19 October 2015 - Three countries in a day: We journeyed from Belgium via Luxembourg to France

We left early in the misty fog from our lovely house in Izel.  It is a strange feeling to have all our possessions for a year with us and all packed into the car.  We are returning the car today, so even stranger is the fact that we’ll have all our possessions on a bus and officially be without a bed tonight.  A sobering thought….but there are many who experience this feeling every day.

All our possessions for a year!

Bye bye quiet little Izel

The misty fog turned to rain as we hit the peak hour traffic into Luxembourg and the traffic crept along.  The temperature outside didn’t budge from 6 C until we were heading south in France.  Then the sun came out.  I felt like I was a real armchair traveller as the changing scenery whizzed by on our 8 ½ hour drive.  The autumn colours were stunning.

Up and over the mountain we went with a few leg stretch stops.  We seemed to cross the Moselle River at least 4 times and other rivers as well.  By the look of the houses, they are built for snow which will fall here in the next couple of months.  We often reflect on the slightly random planning of this journey and how we have really been very fortunate with the seasons and conditions.  We are not experienced drivers in snow and icy conditions so we are glad of good weather still.

Ah! sunny once we got past Luxembourg and into France

Picnic spot!

The prettiest part of the journey was probably through the grape growing area near Coligny.  The rows of vines patchworked on the hillsides were all red and gold and waiting to drop their leaves.

Near Coligny

Grape vines as far as the eye can see.

Main road ! Close to Bourg en Bresse

The other really lovely part was the road was lined with silvery poplars in the dusk near Bourg en Bresse not too far from Lyon.

Bourg en Bresse

Preparing to move all of our gear onto the station

With the help (and electronic patience) of our trusty Tom Tom we negotiated the one way system and erratic French drivers as we entered Lyon.  Karl dropped us at Gare de Lyon Perrache with our swathe of bags and food and cardboard we had lined our car with (to keep it clean) and other rubbish.  Thankfully it was not raining but it was cold so we could wear as much of our cold weather gear as possible (easy carry that way!).  We disposed of the rubbish and with just two trips to the waiting room we found some seats and settled for “dinner”.

Ensconced, and waiting for the bus

Upstairs there was a free public piano, in good tune, which was being played by a young man who was loving playing and we loved the music.  He had his scooter, a small bag and several plastic bags dangling from his scooter next to him.  I do hope someone with such fine musical skills isn’t destined for a night on the streets in this cold.  The music helped us not to feel alone as the number of people waiting at the station dwindled.  Behind, a clearly disturbed man laughed and chatted to himself walking about agitated, from time to time.

Luke, inspired by Mary Poppins

Karl finally returned to the station about 10.30 PM and we were REALLY glad to see him.   Although he didn't have his electronic map with him, you just never know in a foreign city.  Lyon is huge and busy and he'd had to drop the car off at the airport and negotiate his way back.  The international  buses don't seem to leave from the main stations as there is no spare space there.  The bus stops are near public transport but not necessarily central.  More people arrived closer to our 11.30 PM departure time.

That's where the bus goes!

The public toilets at the station closed at 9 PM but at least there was a toilet on the bus, somewhat stinky might I add.  The "Ouibus" was full bar one seat travelling to Milan. There was one WET seat spare which had been allocated to me!  I was obviously not going to sit on that all night and fortunately found the only other seat.  Despite the announcement to not use mobile phones, there were people talking in foreign languages which I didn't understand at odd times during the night.  The seats were reasonably comfortable and the bus temperature was fine for travelling and not too hot.  Luke slept but the rest of us didn't.  At our one stop somewhere in the middle of somewhere the public toilets were seriously flooded and water was pouring everywhere.

We seemed to zip through long, long tunnels under the mountains which were brightly lit for some of the night and many toll booths.  Not conducive for rest.  Those lights flashing by penetrate through everything!  I was thinking the a hooded jacket on back to front with the hood over my eyes would have been a good solution but I pulled my beanie down as low as I could and thought happy thoughts of my next chance to lie horizontally! It would have been most challenging to drive all the way there with our car.  It was the last night bus we'll take on this trip for which we are all grateful.