Green Light Adventure: A Journey Inspired by Duffy and the Little Red Train

There’s a certain magic in spontaneity. A thrill that comes from embracing the unknown and setting off without a detailed itinerary. As the kids grow older and move past those fabulous, well-illustrated books, I’ve been keeping a few of my favorites. One of these is Benedict Blathwayt’s Green Light for the Little Red Train.

This trip was a close re-enactment of the adventure Duffy had. Due to a last-minute holiday change prompted by illness, I found myself with a week off in November, no parenting commitments, and an urge to embark on my own unplanned journey. Just as Duffy was told to “keep on going until the lights change,” I packed my adventure bag, grabbed my passport, and headed to the train station with no specific destination in mind. This is the story of that journey.

Sunday

My journey started with a train to London, chosen because it’s a great hub to go wherever the wind might take me. I walked across London St. Pancras International station. The hustle and bustle of travellers. each with their own stories and destinations, reminded me of the Little Red Train’s busy station. Spotting the next Eurostar departure, I saw my “green light” and seized the chance to embrace the unknown.

Without overthinking, I booked a last-minute ticket to Paris: the 16:31 Eurostar to Gare du Nord. Over the years, I’ve lost count of how many Eurostar journeys I’ve taken for work. As we sped through the English countryside and plunged into the Channel Tunnel, I felt a connection to Duffy’s own unexpected journey beneath the sea.

While on the train, I booked a room at the Best Western Hotel Apolonia Paris Mouffetard, letting the adventure unfold organically. Arriving at Paris Gare du Nord at 8 p.m., the City of Lights welcomed me with its familiar allure. I set off on foot, traveling a route that had become comforting in its familiarity from previous trips. The Notre-Dame Cathedral stood resilient amid restoration, its towers reaching into the night sky. Winding through the Latin Quarter, I passed the Pantheon and the steps of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, the very steps where Gil begins his magical journey to the past in Midnight in Paris. Soon, I arrived at my hotel on rue Mouffetard. After settling in, I ventured out into the Parisian night in search of a late snack, the city’s energy propelling me forward.

Monday

The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of rain. At my favorite time of day, I laced up my running shoes and set off toward the Jardin du Luxembourg. The paths were quiet, the usual throngs of tourists replaced by locals starting their day. The drizzle added a sheen to the tree-lined avenues. Running past the Pantheon and back to the hotel left me feeling invigorated.

After a quick shower, I headed to La Crêperie, my favourite spot overlooking the Pantheon. I had decided to head farther into France and had booked a train to Bordeaux the night before. So I made my way to Paris Montparnasse station for the 11:05 TGV to Bordeaux. After a brief confusion over the train’s entrances, I realised the train was so long it could be accessed from either end. I settled in for the journey south.

The landscapes blurred from urban sprawl to rolling countryside. Arriving in Bordeaux, I meandered toward the Hotel Indigo Bordeaux. Crossing the Garonne River and passing through Parc aux Angéliques, I noted the tents of homeless people, a poignant contrast to the grandeur of the city. Crossing back over the river via the beautiful Pont de Pierre, I was struck by the city’s blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.

Using reward points to book my stay felt like discovering hidden treasure along the journey. After dropping off my bags, I explored more of Bordeaux. The Jardin Public offered a serene escape, and as evening approached, I wandered through narrow streets, admiring historic gates and soaking in the ambiance.

Finding food that fit my dietary requirements proved challenging, often leading me to supermarkets. Still, the day’s exploration satisfied my wanderlust. Back at the hotel, I unrolled my yoga mat for a relaxing session, reflecting on the day’s adventures before drifting off to sleep.

Tuesday

The morning sun cast a golden hue over Bordeaux as I walked to the station, passing grand buildings and lively squares. I was bound for La Rochelle next. Upon arrival, hunger led me to a bustling café where I enjoyed an omelet, salad, and chips. A simple yet delightful meal. After checking into the IBIS Budget La Rochelle Centre, I set off to discover the city.

Making a beeline for Parc Charruyer, I strolled through its lush greenery and the surrounding residential areas until I reached the sea. Walking along the coast, the sound of waves mingled with the narration of one of my favorite audiobooks, Atomic Habits. The iconic towers: La Tour Saint-Nicolas, La Tour de la Chaîne, and La Tour de la Lanterne. stood as sentinels of the harbor, each with stories etched into their stone. Heading out on the pier, I gazed across the marina before wandering back to the hotel. As the day faded into evening, the sea air refreshed and invigorated me.

Wednesday

I began the day with an early run through La Rochelle’s quiet streets, revisiting some of my favorite highlights under the soft morning light. Without the usual crowds, the city felt even more charming. A gentle yoga session followed, grounding me for the journey ahead.

With the weather improving, I hunted for sun cream, which proved more challenging than I expected. Soon, I boarded the train to Nantes, embracing the freedom of unplanned stops. In Nantes, I had time for a walk and lunch. Starting with the Château des ducs de Bretagne, I was captivated by the city’s rich history. A nearby church and some intriguing markings on the ground suggested a walking tour. Following these dots, I wandered through the old town, wishing I had more time to delve deeper.

Passing the LU Tower, I realized my lunch break was nearly over. I returned to the station to catch the train to Saint-Malo, where I had booked a last-minute Airbnb at Elodie’s place; a cozy studio attached to a family home in a quiet residential street.

