Chemin des Dames, France

The long drive through northeastern France is actually very pleasant as the autoroute has good service areas.  Some are just picnic areas, others are service stations with fuel and food outlets.  AND there are great restrooms - a fact the traveller needs to know!

As we headed along the Chemin des Dames (named in the 18th Century for Louis XV's two daughters who frequently travelled along that route), I learnt more from my friend about the WWI battles in the surrounding countryside. Driving through that picturesque scenery, I began to imagine the war torn land as it probably had been.  Having only recently been viewing old photos and reading extracts from that time, the scenes came to mind quite easily but it was hard to 'overlay' them on the lush land around us.

Flyer for Tommies on the Aisne exhibition

Along the way we decided to visit an exhibition called Tommies on the Aisne 1914 at the Caverne du Dragon museum. Running until December 2014, the it tells the story of the BEF's involvement with its French allies.  One has to admire those exhausted soldiers who, under shellfire, crossed the River Aisne to the northern bank where they established a bridgehead "... and then climbed the steep ridges of the Chemin des Dames...". It was here that the first trenches of the Western Front were dug during the Battle of the Aisne in September 1914.  I defy anyone not to feel moved if they spend time viewing the exhibits, but I also found it fascinating and would highly recommend a visit there.

Outside there are large relief maps of the local area with the French, BEF and German positions marked, along with their respective trench lines. Standing on the ridge, with the sun shining and birdsong reaching us over the soft breeze, one couldn't help but appreciate the marked contrast with what the scene would have been.

Hitting the road

There is nothing as exciting as setting off on a holiday, is there?  It's usually something that has been floating on the horizon, been dreamt about and now is finally here. Perhaps it's just me but, because I'd made my decision to take a longer break, there was an even greater sense of both anticipation and awareness.

I'd had several 'farewell' celebrations in the preceding weeks and received dozens of cards, gifts and messages from pupils, their parents, former pupils and friends.  In chats with friends, I received several offers of sharing parts of my journey in various countries - a definite bonus because at least you know there'll be some familiar faces and, importantly, that you'll get on with them as well as being able to share some costs along the way!

The first part of my plan was to visit my godmother in Switzerland.  I was researching airline tickets online when an email popped up, about a dive trip in Marseille which was being organised by a local sub-aqua club.  As a former member there was an open invitation. Hmmm.  My plans and timings couldn't quite fit in the dive trip as well as the Swiss visit because of my leaving date for Asia.

Step in Serendipity!  A friend had just bought a sporty Jaguar and wanted to give it a run through France.  "Would you like a lift to Switzerland?" Now, who would turn down an offer like that???  Another important attitude for travellers: be flexible with your plans!

As we set off in the sleek silver Jag (a quality of transport which has not featured during my subsequent travels), I felt an extra frisson of excitement. This was the start of a literal journey but also a figurative one with an unknown ultimate destination.  There was no going back.  My bags were packed and I was ready to go.  From now on it would be onward and upward (along with the mental checklist: passport, tickets, currency)!