Paris - Angers

Paris - Angers

Well, the big adventure really began today. no more safety of a cosy hotel and mainstream tourist stuff.... today I went on the TRAIN.....!!! It was the TGV to Nantes via Angers (pronounced On-jay)

My taxi took me to Montparnasse station and then I was on my own... First things that happened was the strap broke on my back pack....Lucky it also has wheels. Then you walk into somewhere like that and all of a sudden you just take a big gulp and think "where do I go".... helpppppp!!!

But a bit of cunning and a lot of luck and I eventually found my way on to the station correctly!

The next challenge was to get my suitcase on to the train, because it's a little ... ahem .... heavy! But my hero walked past and helped me lift it on to the train, then actually lifted it in to the luggage compartment for me. I found the French to be lovely people and always ready to help.

Then the fun stuff began. There was a young couple with a very loud child (He was about 2-3 years old) and the other people in the carriage were starting to become a bit agitated because he just continually yelled!!! So much for a peaceful little trip into the country. Anyway, a few of then got stuck into this couple and it was all happening - in French. I couldn't understand a word of it, but trust me, I got the gist of it!!  Anyway they ended up moving after a while - but then they came back later. Have to admit I was happy to get off the train at Angers ( the journey took 1 and 1/2 hours - very fast train)

My train at Angers Station

Took a cab to the Bon Pasteur Hostellerie (Good Shepherd Guest House) where I received a very warm welcome from the Sisters. There is a system in place where you can purchase meals here too, which is very convenient, and they have wine with every meal!!! I was beginning to like this place more and more!  And they have free wifi!!!

A new Sister from India had just joined the community and they had already arranged for her to take a tour around town on "Le Petite Train" - so I joined in the fun! It was a wonderful way to see some of the sights of the town and get a feel for it. Have to admit I was surprised by the size of the town. Not sure what I was expecting, but it was quite large. It is a University town and is also in the heart of the Loire Valley - which is a real tourist attraction over here. There are 2 rivers that run through the town - the Loire and the Maine. The Good Shepherd place is on the River Maine and apparently it is prone to flooding.

 

Le petite train

Will only put up a few pics as I hope to go into town tomorrow and explore more. One of the things Angers is famous for is the castle, where there is a very large tapestry. First on my list tomorrow!

Angers Castle

 Not sure which River?? Will find out tomorrow

Castle and Cathedral in background

Don't want to make this too long...

Another thing I did today was to take a tour of the Good Shepherd place with a young archivist, Sara, who spent 4 years in Canberra - so she could speak Australian!!! It was magnificent, but I might make a new post out of it, because there's so much to say...

Will just add a couple of photos to wet your appetite...

And one last thing... the Sisters invited me to join them for Mass and Office, and then dinner! It brought back a few memories I have to admit, although their Office was nearly all sung - and in French!!! Mass was obviously also said in French, so it was an interesting experience - couldn't understand what was said, but luckily my God speaks English too, so I just muttered all my prayers anyway! No candles today, but lots of other prayers made up for it!!!

Very full day. So much for having a holiday... but I wouldn't swap it either!!!