#out on the other end of the line are some of the deepest metro stations in this hemisphere

[supercantaloupe]

riding the metro all the way out from near the end of the line through to downtown is interesting you can physically feel the speed change outside the city and the pressure change going underground

[tetsuwan-atom]

World Headcanon - Terra Veteris

Terra Veteris is an Earth-Like planet located in universe 183-WSERIES (On the United Government’s Ministry of Science’s ‘FasTrack’ Coordinate Register). The actual inhabitants of Terra Veteris actually call it Earth, but it is commonly referred to on the M.O.S’s register as ‘Terra Veteris’, a name for both the planet and the universe as a whole.

This is the location of Authrum and it’s capital, Lobarr City, both heavily prominent in the Tetsuwan ATOM series, being the headquarters for the United Government and the Ministry of Science.

This is a brief overview of Terra Veteris as a whole, regarding it’s countries and some notable locations.

The countries are Authrum, Beyis, Evichy, Khrakov, Untera, Harfolk and Niyon.

AUTHRUM

Authrum is conisdered to be the powerhouse of Terra Veteris. It is run by the United Government. It leads the way in industry and technology, everything is made in house, exporting all over the world, resources of all sorts left, right and centre. It also spans the biggest railway network. The whole of Authrum, despite being such a world leader, is culturally in the 1980s, mixed with some 1970s and 1990s Australian/American aesthetic. While mostly a mainland country, Authrum has occupancy of a number of small and large islands in it’s territory, including what was once the north-western corner of Untera, once it’s own nation, but eventually voted to become part of Authrum. This is, naturally, disputed by Untera. In addition, Authrum also occupies the eastern side of the disputed Doglong Strait, part of a long-standing stalemate with it’s direct neighbour, Khrakov. The Strait was once it’s own territory, until split in half due to war in the 1950s.

Authrum is mostly an Australian aesthetic with British and American culture mixed in. They have a democratically elected parliament and senate, along with a prime minister. The president is independent of those elections and acts as an authority on determining the moral and social impacts of legislation, ensuring all laws are within the greater public interest.

Notable locations of Authrum include:

Lobarr City: The very centre of the United Government, where all it’s department buildings are kept, as well as the impressive Railway Station. It in itself is probably the biggest metropolis in all of Terra Veteris, stretching for quite a distance and so incredibly populated. It in itself is architecturally and culturally in the 1980s.

Mobilong: Located in the north, Mobilong is one of the industrial hearts of the country. It is a port, a complex, a town. It provides shipping to the northern islands and territories.

Thalassa Valley: Located in the south, Thalassa Valley is a sacred site, an ancient valley running for quite a stretch. It is also a bit of a country town, but the inhabitants try to preserve the heritage of Thalassa and it’s story in making Authrum what it is today.

Leyvaw River: Part of the giant Metropolitan District of Authrum (which includes Lobarr), the Leyvaw River runs for miles upon miles. Along the river in the Metro district is the NightWatch Facility, an Experimental Concepts building, running the deepest, darkest, most secret projects of the United Government.

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KHRAKOV

Khrakov is considered to be the second most powerful country, due to it's size and military might. Like Authrum, it is heavily nationalised,vast in resources which it utilises for it's work. Unlike Authrum, Khrakov is quite behind in the technological race. They do have a number of things, cars, transport, computers, television, etc, but every attempt to one-up or rival Authrum in everything itself has resulted either in complete failure or an abysmal knockoff. Their military is also the second most powerful in the country as well and do have a safety aresenal in the event of being completely threatened. They are currently engaged in a stalemate with Authrum over the Doglong Strait, with Khrakov occupying the western side. They also are monitoring the situation with Harfolk, considering, at this point in time, it borders with them up in the north. They also tend to have small border issues with Evichy and Beyis.

They try not to import what they can't make, even if it's superior. They seem to experience warmer weather, being further south. The aesthetic of Khrakov is distinctly Eastern-European, in it's culture, traditions, etc. They try to be modern, but their aesthetic is a bit behind, stuck in the 1970s. Democracy apparently exists in Khrakov, but really it’s all for one political party.

