Arrival Day

The plane wobbles and tips as we make our descent into Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, France.

Despite the “violent” winds, our experienced pilots land it perfectly. We grab our bags, and after only a short wait, make it through customs and to our waiting city train. The RER train takes us into downtown Paris where we hook up with our high speed train. The TGV train is comfortable and clean and rides smoothly at 185 mph. While we watch the countryside flying by, we have our first of many baguette sandwiches to come. And a small chocolate bar of the best chocolate in the world…

Today, our high speed train is affected by the weather. The gusty winds have pushed a tree down onto the electric wires which feed the train. We crawl along at a snail’s pace for an hour. In the restaurant car where we order coffee, the barristas are joking about the delay and make everyone laugh. And with my knitting and books as well as free wifi, there’s plenty to do during the delay. Soon, we resume our high speed travel, and finally arrive at our destination. We pick up our car and make the final drive to the now familiar cottage.

Through the trees, we see a light on in the office. Claude, our landlord, is waiting for us despite our late arrival. After the traditional greeting kisses and handshakes, he shows us to our cottage. Everything is as it should be. Now in our 16th year at this familiar place, we feel as though we have arrived home.