Day 15: From Switzerland to France

We used our free tourist bus pass to head to Geneva Airport first thing. I saw Gaby off as she flew back home, then returned to the hotel to pack my bag.

A short, hot walk to Geneva bus station was followed by a text message saying my bus was delayed. It was only 23 minutes late, but two minutes after it was originally due to depart the display suddenly changed to show it as on time. I quickly went in search of the bus and practised my French with a man in a white shirt standing by a coach door who I assumed was the driver. He ignored me completely. In hindsight, he may simply have been another passenger.

My next attempt was with a man who looked more official. He scanned my ticket and waved me aboard. Within 30 seconds we were moving. I was still slightly confused but at least we seemed to be heading somewhere. I quickly fell asleep and woke about an hour later when the coach stopped at a roadside service area. A quick check of my phone confirmed we were at least travelling in the general direction of Lyon.

It was hot when we left Geneva but somehow even hotter on arrival in Lyon. I walked the few blocks to the metro and, fortunately, the train was air conditioned.

After checking into my hotel for one night in Lyon, I discovered my single room was at the back of the building and south-facing, allowing the sun to work on it all day. It felt more like a sauna than a hotel room. The ceiling fan merely redistributed the hot air and gave the place a tropical feel.

I did as much sightseeing in Lyon as I had in Geneva, namely none. Instead, I purchased a few supplies for the coming days on the GR11.

The temperature reached 37°C outside and was probably higher in my sauna cell. Thankfully, the cold shower was exceptionally refreshing.