Notable locations of Khrakov include:

Darkvinkrat: The capital city of Krhakov. Quite the metropolis, but cannot hold a candle at all to Lobarr. It's structured in some way, but it is scattered a bit, depending on who was ruling at the time. Home to all sorts of displays when it's an off-day. Sometimes it's propaganda, sometimes it's promoting the country's culture.

Ronklov Labs: A large, disused facility located in Khrakov's east. Used to be home to Krhakov's experimental research branch until it was discontinued due to lack of funding. Home to all sorts of discontinued, abandoned experiments of all kinds. The place is considered to be haunted.

Beklucha Wasteland: A giant, uninhabited area of Khrakov that's off limits to human access. Such became a wasteland after being selected as the prominent site for Khrakov's destructive weapons testing. A lot of information about the land is considered to be classified and while checkpoints are located on what were once major roads, the site can still be accessible undetected. It is not considered safe to visit, not only due to being illegal, but also due to the site now contaminated, thanks to the different kinds of weapons tested. Some say this is also the dumping ground for Krhakov's larger failed experiments.

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BEYIS

Beyis is located to the very west of Terra Veteris. It is a land that has suffered many an internal struggle, with the north and south of the country divided by two different groups of people. The Helenese to the south and the Alpans to the north. It is a mediterranean country, the two cultures extremely similar to one another, but neither can stand the other due to the differences that they've had, both in cultures and in several disagreements. Even in a period of it's history they were split right in half, two countries themselves, Helena and Alpa, until war eventually brought the two together, becoming the united country today known as Beyis. Despite being in union, tensions are still rife between the two groups, and there has been the threat of civil war on a few occasions, until simmered down by other parties. At one stage too, Alpa owned far more land to the east of it’s territory, until the 1950s war resulted it in ending up in the hands of Evichy. It is one of the few disputed territories of Terra Veteris, though the current form of Beyis tries to keep things peaceful with it’s north-eastern neighbour, despite their tension.

They have a few industries to try and keep themselves independent, but they do rely on other nations' economies to make up for the shortfall, a mix of goods from both Authrum and Khrakov, though items from Authrum tend to be of far superior quality. They have a 1960s/1970s kind of mediterranean aesthetic. Beyis is largely democratic and tries to include a split mix of Helenese and Alpan representatives.

Notable locations of Beyis include.

Froma: The capital of Beyis. Literally sits on the border of the Helenese/Alpan line. It’s one of the very few places where you get a melting pot of both cultures. Also a very busy port, shipping goods to and from some of the other countries, like Untera, for example.

Ripidi Mountains: Located in the Alpan North, the Ripidi Mountains is a gorgeous peak that stretches quite a distance. It houses a small town of the same name. Once it was a trek to get to the mountains, but thanks to new technology, the railways in particular helps to make it far easier than it was before. Some say mystery lies in the mountains itself, including a cave that runs for miles, up and down along the peak. What does it hold? Nobody knows. Some say a temple, strange rocks, maybe a monster? Thanks to superstition, nobody has moved to tread inside.. and the Beyis Government forbids any tourist or explorer from trying, fearing great catastrophe will come if attempted.

Takalata Beach: Located in the Helenese South, the Takalata Beach is a long-stretching beach, beautiful and pristine, even with the many tourists flocking to the sunshine. It is a beach that seems to have great weather for the majority of the time. A town has since been made around it with inhabitants cashing in on the value, despite the outcry of some of the more concerned, traditional inhabitants that development will ruin the beach and spell disaster. It doesn’t help that past the beach lies a vast desert, but was only recently populated thanks to the connection of the trains and roads, bypassing the most dangerous areas. Rarely, the beach does experience abrupt violent sandstorms, though the development of outside weather systems has allowed them to better predict when they will come. 

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EVICHY

Evichy (pronounced Eh-vih-shee) is a country in the northwest. Once a small part of the political game, in modern times acquired Wishlin Island, the Liaque Leg (Formerly the Ciabetti Leg), formerly a part of Beyis, as well as Maulonge, once a part of Harfolk. It wants to establish itself on the world stage, despite taking big risks in it's acquisitions, creating tensions with Beyis, Harfolk and in association with Harfolk, Authrum. Such countries question Evichy's motives, since it's not so much out of conquest as they believe it being scared of it's closest neighbour, Khrakov.

