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Metz Weekend
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Metz Weekend

Spur of the moment trip to Metz for the weekend. Last few days of Eurail pass Read more
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  • Trip start
    November 21, 2024
    Somewhere in EuropeMetz WeekendTraveler
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    Metz

    November 21, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C

    I started out at 09.00 with a taxi to local station. Icy conditions, so I wanted to avoid falling over if I walked to the station.
    Met a lovely lady from Hereford on the train. We both caught the 10.21 London train, so we're able to have a good chat until she got off at B'ham International. Her name is Liz. She has my number, so maybe I will hear from her.
    The walk to St Pancras was most unpleasant. Not only was it windy, it was snowing! I had to hurry as I was running short of time.
    Managed to get the passport man(French) to smile, and then got stuck in the face recognition booth much to the amusement of the passport guys as well as me.
    I then plunged into the melee which is the waiting area. I purchased a croissant, sandwich, muffin, and a bottle of water.
    The Paris train left on time. The Brussels train due to depart at 1pm had not even arrived in London. Wasn't due until 2.30pm! Weather problems.
    We arrived to thick falling snow. It was very cold. Brisk walk to Gare de L'est and the final train of the day to Metz. I intended to do the 10 minute walk to the property using Google maps. Not only could I not see the road signs in the dark, but it was snowing. Managed to get lost but eventually found a taxi. The next hurdle was opening the shutters to access the key box. I couldn't shift it. They are old shutters and heavy. Fortune smiled. A nice young man yanked the shutter open. I now have 2 keys, neither of which wanted to open the door. It is still snowing! Eventually, after many bad words, a key yielded, and I was inside. I then have to tangle with door to the apartment. More bad words. I go back to lock the street door......failed! Attempted to sort out TV.....failed.. After tea with no milk, warm tomato and cheese croissant, and the muffin, I attempted to lock the street door again. I did succeed using brute force and throwing my less than substantial weight against the door.
    I whacked up the heating and went to bed    Read more

  • Somewhere in EuropeMetz WeekendTraveler
    Metz mural near a school
    Metz StationHey snow and windy!Nativity scene in wood under city archCathedral facing alterCathedral from behind and to side of alter looking down the aisle

    Touring Metz ville

    November 22, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌬 2 °C

    Woke several times in the night but slept until 8am.
    Up, showered, dressed, and ready to explore. I left the keys in the keybox for the owner, who let me know he was coming to sort out the TV. My first visit was to the station to obtain a reservation for my train to Paris on Monday. I was pretty pleased with myself as I did it on the self -service desk! When I exited the station, it was snowing ferociously and blowing a gale. Having discovered in daylight that the station is very close to my accommodation, I headed back to attach the hood to my coat. My hat keeps sliding off my head!! When I arrived, the owner was there. There is a problem with the WIFI box. I think I can safely say I will have no TV this trip. It's a French thing🙂.
    Once wrapped up again for the weather, I set off to find the Moselle river. It was in full flow, but I was able to walk through a large park and over a bridge to reach the Cathedral. There are numerous steps that lead to the 'promenade'. It's a wonder I didn't have a nose bleed. Lots of areas around the city have Christmas fairs and markets. I shall tour them on Sunday.
    I stopped for food and a rest in a small cafe near the cathedral. Croque Monsieur and a HOT, hot chocolate!
    I visited the Cathedral. It has so many stained glass windows! Mostly 13th and 14th century. There is not a lot else to recommend it apart from the sheer height for which it is famed. My phone died at this point, so photos on Sunday, I hope. I did get my cathedral passport stamped.🙂
    I came out of the cathedral to thick snow falling. I took shelter in the covered market. I do love a market. I bought cheese, bread, fruit, haricots, home- made lasagne for tonight and an alandini. It's a ball of tomato, petit pois, and cheese in what looks like breadcrumbs. I have to cook it in the oven for 15 minutes but I didn't follow the rest, so I will wing it. Returning to the shopping area, I found a shopping mall, which has an Auchan on the lower ground floor. I purchased butter, milk, 2 microwave dinners, and tomatoes.
    In all the rush to get away a day early, I failed to bring my travel adapter. This has meant I can't charge the portable battery. I eventually found a phone shop. They had just the thing.
    I was hoping to find a shop selling booze nearer to home but was disappointed. There is an Aldi not too far away. I have been limping a bit, so I might just do without until tomorrow.
    I am also extremely tired.    Read more

