Day 12: Time to Relax and Recharge

Today was a slow day and not in a bad way. I woke up later than usual before making my way to the train to Toulon.

An hour later I arrived and made the very short walk to the hotel (there are no proper hostels in Toulon). Although check in wasnt officially until 2pm, I managed to get into my room almost straight away.

Not in any rush I took my time settling into my room. For the first time on this holiday I have a one all to myself. No room mates in site, just me. Hallelujah!

I then went to explore town. Weirdly the hotel makes you give your key back everytime you leave the building. Odd to say the least but then again I am in France so I shouldn’t be too surprised about the occasional oddity.

Toulon is home to the French navy and is the base of their aircraft carrier the Charles de Gaulle which was sitting proudly out in the harbour beneath the sun.

Along with the naval base was a museum about the French navy which I was looking forward to visiting. However upon arrival I discovered it was closed until May for renovation.

Never mind, I continued to walk along the harbour before stopping to get some lunch and watch the world go by on the harbour side.

Before long I was baking in the heat so began walking through the old town, trying to stick to the shade cast by the buildings as I went.

I came across the second museum I wanted to visit, Toulon’s art museum. Fate however, denied me this museum too, which is also closed for renovation.

Out of luck I continued to explore the streets. Despite the lack of open museums Toulon has a provincial charm about it and the views of the harbour were impressive.

Starting to wilt under the heat I gathered some supplies, namely my daily dose of coke zero and returned to my room to relax out of the heat.

Even on holiday I’m obsessed with the news and so spent a couple of hours catching up on all the latest coronavirus developments. Not going to lie, I’m now glad I’m returning to the UK early, since Italy went into total lockdown. I’m increasingly anxious that the situation in France will deteriorate in the next 6 days, potentially leaving me stranded here.

Despite the worry I’m still determined to enjoy my last few days here. On thursday I fly home. Until then, I have a holiday to make the most of.