I am writing this blog from St Jean Pied de Port in Southern France. From here, I commence the long awaited Camino de Santiago de Compostela. Internet connection is a bit iffy but I will try to keep you all updated as to my journey as often as I can. French keyboards are set up differently to ours so if there are mistakes, please be forgiving!
Yesterday, I travelled by train from Stuttgart, Germany to St Jean, a journey of about 12 1/2 hours. Fairly tiring but I was getting excited by the time I got to Bayonne. The trip from Bayonne to St Jean is around 1 1/2 hours, through wonderful wooded and colourful countryside. There is a river alongside the train tracks and you start to get a glimpse of the Pyrenees and then think, OMG, I have to climb that in a couple of days. It really starts to make the walk a reality, I can tell you!
St Jean is a very pretty little medieval town at the foot of the mountains, with cobbled streets, old buildings and a veritable air of purpose and tranquility. I will have wonderful memories of this town. I have met some of my fellow pilgrims, a friendly, chatty bunch and the alburgue is excellent. It will be the perfect place to start this strange and fantastical journey I have decided to undertake - perhaps I am mad after all?
So, till next available internet, please keep me in your thoughts and if you have any spare energy, please send it my way as I will probably need it!
Frances can you name a couple of the towns (or more) you will walk through to start with so I can work out your route on Google maps.
ReplyDeleteThere seems to be a few different routes so not sure which one you are taking. Are you going via Pamploma because I think there is a northern route as well.
Absolutely all the best in weather, health (mind and body) and companionship. O yes and remember to air those socks!!!!
Hola Frances
ReplyDeleteI don’t visit your blog very often (I get regular verbal updates from you-know-who!) but always enjoy your writings and terrific photos when I do get myself there. It’s so interesting to hear your perspective. I take my hat off to your ability to study Spanish so intensely – second language isn’t a forte of mine by any streak of imagination.
All the best for your BIG WALK. I know all your preparations will help make it a very pleasant experience. Some time when you visit us, we’ll have to watch “The Way” (with Martin Sheen & Emilio Estevez) together so you can point out Camino scenes throughout the film and yell “YES!” and tell us your story about them!
Happy walking
Cheers
Lorraine
Hola Frances, I have to admit to missing your start date as I was caught up in the busyness of Fathers Day and spring cleaning at Carters Ridge! YOu are off and walking and like your other friends I wish you a sunny sky and the wind at your back, good company and no blisters!
ReplyDeleteWe will all enjoy hearing of your adventures so keep the blogs coming, the best you can! Much love Jan