iZap

There is a new type of train service here in France. They have decided - it would seem - that riding on the regular old TGV is no longer cool enough for 18-35 year olds. The solution: a new way to travel. The iDTGV. Tickets are only sold online. There is separate boarding procedure. Different prices. They are actually different cars - but at least on the train we were on - it was attached to the regular TGV that was also bound for Grenoble. During the day - you have a choice between two different ‘atmospheres’: iZen and iZap. During the night there is iDNight. Nope, not sleeper cars with beds - that’s so old fashioned. This one is not for sleeping - it’s pretty much a 300km/h all night rave across the country. Live DJ’s, dancing, disco lights - you know, over-night train. During the day, iZen is for those who want to sit quietly and not be disturbed. It’s what we travelled in - the conductor actually came through and reminded everyone right as we were pulling out that we had to be quiet and leave the car to use a phone. Then no one came through our car for the rest of the journey. Yikes. We grabbed a couple baguette sandwiches before we got on board - but nothing to drink - so I wandered one car over to the bar car. Guess what - it was iZap. This is what was going on there. Next time I think we may have to ride iZap.