Rennes to Paris to Miami

Next morning we putted back through the final 2 locks and because we were quite early, decided to take the boat a little further north towards Rennes.

We had changed our plans to return to Paris by plane even though we had plane tickets. We realized in fact that it would be quicker and easier by train. The trains are great. They are really comfortable with no graffiti.

The station in Messac was a 30 minute walk (dragging luggage) in a U shape.

We did it the evening before, just to check that we would make the train in good time and to buy the tickets. On the way we found a low fence on a raised grassed area, half way down the U shaped road, with a sort of “walkway” over the tracks to the central platform. Perfect short cut.

Next morning we left the boat bright and early to walk, dragging the luggage, to the station. We got to the low fence, which was about a km up the road. I climbed up the raised area and got over the fence – not elegantly mind you– and Darren passed up the luggage and I hauled it over. Memories of travel in my twenties.

A simple walk across the tracks and onto the platform to wait for the train – Messac to Rennes.

The travel time from Rennes to Paris was very quick, as it was a very fast train and it only stopped twice.

Fortunately our hotel was at the Charles de Gaulle Airport. No taxi or shuttle required – great.

Its interesting that this was an Ibis Hotel – cheap and had everything included even WIFI, where at the very expensive hotel we were in, in Cairo the WIFI costs were an extra. Ridiculous!!

We dropped our bags, did a quick mail check then got the RER into Paris to catch up with people we had met previously. We had dinner at a great little restaurant in St Catherines Square.

Unfortunately Darren developed a killer headache so we returned to the hotel.

After our great nights sleep we got the transit train to Terminal 2- CDG, for our flight to Miami. This international airport is really efficient as is Madrid's. Easy to get around and lots of trolleys.

We went through security at departures then again at the American Airlines check in – very comprehensive. Off to the lounge for breakky and some news catchup.

On the flight I watched 4 movies but didn’t get to catch the end of the last one. I will have to try and get it on another flight. Darren slept most of the way.

When we left the plane in Miami the hot wind hit us. I had a fleece on because I find planes to be cold, so I nearly melted. We were able to pass through US Customs quickly, grabbed a cab and went to the Hotel.