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Grenoble
The carousel We wake to an overcast day, better than the predicted rain, but going by the low cloud covering the mountains we’re not hopeful of staying dry. We have the makings of an in-room breakfast but we need some milk. We can’t really go to reception for some so one adventurer heads off for some supplies. Hopefully it will only take a few minutes to find the nearest supermarket. We have a special appointment at 9:30 am.
In the car park the thirty-something Porsche sports cars are heading off on their tour. It’ll be peaceful tonight. The supermarket was down the road, around the corner, down another road, and after fifteen minutes destination was reached. Pastries! What a treat. She who needs to be fed will be thrilled. A short cut is found to get back to the hotel quickly. Breakfast is prepared just as the All Blacks versus the British and Irish Lions Second Test starts on Canal Sport with French commentary. What a bonus. The “Do Not Disturb” sign goes on the outside of the door and we sit back and get absorbed in the game. After two hours we both agree it is only a game and the
Grenoble
Another carousel best team won. Perhaps we have a chance to watch the next test in Burgundy. Might be better if we don’t. We feel we influenced the result by this unexpected viewing from France.
Time to leave for the short drive into the centre of Grenoble. The maid has been waiting patiently to service our room. Perhaps we should have introduced her to the finer points of NZ rugby. Probably not.
The drive into Grenoble is relatively straight forward. The road shares an avenue with the light rail system. The light rail track along the centre has a grass strip making it quite attractive with the trees lining the street. Wonder whose job it is to mow the grass. Hopefully they have a ride-on or tractor. We find a very exclusive car park building with tight security. When you get your ticket a garage door opens and in you go. The ticket is then used to exit and enter the building. No doubt we’ll pay for the privilege of such security when we leave. We are in the centre of Grenoble so we won’t need to pay for public transport. Swings and roundabouts.
We’re not sure what Grenoble
has to offer but on this cool, threatening-to-rain day we decide to take a random walking tour. All the buildings have that grand French look. About four to five storeys high and little doomer windows in the roof. The tree lined streets are wide with light rail through the middle. People are spending their time going from shop to shop looking for a bargain during the Summer sales. Everything is clean and orderly. Around the city the mountains look down at the busyness that is happening. Today it is hard to see the peaks because of the misty low cloud but on a fine sunny day it must be wonderful. We can only imagine what it must be like in winter with snow all around and world famous skiers walking the streets. We watch the passing lunchtime public from our window seat in a restaurant. As the afternoon approaches the streets get busier with families now joining the morning shoppers.
Time to return to the car knowing it has been securely parked for the past few hours. To enter the building you insert your parking ticket. For a brief moment the door won’t open. Help. The car is secure
Grenoble
One person electric cars for hire. from everyone, including us. After a few tries we remember the French word for pull. Getting the car out was easy. Pay for the little piece of real estate we have been using, insert the ticket, garage door opens, out we drive.
Tonight we’ll buy in some supermarket delights for dinner. The hotel is quiet tonight and dinner is not served, the credit card will be happy. Tomorrow we head towards our destination near the Burgundy region just north of Lyon.
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