We consulted the bus time tables and found that the next bus into versoul was at 14.07. We spent the morning over breakfast and drinking coffee. We were heading into versoul to top up the Internet for the iPad as orange shops are few and far between in this remote part of France. We also needed to top up my French phone and we could check out the car hire situation. We were ready early and went for a stroll. Spotted Avalon on the town quay, and then saw nick and Fiona leaving the marina bar where they had apparently enjoyed a fabulous lunch.
We suddenly had to get a shift on to make the bus. Goodbyes and we were at the stop by 2pm. It arrived on the button at 2.07. €5.40 for two singles to versoul. The bus was actually a coach and we enjoyed the 12km run.
Versoul gare was our drop off point and it was only 100m from the main street. First stop was the poste for telephone top up. I had intended changing the phone as it seemed to be costing me a fortune still but I had received an offer of double top up for price of one. It went relatively smoothly by French standards and I was pleased to have the phone back in action. Although the credit still only shows the top up of 20€ but I am assured the extra 20worth is credited automatically when it runs out. Jury is well and truly out on that one!
It was time for the monthly battle of the orange shop. We waited 6 or 7 minutes at the check in. As usual in France the orange shop was heaving yet there appeared to be loads of staff. They are a bit like don't,ours surgery's, you check in, tell the receptionist your life story before being told to sit down and wait for the call.
Our call finally came and the girl as per had problems finding our deal on the system. Off she went with me exasperating "tout les bloody fois"
Now I asked her to accredit the iPad with our purchased ticket on the basis that it is impossible to do unless you speak fluent French as online never works and the telephone method is automated selection system which happens very fast.
She tried on line. No chance. She disappeared.
10 minutes later, she returns with our sym card out. " what now?" I whined to Collette.
Our lovely assistant now telephoned to accredit us. Another ten minutes and she had done it. Beaming smiles and "ca c'est bien, pas de problem"
Not much I thought, you bloody work here and it took 20minutes to get sorted, what chance does a short chubby Brit who speaks petit Peu Francais got?
Gracias to confuse her and off we went. The agonising process of the I-pad top up achieved and over for another month, cause for a drink!
We strolled around the old quarter and arrived at an ideal crowded bar where I spied a chap drinking leffe. Bursting, I asked Collette to order and scarpered out back. I returned to a nervous laughing crew who confirmed that the order was in but she was unsure about how it had gone.
My cherry leffe arrived shortly afterward. It was horrible. The crew felt that guilty, she even tried to drink it for me. I ordered a proper one.
We headed back to the gare and enquired about car hire at the Avis sign. This is not an agency sir, we can only sell you a hire deal if you have a train ticket, the agency is a 3kms up the road. " we'll bugger me backwards" I replied with a knowing smile.
There are weirdly two buses each hour back to port sur soane. Problem is they leave bizarrely at 30 and 35 past the hour. It was 4.50. We should make it.
We got to the Avis centre and were even more flummoxed by French method. Ok I ask on a wing and prayer, can we leave the car at port sur soane. Staggered to learn that they will drop the car to me at the marina and pick it up from there. Brilliant but at what cost?
Now here is a very French thing, she writes down 99€ pick up and drop off at this agency. Then 78€ for port sur soane marina. You silly girl, it is the other way round surely.
A very definitive "Non" came the reply. I signed up and will keep fingers crossed that my car is delivered to the boat 9 am Thursday morning.
I just love France!
What's the time honey?
5.23 we can make it!
We missed the second bus by 2minutes and were convinced it must have left early. We retired for beers and water to the station bar. The 6.30 bus left on the button and we were back at Doucette by 7. We had drinks on the poop and settled for the leftover curry and merguez baguettes for a lazy supper.
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