Arriving in the evening, I walked into Saint-Malo to find dinner. The cobblestone streets and ramparts made me feel as though I’d stepped back in time, and a small café-style restaurant provided a satisfying meal.

Thursday

Sunlight filtered through the curtains as I began the day with a vinyasa flow. The tranquility of the studio flat enhanced the practice. Eager to explore, I set out toward the coastline.

Saint-Malo’s shoreline was a tapestry of golden sands and rugged rocks. With the tide low, I ventured to Fort National, Grand Bé, and, after waiting for the water to recede, Fort du Petit Bé. Although the fortresses were closed to visitors, standing amid these historic bastions was exhilarating. These settings offered a glimpse into Saint-Malo’s storied past as a pirate stronghold, once teeming with corsairs and adventurers.

Clambering over rocks amid powerful Atlantic winds, I felt a kinship with Duffy’s daring escapades. Participating in the DataFit Club #30daymapchallenge, I traced my route on Strava, mapping the adventure to share with others. Next, I circled the fortified walls, taking in panoramic views of the sea and the city. Wandering through narrow streets, I explored shops and visited the church, each corner revealing another facet of Saint-Malo’s charm. In the afternoon, I continued my exploration, enjoying a view of the ferry that would soon carry me home. Reminding me of the red light Duffy encountered before getting the ferry back to England. For me, there were still a few more days before I would re-enact that part of the story!

Friday

The call of the GR34 trail was irresistible. Having walked much of England’s South West Coast Path over the years, I couldn’t pass up the chance to explore this famous coastal trail in Brittany.

After my morning vinyasa flow, I packed a few essentials into my Little Rock and Run bum bag. Finding gluten-free, vegetarian food had been challenging, and I wished I had brought more provisions.

The trail hugged the coastline, offering breathtaking views of secluded bays and expansive beaches. The rhythmic sound of the waves and the solitude of the path provided a meditative backdrop.

At Plage de la Touesse, I sat listening to the ocean’s lullaby. The sun warmed my face, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. The experience certainly whetted my appetite for more.

As the day wore on, I took a more direct return route via Saint-Vincent, using Komoot to find footpaths and carefully navigating a few sections along the road. I covered over 25 kilometers, returning exhausted but exhilarated.

Saturday

My final day in Saint-Malo began with a morning yoga session in the cozy flat, followed by a last run along the beach and back along the promenade. a fond farewell to the city that had captured my heart.

With hours before the ferry’s departure, I explored Saint-Malo one last time, stopping in a couple of cafés and soaking in the atmosphere. The anticipation of returning home mingled with a hint of melancholy at leaving.

Boarding the overnight ferry to Portsmouth, which set sail at 20:30 and passed close to the Channel Islands, I felt a kinship with Duffy sleeping on his return journey. Having paid extra for a chair in the lounge, I settled down on my yoga mat on the floor, hoping to catch some sleep. The gentle rocking of the boat made rest a bit challenging, but at some point, I glimpsed the lights of the Channel Islands, a silent farewell.

Sunday

Dawn broke as the ferry approached Portsmouth. The silhouettes of Royal Navy ships, including an aircraft carrier, stood against the rising sun. After a quick shower on the boat, I watched as we arrived in port. A fitting end to the maritime leg of my journey.

Disembarking, I wandered from the ferry terminal to the train station, hoping to find breakfast but with little luck. Undeterred, I caught a train to London, arriving at Southbank where I finally managed to grab some food.

Back in England, I took a short lunchtime walk before catching the train home. The familiar sights and sounds brought comfort and closure.

Reflections on the Journey

Embracing the “green light” led me on a journey as enriching as it was unexpected. By seizing each moment; whether catching a train, exploring a city, or meeting new people. I allowed the adventure to unfold naturally.

The parallels with Duffy’s adventure were striking:

• Unplanned Beginnings: Both journeys started without a concrete plan, leading to unexpected destinations and experiences.
• Under the Channel: Traveling under the English Channel connected my experience directly with Duffy’s accidental trip to France.
• Exploration and Discovery: Each new city and sight mirrored the sense of wonder in the Little Red Train’s travels.
• Return by Ferry: Like Duffy sleeping on the ferry back to England, my overnight boat journey offered a peaceful conclusion.

This trip reinforced the joy of embracing spontaneity, much like the whimsical, adventurous spirit of the Little Red Train stories. By letting go of rigid plans, I opened myself to a world of possibilities I might otherwise have missed.

As I settled back into daily life, I recalled the ending of Green Light for the Little Red Train, when Jack the guard asks Duffy where he’s been. Duffy replies, “Your guess is as good as mine, but it’s really good to be home.” After every adventure, it’s wonderful to return home, reflect on what has been, and look forward to what’s next.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey Ahead

My journey was not just a physical movement through places, but an experience echoing the themes of The Little Red Train: Green Light. By following metaphorical “green lights” along the way, I enjoyed the thrill of unplanned exploration, the joy of new discoveries, and the comfort of returning home with rich memories. Just like Duffy and his Little Red Train.

The adventure may have concluded, but the spirit of spontaneity and exploration remains. With each new day comes the possibility of another “green light,” another chance to set off on an unexpected journey. And, as always, it’s really good to be home.