Saint Ferriol, France ~ 22 to 27 Dec 2010
22.12.2010 - 27.12.2010
-3 °C
What an adventure! I have to take off early in the morning, with all my bags (who knows where I go from here!!) to take a taxi to the airport...or maybe catch the Metro, but that seems like just too much PT right now. Within minutes I hail a cab for a relatively cheap ride to the airport and an early check in with another low-cost airline. I did something really stupid last night 
...very out of character!! I was given some delicious extra virgin, cold-pressed, home-grown olive oil by Steve on Quinta da Vinha, and decided to give some of it to my hosts. I wrapped it every so carefully, in lots of socks and plastic bags, safely in my hand-luggage so that I could take good care of it. WRONG!! I encountered a rather unfriendly, stern female Customs officer, who would have played the perfect role in a Nazi movie...she asked me about the bottle of water in my bag...of course, I cannot lie....so there my precious olive oil was confiscated...no doubt enjoyed by madam that evening!
My flight is great...comfortable, pleasant, quick and I arrive in a blustery Toulouse with 2 hours to spare to embark by train to Carcassonne. The French train system is really good...fast, efficient, on time, comfortable. 
Carcassonne 1st train stop
There were THE most amazing cloud formations along the way and at some point there were rays spreading out across the sky as if it were the setting sun.....but on the eastern horizon...I was fascinated and couldn't explain the phenomena. I kept looking at the sight, taking photos and recording my musings into my mobile....the passenger across the way, clearly thought I was a lunatic!! Here's a pic...alien craft hidden in the clouds??? Maybe...
After a journey of about 90 mins I arrive in Carcassonne where I have to change coaches to Esperaza. It is a freezing wait on the platform...don't want to repeat a mistake of 16 years earlier and miss the train to my next destination! Sophie, my host will meet me at the station. One hour later we depart for the 60 minute journey, in only 1 coach with about 6 passengers. Love it!
Carcassonne now this is real winter
Sophie arrives in her van, with a cheery "hello" and a big smile... off we trundle home to Saint Ferriol and the chateau they are restoring.
How lovely to see the little villages along the way...I really am in France...quite an unexpected surprise.
Posted by Gypsy Lee 04.01.2011 13:05 Archived in France
Happy New Year Lee. I got your nice message on the phone thankyou. Forgot to snoop whether it was a FRench or Portugese number. Have a wonderful year and than you for all your practical help and good company,
05.01.2011 by Sophie