Evichy is distinctly French in culture and aesthetic, based in the 1960s/1970s. They are well known for their refined flair and rich arts. Some of the greatest art in Terra Veteris was painted by Evichese. They are also very dependent on imports, particularly more so from Authrum than Khrakov. They seem to have a particular distrust for the country as a whole, which extends to their goods. Evichy also has some industries going, particularly textiles, their fashion is known right around the world. They also are notable for their vast fields of picturesque flora. Many a botanist come to Evichy just to study the flowers. Evichy is wholly democratic, both for parliament and president.

Notable locations of Evichy include:

Teulais: the capital of Evichy. While a bustling city, the capital is rich in history and architecture, along with culture. Historic festivals, of all sorts including arts festivals, are traditionally held in Teulais. It's landmark is the magnificent Neulois Fountain, a magnificent, towering water fountain that stretches so far upwards. At night, it is lit in so many colours, or sometimes just in white, the light shows a sight to behold.

Liaque Leg: Formerly the Ciabetti Leg. Acquired in the 1950s war, initially to control the Mozzana Strait, but the acquisition was far more than expected. The inhabitants have mixed feelings about it. Many didn't seem to have a problem with the previous Alpan rulers, but many also have no issue with being under Evichy's rule. The leg itself is filled with Alpans and many don't want to get into a confrontation with the Evichese, considering their own issues with the Helenese back in Beyis.

Wishlin Island: The northernmost island of Terra Veteris. Filled with natives and some Evichese. It was once it's own nation until the 1950s war. Many believe it was a senseless power-grab by Evichy during the conflict, but the counter-claim is that the nation was falling apart and that it sought guidance, as well as a historic document from hundreds of years ago as being claimed by the nation of Evichy thanks to sea-faring explorers back in the day. It is a very scenic island and is a very popular tourist destination. The locals are starting to get wary of the attention, however.

Maulonge: Once a part of Harfolk, it was also acquired by Evichy during the 1950s war. The country itself was completely at risk, only just managing to be saved with the intervention of Authrum. As a token, Evichy was gifted with the western land. Still, there are tensions with the countries in question about the land. Harfolk and it’s residents clearly want it back. There is a reason Evichy is after the land, due to what it might hold.. and it’s little parcel is only part of what it seeks. As much as the country does look after the former people of Harfolk, the locals are very resentful of any Evichese that come upon their territory.

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UNTERA

Untera (Pronounced Oohn-terr-ah), otherwise known as the Unterreische Fatherland, is the eastern-most country of Terra Veteris. A land of it's own cultures, it is very traditional and regimental in it's ways. Imperialist, though kept to their own territories, it's only neighbour is Authrum. Relations tend to be friendly with Authrum, save for the western chunk of it's northern island now under occupation by Authrum, after it was once it's own nation. Untera wants to re-unify it's territory, but clearly it became independent for it's own reasons, now under Authrum's protection. It is said that Untera is believed to be part of Authrum from centuries ago and it has been stated that the language of Untera is considered to be the ‘Traditional’ Language, but in the 18th century, Untera split from Authrum to become it’s own nation, due to the shift in culture and tensions at the time.  

Despite their regimentalism, they were on the side of Authrum in the 1950s war, having avoided the political tensions of Beyis, Evichy and Khrakov. The country is 1970s in culture, distinctly Germanic. It relishes in it's own history, but welcomes foreigners and tourists to discover the history of Untera. They tend to be very defending of their land, but they do not seek to claim any more than what is rightfully theirs... considering the only land that's left belongs to Authrum. They try to be independent with their economy, but tend to have a reliance on Authrum as well outside of private enterprise. Untera is set in old ways of governing, for while you can have democratically elected representatives, it is ultimately run by an emperor.

