They arrived at 7:30, a couple and their daughter. Brits. How the three could manange in such a small place, well, none of my business.
They is no need for any further updates on the weather. The next 14 days from the Monday past, were all sunny and hot. The further south I went, simply, the hotter it got. Zero rainfall.
Sam had pre-booked a taxi for me who arrived jsut before 9:00. The ride to "Gare de Lyon" train station cost 20 Euros. Huge, impressive building, with lots of areas to sit & relax. Train on time.
P.S. the tickets were purchased on-line from home and UPS'ed to me at no charge. This leg cost $ 79 USD, in 1st.
Ah yes, the infamous TGV (Tren de Grande Vitesse). The seats were comfy as hell, and my compartment was not full. It pulls out at modest speed, but then on the main line accelerates to approx. 320 kph. That is "hauling ass" as far as I was concerned.
I dozed off, and "voila" we were in the true gastronomic capital of France. Grabbed a cab before any queue, and 10 minutes and 10 Euros later I was at my hotel, the "La Reine Astrid". A beauty 4 star. Cost $ 189 USD per night. My room wasn't quite ready so they suggested a little lunch. I looked out at the shaded patio, but it was full. I ate inside, until a table became free. The food, as expected, delicious. Finally, my room was ready. They head honcho apolized for the delay; and then indicated they had upgraded me to a corner suite. "Magnifique".
It was a beauty, a little sparse on the Living Room furniture, but huge, and the air-con was 1st rate. I quickly unpacked and went for a stroll down past the Rhone & Saone rivers. What a stunning town - the 3rd largest in France!
One of my functions in town was to buy a large towel. On re-reading the e-mail form the upcoming Nice appt. rental it indicated in BOLD print - bring your own towels. I found a beauty and it was on sale - 23.40 E.
Dr. J.