We closed the shutters and locked the door to our little house, both feeling very dejected. This holiday had been wonderful for many reasons, even taking into consideration both of us being unwell. We both feel very connected to Montmorillon and our house there now definitely feels like our home. Thankfully, it’s only a few months until we’re back again.

Our flight from Paris was due to depart at 9pm, so we left Montmorillon the day before, to allow us to have almost a full day in Paris before we left. As luck would have it and, hand on heart, totally unbeknownst to me, that day was also the first day of the Winter sales (les soldes). Brilliant! I’d already factored in a side trip to my mecca of shopping ‘Galeries Lafayette’, so now felt entirely justified. With reductions of up to 80%, it would have been fiscal idiocy not to go, surely, so with my favorite brand of shoes in my mind, off I went. Not generally known for his patience, my lovely husband sat himself down on a comfy chair to wait, but fortunately for both of us, he didn’t need to wait too long. Comfortable, gorgeous, different and discounted…I found the perfect pair! Tax sorted, we headed out into fresh, but freezing, Paris, in search of a late breakfast and coffee, which surprisingly, we found ‘en face’. Café Ricaux was a tiny, original bar dating from goodness knows when. Madame was very friendly, the food and coffee were great and the atmosphere was other worldly. It was like the door closed and the busy world outside stopped. It will be our ‘go to’ place now…

Normally, we walk for hours around Paris, it’s that sort of place, but with our imminent flight departure in mind, we decided this time to buy a Mobilis ticket, which allows unlimited travel for 24 hours, on trains, metro and buses. It was a great decision. We still walked a lot, but we saved time on getting to each destination. The trains and specifically, the metro system, are fabulous here, on time and fast, it made our condensed day much more relaxed. We had time to see and do what we wanted, plus return to our hotel for a shower and final packing, before heading to CDG. We’ll do the same thing, next time

Our previous experiences at Charles de Gaulle, have resulted in us now ensuring that we arrive at least an hour earlier than required. Never again, will we be caught out by immigration strikes (refer previous blog entry) or Paris peak hour traffic delays. This holiday was no different, we allowed ample time, however given there was no queue at the tax refund machine, check-in counter or immigration, it had us both wondering whether we were in fact at the correct airport at all. We breezed through. And, to top it off, I achieved a personal best with my luggage weighing only 14.5 kgs. Not bad at all, when you consider we’d packed winter clothes!!

Our flight home was surprisingly comfortable, given the distance involved. It’s hard to feel too enthusiastic, when contemplating 22 hours flight time. If only I could just click my fingers and find myself at home. Mais non, malheureusement. No hotel stopover this time either, we only had 4 hours in Seoul, then onto the final leg home. Incheon is a huge airport, with 270 gates, so there is no problem attaining 10,000 steps here. We walked the length and breadth, for 4 hours, so I’d swear we made it to at least 20,000 steps, if not more!  So we’re tired, but definitely fitter. There is always entertainment to be found there, plus cafes and shops galore, so our few hours here passed very quickly.

While we didn’t want to leave France, pas du tout, once we’re in transit, we’re ready to be home, so onward we go, homeward bound. There will be the dreaded jet lag to contend with for a week or two, I have no doubt, but right now I just need a hot shower and my bed…

Once we’re settled in at home, my new life starts. It’s exciting, but also a bit strange. Who am I, now that I’m no longer working? I’ll let you know…

À la prochaine..