Carcassonne

Another Early Start

We forgot there was a 5.30 in each morning but there we were wet, cold and with smiles from ear to ear at the day ahead. It is incredible to think that you can wake up in a tent 20km south of Barcelona and within the day be setting it up again in glorious French countryside sunshine.

Our bus to town, metro rides then long distance coach to Narbonne and finally a train to Carcassonne is a distance of nearly 250km and the entire trip cost less than 80 euros. It still eats into the daily budget but well worth it when you consider it is changing countries.

Carcassonne campsite would have felt closer to the train station if Steve wasn't let loose alone in a French supermarche hungry and enthusiastic. With approximately 10 kg of additional baggage we trudged through the winding streets across the old bridge to have La Cite unveil itself from behind the trees. Carcassonne holds Europe's largest fortified medieval city and was host to Monty Pythons 'Life of Brian'.

Picking our tent site was easy, we just needed to make sure that the sunset to our backs did not distract from the view of La Cite over the river. As campsites go, Carcassonne is 4 star with great facilities and a multilingual and very patient attendant who put up with Steve's attempts to communicate.

A day in the Life of Brian - 8 April

Midday came around as quickly as changing countries in Europe. It was necessary to wash the rain from Spain out of our clothes (by hand - we thought that was fitting) only to realise the washing machines were across the field.

Strolling through Carcassonne was the entire adventure for today, entering via the side gate we peered through cracks in the fortifications to identify the river below and found our way to a central plaza for lunch. Lunch (mostly leftovers from Steve's shopping adventure) was complimented by the atmosphere of almost 200 tables and chairs set below vines and awnings for fellow travellers.

Leaving via the ramparts (top of the wall around the city) we gawked at the rolling countryside in all directions. Across the drawbridge (no charging stallion or sword in hand unfortunately) we lost ourselves in the gardens along the river before entering town. The return to the tent site took us past fishermen and a family of ducklings only days old.

It may just be in our imagination but wine and cheese in the grass tastes better when you have carried it back from town via ducklings and fishermen. A marshmellow chaser was organised where we befriended Jake and Mitsy (a couple from Wales and London). Their extraordinary plan is to hitchhike from London to Morroco in less than 3 weeks for an African education charity. By the time we all felt sick on marshmellows an amicable trade was made of one map of France (well 'thumbed') for a little used but useful Spannish phrase book. We wish them well.

Carcassonne - 9 April

Today was taken at leisure with chores completed and the whole of France shut down for Easter Monday.

A map when travelling without real plans is a mesmerising read getting lost in the names and possibilities of each place. The Lonely Planet unfortunately could not possibly supply enough information so we were in need of a hitch hikers guide to the galaxy. A stab in the dark lead us to the decision we would make our way east rather than west at this point.

Afternoon tea is a great activity for budget concious travellers so we strolled ever so diligently back up the steps to the old city to oggle the cafe and patisserie for the perfect treat. Nous choison un chocolat chaud et une the, ensuite, je voudrais une tarte au citron meringue et une mollieruex au chocolat. For anyone who does not read poor French, and those that can and are embarrassed for Steve, the translation is simple - too much yummy stuff!

An early night was in order as tomorrow would require some concentration and a long walk.