Notable locations of Untera include:

Galdinburg: The capital of Untera, located on the southern island, known as Sutriche. Galdinburg is probably the oldest looking capital city of it's size, deep in traditional architecture, especially in regards to Government departments. The city is home to a mass transit system that runs all over, both the inner CBD and the edges of the city. The architecture, food, the atmosphere are some of the many reasons come to visit Galdinburg, along with the Linwald Tower, constructed in 1965 to look all over and around the city. The view is spectacular.

Verschleife Peaks: A spectacular landscape of hills in Sutriche. The Verschleife Peaks hosts hills, forests, wildlife, as well as a few villages around who preserve the landscape and all that are a part of it. They do welcome some tourists, as long as they follow the customs and rules to keep the environment intact. They say at night, when the time is right, you can hear a choir sing at the highest hill. The cause for such a particular phenomena, at this time, is unknown, but many theories are circulated about.

Barondul Tower: A historic castle and tower located in Nordruche, the northern island of Untera. Once home to a series of aristorcrats and bureaucrats, the castle and tower now lay haunted, ever since the site of a massacre of all the nobles that occurred in the late 1980s. Abandoned, the buildings themselves have entered a bit of a state of disrepair. Some say the area has become haunted with the souls of the damned.. and that negative energy grows around the tower, especially at the very top. People also say the murdered were living a double life, as beings unnatural to Terra Veteris.

Lhune River: Located in Nordruche, the Lhune river is a lifeline that stretches all along the northern island, even into the section occupied by Authrum. Stretching along forests and valleys, they say the river is a lifeline to all the communities of Nordruche, not only in providing water in itself, but for the ecosystem, as well as being a popular tourist attraction. It tends to glow at night, mostly in a bright shine, but on the right night, you can see all sorts of colours, all throughout the river.

____________

HARFOLK

Harfolk is considered to be the smallest territory in Terra Veteris. It is a country that has been long disputed by several territories, particularly Evichy and Khrakov. Fertile in land, it is the least inhabited, but the most protected. The people prefer peaceful lives. They hate getting into conflict, especially being the subject of several border disputes and having to try and survive the war of the 1950s. They are wary of Evichy, considering the country has the western parcel of their territory, as well as being concerned of Khrakov's rate of expansion. They have an agreement with Authrum for protection, though the other two countries are suspicious as to why. Something exists in Harfolk which Authrum seems to know about, that they are concerned about, that they don't want ending up in the wrong hands. The problem is, what if word gets out?

Harfolk is distinctly English in culture, but they are a bit behind. 1970s in aesthetic, though they are receptive of Authrum's advancements. Who know how far they will grow with such assistance. Lush green lands dot the landscape, good for farming. They don't make much outside of agriculture, relying solely on Authrum for other goods. Since, they trust nobody else, not even Untera or Beyis. Harfolk is wholly democratic, but they do have at least one representative from Authrum.

Notable locations of Harfolk include:

Rikingham: The nation’s capital. A good standing city, modern in it’s own right, though with a bit of heritage here and there. The capital is mostly a business district with some dining and entertainment. Harfolk is pretty big on football and their biggest stadium exists in Rikingham.

Western Border: The Western Border of Harfolk, bordering Maulonge of Evichy. After the territory dispute, the community of Harfolk completely separated the two with a fence that ran right along the border, with checkpoints dotted all over. Welcoming to native and former Harfolk residents, distrusting to those of Evichy. The center of a big political dispute with said country, but naturally Harfolk is wary of Evichy.

Southern Border: Similar to the Western Border, but bordering the edge of Khrakov. This border tends to be heavier in manning, due to the nature and behaviour of Khrakov.

Welbin Plains: The lush plains of Harfolk. Many a world of green grass, even plenty of flora and forests. The most iconic part of the plains not only includes the farmland of many different products, but it has also become quite the wine region. Many award winning wines have come from the Welbin Plains, now available all over the globe (and some even beyond).

