May 14th.
What a day it was! After breakfast, we climbed into Tellu, fresh from renovations – bidding warm farewells to Päivi, with whom we’ve spent quality time here in Velleron (at this point, the enlightened reader pays attention to the phrase “here in Velleron”).
We swiftly set off towards Switzerland. Our friends there must be waiting for us by now! After covering a few dozen kilometers, we began to notice increasing noises from the front wheels. At suitable spots, I shifted into neutral and drove a bit windingly, listening for any messages possibly coming from the bearings. And indeed, there were messages! Just so many that Eva spotted the nearest garage, where we arrived in the afternoon. From there, they directed us to another garage, which directed us to a third garage, which also stated they don’t fix technical issues with cars! They were a shop that serviced and sold motorhomes.
From there, we called Päivi in Velleron and asked her, being proficient in French, to help us arrange a garage appointment in Avignon. The golden-hearted Päivi worked for a while and managed to secure us an appointment at the right kind of garage for next Thursday. So, there was a 9-day delay in our journey again. Fortunately, we are here at our friends’ place. Otherwise, a cheerful person might start feeling torn apart! As if to emphasize the situation, the heavens opened and drenched the region with heavy rains! All is well in the kingdom.
On the way back, we stopped at the store to replenish our supplies. Enough ingredients for me to make Bouillabaisse soup for dinner. I thought I’d make a French soup in France! The soup was well-received by all.
After dinner, Eva started the effort to find a rental car. The whole thing came to a halt when it was revealed that we should have claimed to blive in Francw to the rental agency. Since we didn’t, no rental car. We’ll revisit the matter in the morning over the phone, with Päivi available as support. I’ve begun to regret not choosing French as an elective language in high school; although it probably wouldn’t be any more helpful now than my German studies were when we were in Germany (meaning: not helpful at all).
It feels like being sent back to the starting square in some game after doing something – or was it getting a certain card… or was it Monopoly (the board game – not the brown drink in a bottle you can buy from Alko)? Well, at least I’m getting to crisscross France thoroughly. Maybe I could even drive around Croatia sometime… From here to there!
May 15th
We still needed Päivi’s help, so she gave us a ride to Avignon train station, where we rented a car. With that, we headed straight to Founex in Switzerland to Hannu and Suzanne’s place. We arrived here at 6:30 PM. A warm welcome and delicious pasta awaited us, along with some excellent white wine. Now, off to bed, and an early start in the morning. Our hosts are early risers, and in their house, we do as they do. Good night!