Bourges- Part I-II

Well, I have to say it's been a while since our first trip to Bourges- I believe it was another somewhat early morning start, which was thrilling for poor Isy who didn't quite get enough time to shake her hangover but plenty to acquaint herself with train station toilets.

On the upside, it was a beautiful sunny day and Bourges is quite a pretty little town- a big step-up from Issoudun, boasting a gorgeous Gothic cathedral (Saint-Étienne) and streets that feel like you've just stepped into the Middle Ages:

Gotta love all the lattice-work.

We met up with a LARGE group of assistants from around the area- I think there was about 15 of us, which led to a bit of trouble at lunchtime... All in all, it felt like a bit of a school-trip. We visited a French comic-con, which I have to say is nowhere near as exciting as an American one. There were no people dressed-up, it was a rather quiet affair with a bunch of elderly French people smoking at the door- dull. However, there were some interesting displays and I believe everyone was rather pleased to see some Lord of the Rings illustrations.

Then came the tourist train- which again, didn't scream fun as we were all packed in like sardines, and an elderly French trio and a German group joined our car. After what was not so much a quick-shop at H&M (German boys can really take their sweet time in there- eh Sam?), our Issoudun group headed home with a Rachel (an assistant in Vierzon) in tow. I really enjoyed my day out in Bourges, but have to say it felt ace getting back and sitting down to watch The Twin Towers with pizza and a cuppa.



Bourges part II: We returned to Bourges for Katie's birthday. This time the weather was less than cheerful, but I believe we set out with a better mood- more sleep makes for better company. Isy also had a new camera which she got snap happy with:

Check out the girl in the background- stinkeye much? Of course we immediately noticed this and started laughing, but unfortunately she seemed to notice too and thought this was the perfect time to practise her English. Although not looking at us, she proceeded to shout "Fuck you! Fuck! Do you speak English?" It was such an awkward situation, I was quite glad she didn't stick around when we got off the train.

Anyhow, we arrived safely in Bourges, met the birthday girl and got drinks- while the others got 1 euro wine that came in a plastic bottle, I splashed out a bit and got some Desperados, and thank god as their drink tasted like vinegar! It was quite a nice, chilled-out evening, again we had a large group which made it somewhat difficult to talk to everyone. We had a meal (goat's cheese and salad for me AGAIN- this is the soul thing I can find on any French menu that is vegetarian, I am most likely never gunna want it again when I return home) then headed back to the flat for a few drinking games and some Spice Girls. It was a good night, birthday girl got well and truly trashed,and started speaking in nought but French which I have to say was rather impressive! 

Next morning the hangovers were cured by Pat a Pain and another H&M shop before getting the train back to Issoudun, pizza makes a most excellent breakfast.