Montpellier Gare St Roch, Dimanche 18 Septembre
I have an hour to wait for the train to Lyon Part Dieu. At least I am here in plenty of time. The TGV is “ le train (de) grand vitesse,” high speed train. I will be whisked off to Lyon in less than two hours.
Montpellier has become my second home in France. Before we left for the station, Michel and I watched the first few minutes of the France vs Canada match, “ au Coupe du Monde” in Napier, going on at this very moment. I must say I felt a twinge of excitement when France followed Canada's first goal with a try, and another goal! It looks like the fans will be well entertained. Everyone was certainly dressed for the occasion, in the French or Canadian colours. And it was raining in NZ.
This morning is the first time I have felt cool, since I arrived last weekend. When I stepped out of the station the sudden light of the South of France was dazzling and the heat! Whew, and all week it has been overwhelming. Over 30 every day, except yesterday when it was only 26.
I now have four good friends in Montpellier, Marie Andre, Clauderic, Michel et Michele, and of course the teachers Olivier and Karen too. The other students, like me, are transient. So young and so well travelled! It may or may not be my last visit. I hope I do take the opportunity to visit again, but it is not as easy for me as it was in 2008. I have survived so far though. How can I reduce my baggage even more? That is the only real problem I have. I am carrying too much baggage! The solution, I need to bring someone to carry it!
Montpellier would be my favourite city in France. Not too big, beautiful buildings, eye catching trams, lovely weather, the Mediterranean only 15 minutes away, and life is easygoing. For visitors, students and for those with a job anyway. The city has great public transport, with frequent buses linking up with trams. The third tram line is still under construction. I did catch a glimpse of one of the new trams, a trial one. It was black! Not what I would have expected, as the other two lines are orange with bright flowers, and blue with birds. But it was designed by de la Croix, fashion designer. So I suppose that is why.
Both lines pass through the Place de la Comedie or central plaza, l' Oeuf, or the egg, as it is oval shaped. Accent Francais is in the Rue de Verdun, which runs off the Place de la Comedie, very central. Beyond the Place is the old town, a maze of narrow, cobbled and mostly pedestrian streets and lanes. So picturesque, with surprises around every corner. Shady squares lined with cafe umbrellas, beautiful grand maisons and old churches, cool passageways, fountains and tiny boutiques. So much to explore and so little time. Au revoir Montptellier.
The TGV is the closest thing to flying while staying on the ground. It only stops at major towns, only at Nimes, then Lyon. On the TGV between Avignon and Paris there are no stops at all. A dedicated line takes the TGV direct to Paris, without passing through any towns, stations or platforms in between. In 2008, that trip was amazing. We are now passing vineyards and olive groves, as the TGV heads north. It is very scrubby and dry looking, after the summer. And of course all the roofs are orange and the houses cream, or pale yellow, pink or orange.
I visited Nimes in 2008 with Jean- Paul, the social director of Accent Francais. His excursions were always hectic, “tres rapide” exhausting, but so entertaining. I still have the photos of our visits to Sete, Avignon and Nimes. His imitation of a crocodile, beside the fountain in Nimes was a highlight, amongst many others. This visit, I did not even attempt to go on an outing with him. I had enough trouble keeping up with him then. I would never be able to stand the pace now. I did say bonjour, and yes, the students say his trips are still just as lively.
Now we are north of Nimes on the dedicated TGV line and we are whipping along. Farmlets, towns and villages, and a wind farm, flash past in the distance. We are heading across very flat country, towards Lyon. Somewhere to the east of here, towards the hills, are Avignon, the Pont du Gard, Provence and Orange. There is no doubt I am in France. No other country has the same look!
Francoise is meeting me in Lyon Part Dieu, with her daughter Chloe. She says she will be wearing a Servas tee shirt. I will have my blue and violet luggage and be wearing my blue denim (de Nimes), Lynsey Champion hat, from Coromandel. No doubt further adventures await in Villefranche-sur-Saone, half an hour north of Lyon, where I will be hosted by Francoise this week. My motto for Servas is, “there are no strangers, only friends we haven't met yet.” C' est la vie Francais.
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