NIMES

Nimes, Southern France
Day 55 ANZAC DAY 25th April 2007

Cesar Hotel, Nimes

The train left at 8.10am from laTour de Carol so off we headed, fresh beautiful french morning, stomachs filled with french sticks, fresh orange juice and espresso.

The train was absolutely quaint! A old electric 'steam' train that was going on the scenic route to Villa de Franche. Fast flowing rivers, ruins, greenery, pastures, blossoms...so french!

Changed trains to Perpignan. We stopped us 20km out of town due to security threat. We were rounded up, and ushered to a connecting bus to the Perpignan Station. Security guards and military met us at the station...we got tickets straight out, no question of staying. And we didn't ask any questions.

Organised a ticket to Montpellier via Nice. BUT! We overran Montpellier!!!! Somehow we thought we'd be smart and catch it directly to Nimes as we saw it was on the way....BUT.....

When the conducter came around....we found out the train was an express train. Direct to PARIS. 600km's away.

What to do?

WHAT could we do?

Stay on the train.

We'd resolved we were going to PARIS...yay. And we got excited. Non tourist season. We could see the Eifel Tower without the July crowds......it might be good. We're on Eurail, we can go on any train for 24 hours so why not go...and come back the next day...yeah WHY NOT!!!!!! I was going to see the Eifel Tower............was about to message Elise to tell her we were going......yeahhhhhhhh.........my dream, to stand on top of the Eifel Tower with Elise....(on her 15th birthday..and now she's 20! hehe)

And now....i'm going to do it with Greg!!! Yes! LOOK OUT!

THEN........the train stoppped at Nimes! I ran out...looked. Why was it stopping?

Comotion.

The conductor was running down the train isle. Lady on mobile phone at the door opening, me there looking out to see whether we could get out..just in case it was for us...but nah..surely not...

"GET OFF" the conductor yelled at us!

We scooped up our luggage.....and out we went...the lady on the mobile phone flowing out as well, distracted..by her talking on the phone..."No no!" the couducter admonished her.

We were off the train!

IN NIMES!

We held up an express train to Paris!

Nimes: Spent the day at Place Des Arenas....

Sorry , will have to write more when im not on an upside down, inside out Euro keyboqrd;;;thqtùs not asdf§§!!!!!!