28 May-Perpignan to Avignon

   Our train departed at 8:40am so René said we should allow 20 minutes, plus 20 minutes extra so we did leave their home just before 8am.  We were there in plenty of time and they came in with us and got us on the correct train and off we went.  This was bittersweet for me as of course I do not know if I will see them again or not, but Lord willing we will.  We had a wonderful time, we are so thankful to our cousins for welcoming us into their home. 

   Our first stop was Narbonne where we had a two hour lay over to catch the next train to Avignon.  During our wait we had a nice cappuccino and baguette with cheese.  We had a banana that Odette gave us to take on the train already.  The time passed fast as we watched people and trains come and go.  There was one sleeper train that came from Germany with many people dressed in motorcycle outfits.  In addition, at the end of their train they had approximately 200 motorcycles and 50 classic cars.  Of course we have no idea what they were really doing but we could speculate that it was some sort of rally or something.  John walked up and down the platforms looking at all the different vehicles.

   Our train was a couple minutes late but it was not a problem and we boarded and rode to our Avignon  destination uneventfully.  I dozed most of the way other than waking at each stop.  John read the Rick Steves Provence book.  It was a very short walk, maybe 10 minutes, to the Hotel Boquiers and we were cheerfully greeted by Madame Sendra.   I say "Madame" but she is young, 35-40, and energetic.  We have a spacious, lovely room, the "Lavender" room, and we feel very welcome here. It is nice since I feel rather sad to leave the cousins and a bit homesick too.  We rested the rest of the afternoon, posted the blog, and replied to emails.  About 6pm we headed out for a walk.  We wanted to go to the TI (tourist information) office and get a couple of things but they were closed.  We will venture there first thing in the morning to get the free "Passion pass" which gives discounts into various locations  after the first time you use it.  There was a similar "passport" in the Perpignan area but we did not take advantage of this in time to benefit from it.  From there we walked around for about an hour and then went to Le Caveau Du Theatre, the restaurant we had decided on for dinner.  We planned to eat outside but before we ordered we decided to move inside because of the wind.  It was a delightful three course meal; John had an avocado and ham starter, mine was artichoke and various pates.  Our plat was pork for John and duck for me, both served with potatoes.  Dessert was glace (ice cream), three kinds with a cookie and some pieces of fruit.  We had Cote de Rhone red wine with dinner and an aperitif also made locally with our dessert.  We are stuffed!  So we walked back and now we are ready for bed.         

   About the rail pass:  I find it strange that we have been on a train with three different legs of a journey and only the first time we were even asked for our ticket.  That time they only glanced at our ticket and did not fill in or punch the rail pass.  I guess this should not be of concern but I hope no one will look at it and think we tried to sneak though without using the ticket or something.  Of course I have read that there are stiff penalties for getting on a train without the proper documents.  Interesting, and I will ask Rick Steves office about this process later, after we are home.