Skineland: Skineland is a rumour, of ancient ruins located in Harfolk, including a temple that, while large and vast, hosting many different artifacts, also houses a very large underground network. It is a location apparently only known to some inhabitants of Harfolk, the government of Harfolk.. and the United Government of Authrum. Strange energy radiates from the site, the temple.. but most importantly what is underground. Something is located deep underneath Skineland that has Authrum concerned. While an investigation is underway, the site and everything to do with it is being kept under wraps. Rumours of unlimited power, an energy that could unleash destruction, could be found in the deepest reaches of Skineland, that the name suggests something far greater. Saver for the investigation underway, there are no actual inhabitants of Skineland, having been abandoned for many a millennia.

____________ 

NIYON

Niyon is an archipelago of islands south of Authrum and Khrakov. It is a land that both encompasses modern technology, while being deeply seated in it's culture. Niyon is friendly with Authrum while wary of Khrakov, however the country keeps well away from political affairs, despite being a powerhouse of production and entertainment. They don't worry about the other countries so much, focussing more on themselves and what they can bring to the world.

Niyon is Japanese in culture and is the most advanced as far as aesthetics are concerned a 1980s/1990s feel, compared to everyone else. While Authrum are still world leaders in the technological side of things, Niyon aren't far behind, despite being much smaller. The islands encompass fields, mountains, forests, when it's not populated by bustling metropolis. Each island still has plenty of shrines regardless, along with traditional villages. There is plenty of agricultural land, even with their industry. Niyon is largely democratic, though the Emperor is considered a Royal position, passed down from parent to child when the parent dies.

Notable locations of Niyon include:

Minkyu: Niyon's capital city. Truly the most modern with the 1990s look. A huge district of business and entertainment, almost like Lobarr City in Authrum. Niyon is a baseball kind of country, it's biggest stadium, naturally, in Minkyu. Expect to see the city lit up in lights and advertisments of all sorts at night. It covers the centre of Inshu, the southern island.

Hokkaini: The western island. Probably the least populated district and the most traditional. Millions make pilgrimages to Hokkaini every year. Populated with shrines and ancient ruins, it’s also the home of the ‘Ancestor’s Fesitval’ celebrating heritage and culture in Niyon, which is also celebrated in Minkyu. Also highly agricultural.

Aishigana: The eastern island. Home of ‘Mount Hoshi’, the tallest peak in Niyon. It is a bit like Inshu in it’s mix of tradition and modern culture, though unlike Inshu, in which suburbia is further and further stretching out, Aishigana has more of a balance. It’s also setting itself up as a tourist attraction, using Niyon’s unique culture and media to create a special ‘Niyonese’ theme park, with both tradition and anime mixed in.

Okaitto: The north-eastern island. Home of Niyon’s manufacturing district, in conjunction with Inshu. Okaitto is a hub of industry and power generation, generally manufacturing vehicles and electrical goods to compete on the world stage, generally against Authrum and Khrakov. It’s home to some decent cities too. You can find some of Okaitto’s traditional roots in the right corners, if you know where to look.

Nabani: The north-western island. Nabani and Okaitto have their own competitive rivalry when it comes to sports. While not as traditional as Hokkaini, it was formerly the capital of Niyon back in it’s Imperial years, with a lot of it’s castles and sites now heritage listed. It does boast a few modern cities regardless, as well as being one of Niyon’s strategic military bases. It’s landscapes tend to make it a good location for filming too, similar to Hokkaini.

[beardedd0nut]

Sasquatch does Russia

Well fuck, it's that point in the trip where we have done a lot and I've drank a fair bit so my memory might be a little muddy but let's try and recant everything that happened between arriving in St Petersburg to now.

That second day we had a guided tour of the Hermitage in St Petersburg. Our tour guide olga was amazing, so enthusiastic and interesting to hear from. We rode the metro to the hermitage and went via the deepest metro tunnel in town, aspx 86meters deep. Crazy to to think I've been both 86 meters above the earth and below it this trip.

The hermitage was once a palace, I don't think I could stand cleaning the joint because it is fucking massive, but it is now a huge museum housing all kinds of art and artefacts from the Russian empire. It is said that if you spent one minute in front of every piece there that it would take you seven years... unfortunately our visas don't last that long so instead we got a massive 3 hour crash course. We saw pieces by Monet, and da Vinci, we saw the throne room, and ball rooms and massive roofs painted to look like sculptures.. it was an overload. Everything has been soaked in history or masterworks and my god is it intense. Three hours in a museum is long at the best of times but with detailed stories attached and the little bits and pieces in every piece to look at it was almost too tiring to even stand and soak it all in, but amazing none the less.

