One of our guests experience taking the train

Sick of just arriving in a new place with a bump I decided to take the train from London to Cluses. And a good decision it turned out to be. Taking the 09.01 Eurostar from St Pancras took me to Paris Nord for 12.20. The 2hr20min journey was a pleasant one and flew by. To pick up the train to Annecy I had to change to Paris Gare Lyon station. This could be done by Metro or a 20 minute taxi ride, and feeling indulgent, this is what I did. My train to Annecy left at 13.50 so I had time to have coffee and a baguette and enjoy bustling Paris and the introduction to France.

The train to Annecy was luxurious in comparison with Eurostar (sorry!). The 3hr40min journey was a pleasure. The landscape changed from town to village to fields to rivers, streams and then the hills emerged. I had never been to the Alps, so creeping closer and the anticipation growing was exciting. Arriving at Annecy at 17.30 meant waiting an hour to catch the 18.26 to Cluses. Arriving at Cluses at 19.39 I was met by Saskia and my adventure begun. By now I was surrounded by beauty – the mountains, lush grass, flowers, trees, pretty chalets…it was endless. And the best part was that I felt as if I had savoured every moment. The drive to La Combe with the sun setting seemed to end the perfect day of travelling. By 20.00 I was seated at a dining table with a roomful of expectant strangers and feast before me. A fabulous welcome.

No words can do justice to the experience of the week. Everyone comes with their own motivations and looking to take something. It takes time to sink into the place and begin to absorb the energy that surrounds you. The moments that will stay with me are the yoga sessions outside where you can feel the sun on your skin and he grass beneath your feet. The walks that take you to beautiful places that change with every twist and turn of the path. And the food. The sumptious meals prepared every night were a joy to see and eat.

So taking the train home seems the ideal way to ease back into city life. Meandering past the villages and towns. The lakes and rocks will decrease, and be replaced by concrete and congestion. Home.

If there ever was a person so who was put on this earth with a clear path then it is Saskia – she just does what she does and it works. So I leave behind people with vision and clarity that is openly shared with others, should they choose to see it. J

Rita 23^rd September 2009