  • Somewhere in EuropeMetz WeekendTraveler
    Metz station very cold!
    'Kaddish' monumentLuxembourg CathedralExample of 13th century stained glass in CathedralExterior of CathedralView from top of mountain!!Same only looking other direction

    Luxembourg

    November 23, 2024 in France ⋅ ☁️ 2 °C

    Caught the 09.30 train from Metz to Luxembourg. When I got to Metz station I found a seat near a charging point to top up mobile. I had inadvertently placed myself in the middle of a Police arrest! 2 Moroccans were being quizzed and had no ID. Just before I set off for the train they were carted away in cuffs. All very exciting......
    Arrived in Luxembourg. It was freezing. Caught the tram to Centre Ville, alighted into a snow storm. I had a good wander round and warmed up with a Chocolat chaud at one of the little Xmas markets. Eventually I found the Cathedral, which was pretty uninspiring. I went in, just as an organ concert was taking place. According to the man I sat next to they happen from time to time so I was lucky. I failed to get a stamp in my book due largely to indifference of steward and the lack of a shop!! Also found a monument to Jews who died in the war called 'Kaddish'.
    At this point, I was freezing from head to toe but took myself round the old part of the city that is high up and affords amazing views.
    Next stop was the station and the next train back to Metz!
    I dropped by the apartment and had a warm- up, then plunged into the Xmas atmosphere in the city. I bought a very tasty crepe sucre and munched it as I meandered about. I also did a bit of Xmas shopping and visited the covered market again.
    Home to find, unsurprisingly, that the TV is broken so no TV at all. Read my kindle until about half nine and then went to bed. I was exhausted.    Read more

  • Somewhere in EuropeMetz WeekendTraveler
    ST CROIX
    St CroixPlace Jean D'arcPont NeufSynagogueCentre Pompidou Metz1Chapelle des TempliersSt Martin eglise

    Sunday in Metz

    November 24, 2024 in France ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Slow start today but still out by 10.30am. First stop Eglise St Martin very close to the apartment. Did a short video. Sorry about blip!
    Moved on to visit Temple Neuf which was closed! Had a wander round the 'Isle' in the middle of the river. Very interesting area. Went in search of the synagogue. Closed for renovations. Walked to the top of St Croix the highest point in Metz also the oldest part. Visited an Arts exhibition. Walked down to Place des Armes and fortified myself with hot chocolate and tarte au pommes ready for the hike to Centre Pompidou. Modern Arts Centre. The photos I will explain if asked. It was a brilliant visit.
    My next stop was the Chapelle des Templiers but that was closed too. Change of opening hours!
    I had a stroll through the Xmas market at Republique and took a few photos. My feet then insisted on going home.
    Cleaning and packing and an early night.
    06.45 start for home tomorrow.    Read more

  • Somewhere in EuropeMetz WeekendTraveler

    Time to go home

    November 25, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    Awake and up very early to start journey home. Arrived at train station in good time. Train arrived, but my reserved seat number didn't exist!! After a lot of messing about I was provided with a vacant seat. Arrived on time to Paris so no problem checking in to Eurostar at Gare du Nord. Spent a pleasant hour chatting with a couple from Edinburgh, and then it was a mad stampede, as usual, to get on the train. It was already late boarding. It then became apparent we were not going anywhere. Tech problem which shut down the station.40 minutes later off we went. Late arrival at St. Pancras so had to scurry to Euston.
    Euston was rammed with people waiting for trains. Lots of trains cancelled due to flooding!! Eventually boarded train 45 minutes late. By the time we arrived at Birmingham New Street I had five minutes to change trains and platforms. I threw myself on the local train with moments to spare.
    On arrival at Droitwich, I tried to get a taxi, but none available. I was faced with a 20 minute uphill walk to get home. I really didn't know how I was going to manage it. One step followed another, ignoring pain in legs I finally made it!

    I really enjoyed my break. I love Metz but maybe like Strasbourg a bit more. My trip to Luxembourg was interesting but it was soooo cold!
    The highlight had to be the fabulous exhibitions at the Pompidou Centre Metz. I hope to visit Metz again next year in Spring.    Read more

    Trip end
    November 25, 2024
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