Brennan arrives!

Thursday June 9, 2011                                             Day 344

We cleaned the apartment and got ready for Brennan and his entourage. Roger decided to skip chess, as our guests were slated to arrive around 5:30. He doesn’t usually leave chess until well after 7:00.

We had told Shelli and Ronnie that we would meet them on the platform, but when we arrived at the train station, there were four SNCF personnel blocking access to the platform stairs, checking tickets before allowing passengers to go to the train. Thus thwarted, we stood there for several minutes pondering what to do. Then we noticed the elevator access to the platform was not being checked at all, so we simply walked over, took the down elevator and accessed the platform. So much for security! We walked the length of the train, which by now had pulled in and pretty well emptied out. There they were, waiting for us – Brennan, Shelli, Ronnie, Pam and Kathy. What a joyous meeting! We then helped them with their baggage and escorted them out of the train station. It was a walk of less than 10 minutes to reach the hotel where Pam and Kathy were staying, then another walk of the same length to our apartment.

It was our guests’ desire to eat at an outdoor restaurant, and it was a splendid evening for doing so. We chose the Restaurant LaPlace and had a delightful meal with a glass of wine each. Then we returned to the apartment and admired Brennan to no end. Roger walked Pam and Kathy back to their hotel, and we went to bed.