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.
A stroll in Christine and Elizabeth’s neighborhood park, Gif-sur-Yvette.
Is it any surprise my first stop in Paris is the premiere cooking equipment shop, E. Dehillerin.
We saw a woman walking down the street with a shell swinging from her backpack. All the markings of a pilgrim. We introduced ourselves as two former pilgrims. To her great relief, the South African asked directions to the metro station. Being a pilgrim it’s like being in a sorority or a fraternity. We share a bond. We walked the woman to the metro stop and help her purchase her ticket. Camino magic.
My first purchase was a French rain cape. Unlike the American poncho, it has sleeves and closed sides seams.
Next purchase was a couple pairs of trousers and a blouse to augment my pilgrim outfit. Master quilter, Christine, kindly hemmed my trousers.
After walking 625 miles, I made a smooth transition to traveling by airport bus, plane, and train.
Reunited with Christine, dear pilgrim friend I made the first night of my 2014 Camino.
French pastries served by Christine’s future daughter-in-law.
Linda Scandore 