Oir lunch was at a nice little local Russian place, followed swiftly by a visit to the church of the spilled blood. This is the church where a tsar was killed and so his son set up a memorial church in his honour. These Russian orthodox churches are really quite beautiful. Outside is usually any number of orbs or do,es decorated in colour or gold and inside they are covered, as in not one inch is spared, of religious depictions. Wether it is painting or scripture or sculpture not one surface remains untouched. Also apparently if you've seen Anastasia it means something, but I, not sure about that.

The evening saw a few of us wander down the main shopping district and back to the hotel. Now it's not like I don't already know I look like a tourist, but that doesn't mean that every other Russian scumbag pickpocket needed to try and get me. If that's your game dude be good at it, don't just expect me to stop do you can try and rip me off, were both better than that.

That evening a few of us went off to a craft beer place not far from where we were staying. It was awesome. I can't seem to stay away from the craft beers, even in a country famous for it's vodka. They had some beautiful IPAs and Kreigs on tap, as well as a cheeky imperial stout. It wasn't supposed to be a big night but uhh yeah, it was kinda big. The following morning was slightly thick, but that's never stopped anyone, so a couple of hydralites and it was out into the world.

The last day in st Petersburg began with a trip to the faberge museum. This was a beautiful fine art museum, and along with that came a security check and some high fashion plastic covers for my boots. Inside were 9 of the legendary eggs. They are so beautiful and elaborate and may never be replicated again. The eggs were made for the romanofs over several easters during their reign. Some just had a little picture or a hen within, but others held photo frames of family members or replicated a tree with a small bird inside. Each one was amazing to see and truly stunning.

The rest of the museum contained everything from silverware to cigarette boxes. These items were also created by faberge masters and had their own level of beauty within, and within a few rooms paintings that looked as though they were glowing on the walls that they stood. So we easily spent an hour or more just soaking up the stunning artworks within.

After such a big end morning it was time to go to the vodka museum. Walking through town we passed a lovely snow covered park and the back of saint isacs cathedral, but more on that later. The vodka museum held some nice old pieces within, but all the information was in Russian... and the audio guide was over and hour long for a room not much bigger than an average one bedroom apartment. However the entry included a vodka tasting, so that made up for it 😉 the first was a basic 5times distilled vodka, smooth and easy to drink. The second was infused with juniper and it had a gin aftertaste, not for me. The third was infused with pine nuts, it was different and I'm still not sure how to feel about it. The bar had a 1500 dollar bottle of vodka as well as a bottle shaped like an AK47. Was really funky.

After the vodka it was time to hit another cathederal. Buying tickets was difficult with the language barrier, and the woman selling me them didn't seem to understand that I wanted entry to the museum and the climb up to the top. The climb, while not as big as the belfry in Bruges, was trickier because it was about 200steps spiralling straight up. It gave a wonderful view of the city and caused me some serious jelly legs on the way down. Inside it was once again lovely and laced in gold and with some nuns and priests singing in the background it really added to the atmosphere.

That night was a new experience of travelling. An overnight train. While not particularly luxurious, I must say that twit was slightly more comfortable than on the plane. At least we got to lie down instead of staying seated like on the busses or planes. The only issue was it left late and we had to get off early, so I maybe got 4 hours sleep. This was followed by a 40 minute trip to the hotel, and a 3 hour bus/walking tour. I slept through most of the bus portion because a) I was tired as fuck and b) our new tour guide speaks like white noise and in a whisper like tone and could not be fucking harder to hear.

We finally got out somewhere near the red square and st basils, the famous church in town. We walked around and saw some churches, they are fucking everywhere in this town alongside the theatres. We also saw a great many plumes of smoke emitting from a power station or something similar near town. Then the red square and its lovely Christmas market. Before hittin the market it was necessary for a quick venture into lenins tomb. The man has been dead many a year and his body looks almost like a wax figure, and not gonna lie was half expecting him to get back up.

