Mon 5th - Sun 11th Mar Rennes (-9hrs Aus time)

My cousin Emile (pic) shares her flat in the centre of Rennes (pronounced Ren) with 2 flatmates - Amalie and Ancie (try saying those 3 names fast!) They're all lovely girls studying at the uni of Rennes which you get to by catching a bus then the subway. Apparently Rennes is the smallest town in France to have a subway system. It's good, fast and relatively cheap. Emilie took me on a shopping trip and pointed out all her favorite shops. I was looking for a jumper but ended up getting a cardigan (heavier than the ones in Brisbane but lighter than a coat). There was no heating in the house as, being students, the girls found it too expensive (as students I'm sure we can all relate!). However, this meant that it was so cold inside, especially at night or in the morning when the sun was on the other side that I was walking around inside with all my warmest clothes and thermal underware on!

The main square near Emilie's flat is Sainte Anne Square (pics) and I spent several mornings wandering around, absorbing the atmosphere and window shopping. I also went to the uni and used the internet there (you need to borrow someone's login details though). Emilie works nights at a late bar near the square, and I went and checked it out. They also had a bit of a party back at the flat a few nights later which was great fun. They invited around 6 other friends and we all got a little drunk by the time Emilie came home from work at around 3am.

Next stop is Dublin for St Paddy's weekend.