feel comfortable enough to speak French with them, knowing that the communication is the thing, not the grammar or the accent.

Tomorrow the race begins so communications will be limited. Due to exhaustion (early starts and late nights and exhausted (weak) internet at the Auberge). A bientot!