NANTES BABY!

Today, I went to Nantes. First thing this morning, on the way to the station, we went to Natalie's house (the baby's grandma) for a coffee and she had the coolest table cloth. I don't like coffee so I just sat and admired the table cloth instead. We then set off for the the train station and I literally just made it on the train, as there are a lot of road works going on in Saint-Nazaire at the mo. 


When I arrived in Nantes, I kind of didn't know what to do with myself so I just started walking, as you do. It turns out, I had chosen the right way to start walking because I found an awesome sandwich place that gave you a free drink with your food, result. That wasn't the only reason though, I found the medieval quarter and a castle. The castle was built a long time ago by some French man (probably with a lot of money) to prove a point to someone or because he wanted to have a bigger castle than his rival. No seriously, all this is likely to be true, but it was the home of Anne of Brittany and it's now a medieval show ground and museum. It is really impressive to be fair, and the grounds too were really something. 


After the castle, I went to the cathedral, as that is something I seem to do in every French city I visit. That too is impressive. It took about 500 years to build and due to world wars, fires and general mishaps, it was only declared finished in 1891 but still today there is scaffolding on attached to it, so even today it's undergoing some kind of work. Then I was on postcard/souvenir duty (by souvenirs, I mean biscuits), and I stumbled across a tourist train. For those of you who know me- I love these trains (land trains/noddy trains). It cost me 6 euros but I got over it as it was well worth it .It took us all over the centre town which was fab, cos it meant I didn't have to find my way around myself. The one thing I really wanted to see was the huge mechanical elephant thing. Weird right? But that is literally what it is. On my return, I went into the centre of town for a browse around the shops and bars etc, as the old town is quite Santiago-y (for those who have been there) and quaint.


By this time, it was getting on a bit so I ambled back to the train station, trying not to be killed by trams on the way (I hate trams), and bought my ticket. I had 45mins or so to spare so I casually strolled along the Loire river and had an ice cream- lush. I caught the train home and arrived back at half 5/6 ish. 


Today it has been mid 20s degrees and really muggy, and I stupidly wore trousers as it was a bit chilly and cloudy this morning. My legs were fairly toasty in my skinny jeans. Whilst Michele cooked an actual meal for tea, I played with the 4 kids in the garden for a few hours (hide and seek, water pistols, ball games etc) which was really nice as none of them fought for a change. Tea was nice too, a chorizo risotto with courgette and onion- makes a change from out the jar bolognese. I also got given money today, which was a nice surprise. I wish I could so you some pics of my adventures today but they're stuck on my phone and can't get them off without using the internet. Soz guys.


All in all, it's been a lovely day and the weather was good too so that's a bonus. I hope to go back to Nantes one day and maybe go to the artistic zone by the sea as that also looks pretty cool. Hope you're all well back at home or wherever you are. Loves.