My lord - travel days suck, don't they?
If it weren't for the fact that you're heading someplace fabulous one would likely not make it through. Generally I'm just traveling with friends and family - I feel a bit of responsibility this time out since we have 15 teachers and their family/friends in our group.
That is likely why Charles de Gaulle was such a challenge yesterday. It's bad enough that I was exhausted after a long flight from Toronto with two chatty seat companions next to me (in fairness to them I was chatty with them to start - I blame cold medication for breaking my 'ignore those you're sitting with on a plane' rule) and the effects of this cold but to then heard 21 women and children through de Gaulle was hard work. There is no other word for it.
When we got to Montpellier we collectively looked rather bedraggled. I could use other words to describe us but it wouldn't be fair. Having be on the road for 15 hours and awake for the better part of 37 we were a titch rough around the edges.
We were to meet our guide, Annie, outside the luggage collection area. Of course she was no where to be found. I went outside the airport and found a large bus - 'surely that was ours?' . . . Annie was inside. She rushed out, gathered everyone up, and got our luggage and people loaded on the bus.
A shot while later we arrived at our hotel - the Mercure Montpellier Antigone. The hotel isn't one I would normally select for myself . . . it's a bit too modern and away from the historical centre for my tastes but it's very nice. They have a large. well-equipped conference room for the course sessions, the dinning room is great, and I'm loving the free wifi.
Christine asked the group working on their course to join her at 4:00 to start their lessons. I was a bit worried about how that would work but everyone showed up on time looking refreshed after their shower.
Class flew by and soon there was free time prior to our first group dinner. I had a choice - nap of wander. Those who know me know what won out.
Yes, I wandered, with my trusty camera in hand.
Montpellier, in spite of being the fasted growing city in France, really is special. My sense is that very few people outside France understand just what a fantastic city this is - certainly there were few tourists about yesterday. When I got to the historical centre yesterday I discovered broad boulevards lined with shady plane trees, a huge car-free central square laid out in the 1700s surrounded by elegant balustraded buildings, and even a vast triumphal arch.
To some extent it reminds me of Torino in Italy . . . without the Alps in the distance, the Savoy palaces, and all of those wonderful porticoes. In the historical centre I found elegant buildings with delicate metalwork on the balconies. . . . trees and flowers everywhere . . . fountains . . .
I'm reminded yet again that we just don't understand the concept of public spaces in North America. Sure, one sees glimmers of hope but they are more often than not an after thought rather than a valued part of the planning. I'm looking forward to hanging out in the main square and just watching the people enjoy the human interaction that happens in a well-laid out space.
At one point on my walk I heard some beautiful music. When I got closer I found this guy playing the harp . . .
I LOVE street musicians in Europe. The harp itself was a work of art. The music itself was brilliant. But the best part was the reaction of the crowd. . . young children danced about and you could see the adults relax when they got in range of the music as they rushed to and fro as adults often do on their mission.
I was a bit worried about finding the hotel again - setting out as I often do when I am first in a new city knowing where I wanted to go but having NO clue as to where I started from and where I needed to return! Happily I made it back to the right spot in time for a glass of the crisp rose wine the region is famous for before meeting the group dinner.
I can't believe that I took no photos of dinner!
It was a great meal in the hotel restaurant. We started with a salad of tomatoes, cured ham, and shaved cheese. The main course was roasted salmon on a bed of vegetables and rice. For dessert fresh raspberries on a cloud of lemon custard.
People were flagging by 9:00 so it was off to bed . . .
Looks like it has been a good start so far Jerry. Enjoy!!!
Posted by: bellini | July 03, 2012 at 09:52 AM
Wow, you did a great job hanging in there on your first day. I'm looking forward to reading about your adventures. Thanks for taking the time to blog, it must be difficult with your responsibilities on this trip.
Posted by: Susie L | July 04, 2012 at 10:49 AM
bellini - I hope every trip gets off to as good a start as this one . . . although I'd appreciate not having to work on it.
Thanks Susie - blogging was a challenge for sure on this trip.
Posted by: JDeQ | July 29, 2012 at 02:37 PM