Return To Uzรจs
After five months in the US, the Barefoot Blogger is happy to return to Uzรจs!
Travel day out of the US had its challenges with a delay on the runway because of a lightning storm. That’s nothing, however, compared to the angst of passing through Paris’ Charles de Gaulle airport and train station. Fortunately, my flight was not affected by the airline strike. I’m not so lucky on the train to Nimes. It was canceled due to the rail strike. The next train was running, so I reached Nimes only an hour later than expected.
While waiting for the train, passengers in the terminal were surprised to see armed security guards approaching the seating area. We were told there was an unidentified package found on the upper level. Everyone had to leave the terminal. I quickly headed for the lift and was among the first to exit to the open-air level. After an eternity, ย passengers were allowed to enter the terminal again. All clear.
During the “exercise,” I realized I needed to be able to carry my bags without the aid of a trolley if I had to get out again. Let’s just say I’ll never travel with this much stuff, ย even if I’m gone for another extended visit. Lesson learned.
Stops along the way
Each time I have journeyed in and out of France to visit the States, I’ve stopped at a destination on my “bucket list.” Before the holidays it was a trip to London and a few days in the Cotswolds in England. On this trip, I visited Scotland and the Isle of Skye.
Solo or Tour? That is the Question
Since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of going to the Isle of Skye–the ancestral home of my maternal grandfather. When I booked my flights for the holidays, I chose to come back to France through Gatwick in London, then jump over to Glasgow to get to Skye.
The plan was to rent a car in Glasgow, then drive to Skye and the Outer Hebrides. During the long months away from Uzes, I changed my mind. France was calling me. I settled on going through Glasgow and then on a 3-day mini-bus tour of Skye. My thought was that I’d go back again if I really liked it.
The tour accomplished what I had hoped. It gave me a broad overview of Skye. However, the confines of the 16-passenger bus and a chatty guide convinced me I was not a tour person. My next trip is solo. The saving grace of it all was that Skye was beyond beautiful. It never rained! Also, I met some adorable new female friends, and I enjoyed sharing time and giggles with Hilda, my friend from London, and Caromb, who joined me.
What’s Next?
Uzรจs is becoming more and more like “home” to me. I’m more attuned to the rhyme and rhythm of the place; it’s easier to meet people and make friends, and I’m feeling more comfortable with the language. Also, five Barefoot Blogger friends have moved to Uzรจs in the last two years, and more are on the way!
That’s all to say; there promises never to be a dull moment ahead. I hope you will continue to follow me on this crazy journey and stay in touch. I love hearing from you. If you have questions about taking a leap to live abroad, I’ll gladly help if I can. If you need inspiration, perhaps something said or seen in the posts will spur you on.
Join me to see what 2016 brings! Stay tuned…