We met up and had a cheeky nap before heading out to dinner for some more traditional Russian foods. This included a beef borsch, it was delicious and full of flavour, and a couple more shots of vodka 😁

Today it was back with our stupidly fucking quiet tour guide for a trip into the city to see the kremlin. Again a lot of security, honestly it's crazier than the states. But to get inside the huge red walls and see the kremlin inside was really cool. Inside we weren't allowed to go to many places but saw the building Putin works in and the churches used by e royal families. One for baptism and birth, one for coronation and one for burying. It's practically a city within the city and has even been saved from destruction several times over.

We followed this with a quick tour of the metro. The brown line, yes it's a big brown ring line like a huge areshole around town, holds some great art within many of its station stops. The great thing is that the trains run so fast and frequently that we could get off, look at the mosaics or stain glass windows, and get back in within about 5-10 minutes. If that was Melbourne you'd be waiting a fucking half hour between stops.

Curenntly im just chilling in the hotel and getting ready to see the Russian ballet tonight. There will be a Prima ballerina and all, and it's pretty exciting to have such an experience. There's only a few days left in this strange yet beautiful land, and I'm going to try and fit in as much as possible.

The next update will most likely come the day before or the day I leave. Hope you've once again enjoyed this cheeky update, chatchya soon with some more adventures and tales.

[greenbagjosh]

25 March 2000 First time on the automatic M14 and ride to Meaux

Bonjour mesdames et messieurs!  Today is Saturday 25 March 2000.  And it is the last day that France will be GMT+1, and tomorrow the 26th it will go to GMT+2 where it will remain until Saturday 28 October and goes back to GMT+1 on Sunday the 29th October.  I managed to survive without my suitcase but hoping it will arrive soon.  I had breakfast at the Auberge Internationale des Jeunes.  It was included in the overnight price of about 92 FF, or around € 14,10 per night.  All the times I ate breakfast at the AIJ, I had only two rolls the size of an average potato, butter and the jam-of-the-day.  I think at the time it was apricot.  And there was also coffee and hot chocolate.  Some of the mugs had their handles broken off but it was not too bad.

After breakfast I needed to buy some “Type E” electrical equipment, so that I would not have to put my battery charger in the bathroom where the bedroom had only one outlet.  I went towards the Ledru Rollin metro station, diagonally from the Monoprix grocery store to Ed l’epicier.  Ed l’epicier was a compact grocery store with discounted prices, kind of like Aldi, Walmart, and Asda.  It has since been bought by the Carrefour group.  At Ed l’epicier I bought a prolongateur (non-earthed / non-grounded extension cord) and a triplicateur (3-way Type E outlet splitter suitable for French 220V outlets).  When I returned to the AIJ, I plugged in the triplicateur and the prolongateur, and this helped, so others staying in my room could use the electricity.  And I could recharge my camera batteries any time I wanted to.

Since my suitcase did not arrive yet, I decided to leave the AIJ for the day.  Note, it is compulsory to vacate the rooms between 11 AM and 3 PM for cleaning.  I went to the Ledru Rollin metro station, boarded a M8 for Bastille, using my Paris Visite ticket for the first time, transferred to the M1 and took it to Gare du Lyon.  At Gare du Lyon I bought a return ticket for Sunday the 26th March to Geneva.  I chose the 7:10 AM train and bought a second class ticket, plus reservation - you will find out tomorrow that there was a problem with the return reservation but the away portion had no issue at all, why I still do not know, even twenty years on.  At that station was a connection close to that of the RER lines A and D, for the M14.  This was the newest line of RATP, and what was special about it, was that it was fully automatic using MP89 series stock.  There was no conventional driver cabin at either end of the train, other than a hidden panel for manual operation mode.  I boarded the M14 for the Bibliothèque Francois Mitterand, as that was the southern terminus at the time.  After the M14 left Gare du Lyon, it really accelerated to about 40 mph.  This is much faster than most lines in the city.  The M14 is one of the first lines to have automatic next-station announcements, which I could remember.  I alighted at Bibliothèque Francois Mitterand and went out to see the Seine and the connection to the RER line C, which I rode most recently on Monday 17th August 1998.  Returning to Gare du Lyon on the M14, I was in the front.  It was exciting to watch how fast the train was going.  Just before the train arrived at Gare du Lyon, a couple of boys were imitating the announcements, and especially four times repeating the Spanish phrase “exit to the left” as “bajada al lado izquierdo”.         

