Bonjour! We made it to the first tournament city of St. Gaudens. Which is on the south west corner of France, very near the Spain border. Two days of travel, did us in. On Monday, we flew eight hours to Paris. Schlepped our way up and down stairs, miles of walking, a few trains until we arrived at our hotel. Which of course didn't have our reservation, they cancelled it. But then reinstated it upon our arrival.
Not nearly enough winks and snores and we were up and out by seven. A very good thing we left super early to get our 9:42 a.m. long distance train. For the we boarded the local train, and went one stop before realizing we were going the wrong direction. So, off the train....up stairs....down stairs....back on the train. Off at the connection station, down the stairs to buy tickets. At this point we think we have a little over an hour to board. HHHmmmm Nooooo....the schedule had been changed and as I'm buying tickets am told we have 5 minutes to get on board. Now... all of you that have seen me, know that I'm defienetely not built for speed. Add two suitcases and a purse to the mix....oooo my! Four minutes later and a mad dash and we were aboard. WEW....made it!
Four hours through the French countryside got us to our next transfer station. Because all announcements are in French ONLY....we didn't know we were late, nor our transfer train would be park on right. Soooo of course we chose to exit left, read the marquee for next train's dock....went down the stairs, up the stairs right as the train was pulling away. After a total language impaired convo at the ticket booth, I was able to convince them to give us free tickets for the next train. Verses paying $50 for a change in ticket.
Thank goodness only a 45 minutes wait and we were on our way again. This time evaluating every ounce of weight in our bags. Continuing these talks all day and evening. What can we get rid of, what can we do without. Along with talks of food. For neither of us really were getting hungry, in spite of the many hours since our last meal. But we knew that we needed to pick up munchies cuz at some point the hunger would kick in.
Prior to leaving Paris, we emailed the tourney director our arrival time of 8:30 p.m. so that a ride would be waiting. However, all the changes with the train schedules led to us arriving at shortly after six. Which of course we were excited about....well that didn't last long. We tried to use Nat's phone to call the tourney director at four different phone numbers...no avail. Couldn't email him....no WiFi. Couldn't walk cuz we didn't know where we were going. So we sat at the station. Like two caged animals, with the ticks soooo slow! And of course..... now we were hungry....no food....no taxis. Vending machine to the rescue.....Snickers.....dinner of Champions.....right??? Tasted like a steak dinner to us!
Arriving right on time....much to our dismay....of course we hoped for early....but were thankful indeed. We finally met Michel, our tourney director. Greeted with the customary kiss on both cheeks, then on our way. Dropped off a short few minutes later at our hotel. Checked in, dinner at hotel...finally!
Today, we woke up at 10:30. I showered while Natalie made a trip to the super market. Thinking maybe a bagel, muffin or something for a quick breakfast. She returned with 2 bottles of water, a box of Special K Biscuit Moments, banana and a loaf of what she thought might be banana bread. And the story how the cashier was yelling at her as if turning up the volume would get Nat to understand French. But the lady behind Nat helped with the language barrier. As for the banana bread.....wish I had video taped her first bite of fruit cake and subsequent spitting out. Priceless!
With the banana and a biscuit moment eaten....and....the fruit cake in the trash we walked our way up the street. A fresh fruit, food, goods market was going on. Surely we could find something to eat there. Talk about a freak show.....that is just what WE were. Every person we pasted, stopped what they were doing and stared us up and down. Most noticed item....Natalie's blue eyes. Second....my green eyes. We made our way around and stumbled onto a local bakery where we bought ham sandwiches and croissants. All of which were very good.
Another Michel ride and more kisses and we arrived at the club. Tucked away this club has a centre court with 3 side courts. A semi indoor building with three courts. Very nice complex. As luck would have it another player was there and asked Nat to practice. She worked out and then hit balls. We decided to walk back to the hotel. Upon the way, we stopped everyone in their tracks again. Almost un nerving....but harmless curiosity. A quick stop at another bakery for pizza. Some "bonjours" along the way and back home we were.
Nat showered, I hand washed clothes then off to find lunch. Well that was a bust. At four o'clock, every store, restaurant, business......all closed. Now, their window signs say they are closed for lunch and will open.....however.....none have reopened. So, here we sit....eating mustard pretzels and drinking water again. Our hotel restaurant opens at seven....more waiting....but it will be worth it for their food is very good.
There I think I've caught you all up on the happenings thus far! Love and Blessings....Sherry!
