What is it with me and buses? For years I have had numerous experiences with them and their drivers. From being “bus napped” in London in 2004, to them changing the shape of my car, breaking down or simply experiencing a driver with “attitude” problems.

Readers of this diary are aware of problems we have experienced in trying to catch a local bus and today was no exception. After triple checking the bus time table, we ventured up the hill with at least 10 minutes to spare and still no bus appeared. While we waited I filled in the time rereading the bus timetable and noticed behind some of the times was this funny icon. At the very bottom of the board this same funny icon appeared again and in small French writing were three words which translated to “Bus by reservation”. You have to ring the bus office to book a bus if you want it to call at the time shown on the timetable.

The next bus (without funny icon) was two hours later so home we went and then again up the hill and wonder of all wonders the bus arrived and with our new best friend at the wheel wished us away to Besancon and the “soldes” ie “sales”.

Yvonne was in 7th heaven. It seemed that every store with exception of the post office was having a 30%, 40% or 50% off sale. The product quality was very good and seemed to be most items in the stores. After a couple of hours of frenzied activities (lots of looking but only one purchase) we paused at what we in OZ would call a Chocolate shop – but what a chocolate shop, you could put weight on just looking at the goodies. So being good little Vegemites we purchased one little unbelievably tasting morsel and shared it between us with a great cup of coffee.

On our previous trip into Besancon we had seen a very old church and this time one of the doors was open and on entering was just like being transported back 250 years. The interior was so dark and discoloured from smoke of thousands of candles and large paintings inside were almost impossible to see what the subject was. St Peters was built in 1764 and has a eerie feeling to it.

We must also be taking on a French look as we have been approached four or five times by French people asking for directions. During our drive into town I noticed a sign post pointing to the motorway which would take us to Lausanne (Switzerland). This is our planned location for a few days early next week so special care was taken to make sure we find our way to this point.

All too soon it was time to catch the bus home and when it arrived we were greeted by our new best friend, the driver from this afternoon. Today we have noticed smoke coming from the chimneys. It has been quite chilly today but we are in the middle of summer here. It feels more like a winters day in Queensland.