Notes from the Cape

Today we took the high-speed TGV train from Paris to Avignon. The trip on these double-story trains takes about 2 ½ hours at an average speed of over 300 km/h (the TVG train holds the world speed record of 515.3 km/h).

This is the day I have been dreading for a long time– driving a left-hand drive car on the right-hand side of the road. I suppose that there is no putting it off for any longer, so off we walked to the AVIS counter. I soon discovered that there are actually two train stations in Avignon, and not one. Naturally my car was booked at the other station. Just when I thought that we would have to some-how find our way to the other station, the assistant changed our booking so we could collect a car from the station we were at.

(For the record, the Gare TGV is the new high speed train station, which is where you will probably get off from Paris. The other station is the Gare Central. Check your station when booking your car.)

The hire car was a Renault Modus Diesel, which was a great little car. It was very comfortable and efficient. We traveled over 800 km on a 40 l tank. We managed to find the hotel with relative ease, but I was really nervous driving on the wrong side of the road. A trick I learned was that whenever you are unsure which way to do, simply follow the car in front of you. It sometimes means driving where your was not planning on going, but I managed to muddle my way through without needing the 100% insurance I had taken out.

I was warned how bad the French drive, but in general I thought they drove OK. However, remember that I am comparing them to Cape Town drivers.

Over the next few days I became more comfortable, and I was driving like a local in no time.