Off to Saint Malo today. It’s really only a stopover to catch the ferry to Jersey first thing Wednesday morning. Shame really, as Saint Malo looks like it could occupy a few days seriously exploring. Next time.
First up we caught the train from Brest to Rennes, then changed for a train for Saint Malo. The first leg was First Class, most comfy carriage yet. Very pleasant. The second leg was cattle class but train was only half full and the trains in France aren’t too bad. Finding a spot for the luggage can be a challenge.
We arrived in Saint Malo at 5pm and the station is 2 kms from the accommodation. Better catch a taxi. That concession only lasted 5 minutes, as there was at least a dozen people in front of us and not a taxi in sight.
Plain sailing most of the way, but the last 500m was cobbled streets and a decent hill. There were some protests emanating from the camp. And some bad language. There was a lot more bad language when we realised the little hotel had no lift, and we were on the second floor and had to lug our cases up the narrow, winding stairs.
With a few hours of daylight left we went off for a wander. Back to the usual array of interesting buildings, narrow cobble streets and cafes aplenty. Unfortunately, some idiot put the camera on ‘effects’ again, ruining most of the pictures.
We were looking for somewhere to eat when it dawned on us that reception was closing at 8pm (or was it 7pm?) and neither of us had thought to note the code to get back in the front door. As it was about 7:50pm we beat a hasty retreat back to the hotel on the off chance it was 8pm that reception shut.
We rounded the corner to see the reception clerk legging it. Fortunately he was even older and slower than us and we managed to catch him before he got away. It would have seriously dented the travel (and sleeping) arrangements had we had to sleep on the streets. That would have generated some serious repercussions and even worse language.
We went back out for a meal, then headed home and set the alarm for 6:30am, to make sure we’re up and out in time to catch the Jersey ferry.
Stephen and Michelle
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