I may have mentioned earlier that the RER station for lines A and D are on top of each other.  The RER A platforms are the deepest and there is one wide platform for just two tracks.  The RER D platforms are immediately above the RER A platforms.  There are two central platforms for RER D, a total of four tracks, making six altogether.  And we cannot forget about the M1 tracks that are kind of on the northeast side of the station.  They are more or less the same format as the rest of the line, with side platforms.  The M1 at the time still had the MP89 with driver cabins.     

I had to go to the Carrefour at the Bercy 2 shopping mall, to get some food.  I remember also that there was a Mille Amis pet store with rabbits for sale.  I took the M9 to Reuilly Diderot to transfer to the M8, then took that to Porte Charenton and I walked the rest of the way to Bercy 2.  At the Mille Amis, I watched the rabbits for about five minutes.  I noticed that the prices were from 170 FF to 350 FF, about 26 to 54 Euro.  I left for Carrefour and bought some lunchmeat, cheese and bread, plus some soft drinks.  After that I had to take a bus to go back to Gare du Lyon.    

I took later the RER D to Gare du Nord.  Then I transferred to the RER E which actually operates from the adjacent station called Magenta.  The Magenta station has four tracks and two central platforms.  The eastbound RER E went either to Chelles Gournay or Tournan via Villiers-sur-Marne.  I wanted to see Meaux as I had passed through there four times between May 1997 and August 1998.  I heard that city mentioned several times in French class when I was takin it at university.  I took the RER E to Chelles Gournay, they had very nice new rolling stock.  Between Magenta and Bondy it went very fast, stopping only at Pantin.  In 2000 the station Rosa Parks had not yet been built.  The RER E ended at Chelles Gournay and I had to take a Transilien line P to Meaux.  The Line P rolling stock was probably from the early 1980s.  It got me to Meaux just fine.

What did I do in Meaux?  I went into downtown Meaux from the Gare, to Place St Pierre, Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Meaux, then south to the Mairie de Maux.  As a snack, I ordered a shawarma (or Döner Kebap), and they put fries in the shawarma.  It tasted quite good.  On Pont du Marché and Quai Victor Hugo, there was a flea market going on.  It was mostly clothes and used appliances and accessories.  I crossed the Marne, then walked along Rue du Commandant Berge, and went back to the station by Place du Marché, Avenue Jean Bureau, crossing the Marne again, and ending up at the Rue de Trinitaires.  I think it was 2:30 PM when I arrived at the station.  I took a Transilien line P to Gare de L’Est, which I was familiar with and it had also metro connections.  I returned to the AIJ later.  My suitcase had arrived.  

I went to Chez Tony for a pizza.  After that I went to Monoprix to stock up on some food for the next couple of days, thinking everything would be closed all day on the 26th.  When I got back to the AIJ, I realized that I forgot to pack shampoo.  I had to think of a place that would be open until 10 PM.  The only place I knew that would be open that late was Auchan, and that was in the Quatre Temps mall at La Défense.  The Paris Visite ticket would allow me to go there.  I took the M8 from Ledru Rollin to Auber and transferred to the RER A.  It took me an hour and a half to go there and back.  My other alternative would be to go back to Carrefour at Bercy 2 but the connections were not as good.  I returned to the AIJ in good time, as I would need to go to sleep and wake up in time to make it to Gare du Lyon by 7 AM CEST.

Tomorrow is the first day of daylight savings time, so moving from GMT+1 to GMT+2.  The train to Geneva leaves at 7:10 AM and we mustn’t be late.  Bonne nuit et a la prochaîne!