Day 2: Ici Enfin!

Here at last! Taking an overnight flight felt like taking the short cut. That's what my grandfather says when you want to get someplace fast in a car or a plane. If you take a nap then it is like taking a short cut to get there, as long as you are not the driver. The overnight flight definately went by quicker. It was such a pleasure waking up in France. It was a beautiful sunny day and about 90 degrees out. After getting my passport stamped I went to get my luggage. The French are very effecient. I was only waiting about 5 minutes when the bags came out. The bike was in the oversize luggage area and it arrived promptly as well. Leaving the perfect amount of time to grab a chocolate croissant and coffee before boarding the train to Marsailles. The train ride was wonderful. I ran into a few other cyclists who were here for the same reason as I. They were easy to spot for they too were lugging very large Thule bike cases! The train was not that full and extremely quiet. I wanted to nap but was so full of energy and excited to be here. I just kept looking out the window at the endless fields as we flew by. Eventually we were in the Provence region of southern France and the mountain range came into view and I kept looking at them wondering if I was looking at Mont Ventoux. After about a three hour train ride, I arrived in Avignon and boarded a shuttle to the hotel which was another hour away. I asked the gentlemen at the front desk if he could point out Mont Ventoux. He opened the door and pointed to an unbelievable view of the mountains. He pointed and said it is over there but you can't see it today. I looked at the sky above me and it was blue as blue is blue but he explained that the mountains are cooler and can be cloudy but that I would probably be able to see it in the morning.