I woke up early in Marseille to pack, and walk a half a mile with a broken luggage to catch the buss. If you’re ever going to France and plan on taking trains and busses, bring a backpack and ditch the wheels. A first timer always learns!
Mistakes are not necessarily a bad thing; look at them as lessons. Today was rough, but that’s life. The day was full of lessons learned, and adventures, that’s for sure.
I usually plan things in advance, but sometimes you can’t in life. This trip has definitely been a curveball at the way I normally do things.
Growing up in Iowa, I’ve never had to use the trains, metros, or buses. And when I did, it was easy because it was all in English. Now that I’m in France, I’ve been relying on buses, metros, and trains to get here and there. This is very new to me and I’m finally getting the hang of it. But, you don’t become an expert in six days.
It also doesn’t help that the wheels on my luggage are broke. It’s an extra pull and 50 lbs of weight to lug around. I left the hostel this morning around 9am, three hours before my plane took off, and I thought I was making great time.
First, I walked to the bus stop and got on. It went smoothly. I got off and walked down to the metro. It went smoothly. I got off the metro, got off at the train station, and went to the bus stop.
I was looking for the bus that said “Aeroport Marseille Provence”, well three of them said it. I got on one, asked the driver if I was on the right bus, he said “yes.” I punched my 6€ ticket and took a seat. The lady next to me must have saw my directions written out and informed me that I was not on the right bus. I got off, and then went inside to ask someone which one I needed to be one. Finally I got on the right bus, bought another 6€ and took a seat. The bus driver didn’t leave for another 25 minutes. At this point, I had 40 minutes until check in closed.
I got there ten minutes before check in. Ugh oh. Apparently I had no idea that they call terminals “HALL” at the airports. I was talking to a man who directed me in the right direction. I threw my 50 lb luggage on my back and jogged about a half mile to the correct hall.
I typed in my flight number and the words “FLIGHT CHECK IN CLOSED” flashed on my screen. Ugh…I went up to the desk and told the guy my situation. He hurried up and checked me in. He then told me not to worry and that my flight had been delayed an hour. I had delayed flights, but in this case, it was a gift.
I downloaded the movie “Neighbors” to watch on the plane on the way to Rennes.
After getting off the plane and grabbing my luggage, I left the Rennes Airport. Apparently google maps arent clear on the metro and bus systems, so I had to wing it. I thought I would just get on the metro from the airport, but nope. There a wasn’t metro at the airport.
My broken luggage and I walked to the bus stop about a half a mile down the road. I tried to read the signs looking for Metros. I finally found one in the center. I had to hop on the bus first. I took the bus twenty minutes to Replique, hopped on the metro, got off on my stop and then entered the city.
Finding street signs is really hard here. So I sketched out the streets on my piece of paper off of google. I just kept asking people if I was going the right way and they were all very friendly and helpful.
I finally arrived at the hostel at 5pm. I’m physically and mentally exhausted. I’m pretty sure my muscles are getting huge. Tonight, I am going to relax, get some sleep and explore Rennes in the morning.
I’ve learned that not everything in life runs smoothly, take deep breaths when you can’t do anything about the situation, and be blessed that you’re where you’re at. This trip has definitely been a culture shock, but it’s helping me learn more and more. Next time I’m in Europe, I’ll be more prepared and know what to expect
The hostel was in a beautiful location, overlooking the canal.
The boats were picturesque, almost like a painting.
After putting my things away, I grabbed a jacket and took a walk into the town. I wanted to get a good walk in before dark.
The streets were filled with all types of restaurants and little shops. The cobblestone roads made the city look like a fairytale. It’s a photographer’s dream.
If I had to choose a shopping city in France, it would be Rennes. The shops went on fore miles and miles. It was fun to get lost there.
There were a lot of University students around. One of the girls I met at the hostel was traveling from Norway to visit her friend.
I walked over 12 miles in the first day shopping around and taking photos.
These were the famous buildings you see in every Google search for Rennes! It made you feel a bit dizzy!
I loved all the color!
I stopped at the Bar Librairie for an afternoon espresso. There is no such thing as coffee and milk after breakfast!
This place was full of books and old men smoking pipes. The man running the shop had a huge mustache that curled. I didn’t want to be rude and take his photo.
I bought some new shoes and socks 🙂 My other walking shoes were ruined when I was walking in the rain in Lyon. I had to toss them out.
I lost my hair brush…
Rennes was very quit during the afternoon.
And I went during the perfect time of year, Fall.
I stopped for a late lunch at a little cafe. I ordered a chicken baguette and a latte.
After reaching my 14th mile, I called it a night and went back to the hostel. I hung around in the kitchen editing photos while I watched a lady, that reminded me of Julia Childs cook. She was so nice and bubbly.
I went out later to pick up a late dinner. I grabbed a slice of pizza and a baguette. I took serval bites of the baguette and then saved it for lunch for the next day.
For dinner the next day, I walked over to an American Diner a couple of blocks away from the hostel with a group of backpackers.
I ordered a salmon caesar salad and a side of French fries. The salmon was much different than how it’s served on salads in the U.S. but it was still yummy.
The fries were outstanding!
Ashton Jury says
Love all of your pictures, totally makes me miss France! I hope you post more!
Valerie says
France looks amazing, thanks for showing us your trip.
Judith says
Thankyou for sharing your photographs of Rennes. They reminded me of a very special time for me in France.
Wishing you more happy travels.