An easy and pleasant train ride from Antwerp to Avignon. I love the European train system, it’s fast, comfortable and efficient. The views from the train included the limestone hills, the odd ruined castle, and what I can only assume was a previous monastery or similar.

The European stations are generally in the middle of the city, but the Avignon TGV station was actually 5 minutes by train shuttle away. Costing €6 for the week, as many times as you wish to use the service. I had chosen to get off here, for cheaper accommodation and a simplified train experience for coming and going.

I am booked in the Adagio Aparthotel, one with a kitchen which I hope will keep costs down. Just a short  5-10 mins walk away from the station. It seems that 10mins are the French standard times to go anywhere. At least I was able to have my cup a soup evening meal in the room. Pleased about not having to go downstairs to the boiling water machine. The joy of joys there is also breakfast included.

I was able to see a big Carrefour supermarket from my window, so enquired how to get there. Sadly finding out that supermarkets are closed on Sundays in France, very strange. I have been fascinated by the business habits of the Europeans, particularly the supermarkets with their empty shelves, strange checkouts, trolley system, and the lack of plastic bags! On arriving home I find that there are no plastic bags given out at the supermarkets.

Exhausted after yesterday’s activity was a late start, the included a continental breakfast was very nice, with the most delicious croissants. Completed by a charming lady who was happy to put up with my attempts at speaking and practicing the French language. Talking with the receptionist I ended up booking a tour with her assistance. She gave instructions as to how to meet the tour, and to look out for a black Mercedes.

Arriving at the town center as I was told, half an hour early I waited and keep a look out for the black Mercedes. 12.30 came and went, no tour black Mercedes. Nearly in tears, I walked back up the Main Street, when a black Mercedes pulled up across the road! Ah, the relief, so I walked as fast as the walking stick allowed me. Reaching the guy who had stopped to look at some shoes displayed outside.

I asked if he was the tour guide for Provence Reservations, no, he says but I used to work for them! He asked what time the tour was supposed to have been, and immediately rang them. Apparently, they were looking for me! He very kindly offered to take me to meet the guide, which he did. They had been waiting a quarter of an hour for me in a grey Mercedes!