Return To Uzès
After five months in the US, the Barefoot Blogger is happy to return to Uzès!
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. 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, 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, 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 women friends, and I enjoyed sharing time and giggles with Hilda, my friend from London, and Caromb, who joined me.
Stirling Castle and a statue of my ancestor, King Robert the Bruce
Hilda and me
What’s Next?
Uzès 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 Uzès 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…
Categories: Around France, Blog
Sounds fantastic! Good luck in your new ventures 🙂
It’s going to be a fun summer, that’s for sure! Hang on….lol!!
Fantastic trip and there is something romantic and special about Scotland. The rolling hills and the lakes and the open space just seem to be a’callin!!
There’s more to come about Scotland. So much to do so little time! Thanks.!!
Keep writing…love hearing about what you are getting up to. We will meet sometime in the near future, you’re not alone loving Uzes…love the Saturday market…but not in the height of the summer…to many people…but you’ll have to come over my way ie to the Bouches-du-Rhône on the edge of the Vaucluse too… 🙂🙃🙂🇫🇷
Thank you so much, Liz. Writing posts for the blog makes me feel like I’m sharing my time with good friends. I’d love to see your part of France, too. Have so much traveling to do!
Fantastic! Glad are back “chez toi” Ahmed am looking forward to following your next adventures.
So glad to hear from you! Hugs to A&L! I’ve already got so much to share and it’s just started!
Welcome home! Check out sendmybag.com – they offer door to door service!
Welcome home! Check out sendmybag.com – they pick up and deliver!
No kidding?! I was thinking that would be a great business. I’ll check it out. Thanks, Paula! Still waiting for you!
still waiting for the house to sell…getting antsy!
Me too! Time for another visit!
I’m glad you made it. I was wondering why there were no posts yet after you had indicated you were leaving the US around the beginning of June. I only recently thought that you might have taken a circuitous route.
I heard mention of French strikes in some of my French lessons. I am beginning to wonder how frequent they are.
Did you keep your same apartment while you were in the US or do you have to rent a new one? Did you take a bus or car from Nîmes to Uzès? I plan to rent a car when I visit and I wonder how complicated it is to get out of Nîmes to get to Uzès.
I hope I get to meet you in a few months.
Chris
It’s very curious about the strikes. It’s hard to tell what’s actually stopped or still running. Seems you just need to keep close attention to your own flight and train reservations. Train to Uzes was the most confusing because it was cancelled. Not even brilliant I went to the rail station could o find another train that was running. Just be patient and buy cancellation insurance for very thing! I stayed with my son and family in the US to help with arrival of a new grand baby. Friends drive my car to pick me up at the Nimes train station. There are regular buses from the train station to the center of Uzes but you need to check the schedule. If all else fails you can get a taxi for about 50 euros. Please do let me know when you’re on your way. Bon voyage!!
Hi there,
I am on the outskirts of Uzes and spend about four months a year at our house but quite often on my own. I wonder if you ever host get togethers for like minded people in the area who spend all or part of the year here? I would love to meet some more people in the area.
Kind regards Joanne Heynen
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Absolutely! Let’s get together. Send me an email at deborah@bfblogger.com