The train ride through French countryside was very nice. The train was very comfortable (not what we expected for the cheapest way to get here). Considering it was a horrible, rainy day, it was perfect to be toasty warm and dry on the train. We were able to purchase sandwiches and drinks on the train. There seemed to be a large population of students that were also riding the train. We've made quick friends with some students that are from Ireland. Although their dialect is sometimes hard to understand, they speak English, and are a very funny group - always cracking jokes and telling stories about all of their drunken escapades. We'll probably take their advice on finding a room, and exploring certain sites. Since it was an eight hour train ride, we managed to sleep a bit along the way.
Train ride cost, 10 Euros each (40 total)
Food/drinks on train 20 Euros each (80 total)
Once we arrived in Montpellier, we decided to splurge a bit for a decent hotel room to share. We were able to reserve a room at the Suite Novotel Montpellier. It was an awesome room, spacious, with modern furniture and tons of amenities like a weight room and swimming pool at the hotel. Close to the city center, the airport, and the sea, we thought this would be the perfect place to stay. Cost $185 US per night with taxes and fees. We booked 4 nights for $740.
Visiting the Cathedral
by: Matt
What a train ride in! We definitely met some interesting people who were actually not that different than us. After settling down for about an hour and having a quick nap, we headed out to explore the city of Montpellier to see what it had to offer. Each of us love the city so far. There is a nice college town type of atmosphere just the same as it is back home in Raleigh. After remembering the advice from our friends on the train about what monuments we should visit we finally were able to agree on seeing St Pierre Cathedral which was actually free of charge. As we walked through the cathedral, the organs were all we could hear, although none of us cared because the sound was so soothing and peaceful even though it was kind of loud. On our way to a gift shop we also decided to make a quick stop by the Arc de Triomphe and take a few pictures. Since it was dark and getting later in the evening, it was too late to go up in the top, but we got some really great shots of us with the monument in the background. As a whole the group ended up spending only 30 euros on a few small suveniors which is $40.92 in U.S. dollars.
Sites:
http://www.mytravelguide.com/attractions/profile-79263205-France_Montpellier_Cathedrale_Saint_Pierre.html
by: Ben
Funds spent today: 150 Euros, $740
Remaining Budget: $89041.28
Cash in Euros: 1503.90
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat a train ride in! We definitely met some interesting people who were actually not that different than us. After settling down for about an hour and having a quick nap, we headed out to explore the city of Montpellier to see what it had to offer. Each of us love the city so far. There is a nice college town type of atmosphere just the same as it is back home in Raleigh. After remembering the advice from our friends on the train about what monuments we should visit we finally were able to agree on seeing St Pierre Cathedral which was actually free of charge. As we walked through the cathedral, the organs were all we could hear, although none of us cared because the sound was so soothing and peaceful even though it was kind of loud. On our way to a gift shop we also decided to make a quick stop by the Arc de Triomphe and take a few pictures. Since it was dark and getting later in the evening, it was too late to go up in the top, but we got some really great shots of us with the monument in the background. As a whole the group ended up spending only 30 euros on a few small suveniors which is $40.92 in U.S. dollars.
ReplyDeleteSites:
http://www.mytravelguide.com/attractions/profile-79263205-France_Montpellier_Cathedrale_Saint_Pierre.html