Category: France

Chastise – June 14, 2024

  • Toulouse – Figeac to Toulouse
  • Distance: 90 miles / walk, bus, train, taxi
  • Weather: 60-85°/ blue sky with white clouds

I chastise myself for the hours spent walking the Camino listening to a book on tape when I should have been building a reservoir of silence. I’m accosted by the sounds of construction equipment, traffic, and people. My ears are ringing. Why is it I never noticed tinnitus on the Camino?

It seems as if all main pedestrian roads are being upgraded. This hasn’t deterred non-vehicle traffic. Bikes, scooters, skateboards, strollers galore.
First soldier…fully packed for “going cowboy” (expression from C. J. Box’s character Joe Pickett)
A cacophony of noise.
Rumble of the Metro.

Sorting Out ~ May 13, 2024

  • Le Val, Provence
  • Weather: 60-75 degrees, blue sky with clouds

Sophie is the quintessential light traveler as her Camino backpack weights 6 pounds. At my request she suggested items to ditch…a pair of shorts, a pair socks, a dozen zip-lock bags. Being French she added a dress. My backpack weighs 10.8 pounds albeit without water.

Boarding TVG train.
Leaving Provence for Genèva.

Inseparable ~ May 12, 2024

  • Le Val, Provence
  • Weather: 60-75 degrees, blue sky with clouds

France and faith are inseparable. This Catholic Church sets no barriers during the family friendly service. Holding papa’s hand, a totter takes his first steps down the aisle. Mothers pace the aisle calming infants. Mimicking the adults, a five year old girl slipped inside the confessional booth for a wee chat with the priest. A set of seven year old boys pass the collection basket. Pews empty as the whole congregation went to the alter to receive communion or blessing from the priest. Inclusion at its best.

Only a camera’s “click” drew the boys’ eye from the alter.
Typical facade of Provence.
Provence white asparagus.

Reunion ~ May 11, 2024

  • Aix-en-Provence
  • Weather: 60-75 degrees, clear skies

Aix-en-Provence is a buzz with tomorrow’s arrival of the Olympic flame bound for the Paris Olympics. To avoiding crowds, the day is spent in Sophie’s garden. She and I met walking the Camino in 2016.

Olympic flame’s route.
The sound of France.
Sophie’s home where marauding wild boars reek havoc.
Sophie’s collection of vintage garments.

Last Day, Last Camino ~ June 26, 2016

  • Sunday, June 26, 2016
  • Day 57
  • Gif-sur-Yvette, Paris
  • Weather: 60-70 degrees blue skies with clouds

Last day in Paris.

Last walk on the Camino.

One of the four main route of the Santiago de Compostelle begins in Paris and passes through the park of Gif-sur-Yvette. This is neighborhood park of Christine and Elizabeth.

  1. Gif-sur-Yvette
  2. Gif-sur-Yvette
  3. Gif-sur-Yvette