The overnight WestJet flight from YYC to CDG was on time and comfortable. The touring party is not blessed with my good fortune to be able to sleep on a plane, so while I was blissfully slumbering almost from wheels up to touch down, the others - not so much. Arrival in Paris saw us make the long trek to French customs and through that to baggage claim and another long walk to the Gare Aeroport to await our SNCF TGV train to Lyon. We were startled to learn that Alex had brought her vacuum in the large suitcase she was dragging - oh wait, that would be a hair dryer (Dyson). The information was sparse as to what gate and platform, but we muddled through and managed to get to where we needed to be without stress. The train was full and appeared well used, but fortunately our seats were close to Le Bar. Gare Part Dieu was also busy, but thanks to our VRBO hostess (Florence (Flo)), we were met by our driver Wajdi and he escorted us to his spacious van with only a minor mis-step in a cramped elevator. Through heavy traffic and across the Rhone and Saone to Quai Jean-Jacques Russeau, we arrived at the Barge to be met by our hosts Flo and Giles.
The house boat is the primary residence of these empty nesters (their youngest is studying abroad in Montreal), but they have recently been renting the entire barge to tourists (previously only the “cabin”). With all of the antique photography equipment throughout the house boat, it was obvious that Giles is a professional photographer. They were gracious and forthcoming and fortunately fluent en Anglais. The barge is spacious and boasts fully appointed living spaces with three separate bedrooms and ensuite baths (as advertised), very comfortable so some tourists settled in for a nap. Inevitably, all were Fatigue, Afame et Soif as the clock ticked into the evening. With nothing left in the tank, we opted for pizza delivery and the bottle of Chardonnay thoughtfully left by Flo and Giles. We’ll regroup dans le matin and get our bearings.
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