One week of this Euro-trip left, and I am getting excited to come home. BUT FIRST I am going to Lyon to visit my good friend Joel, who was my workcamp leader in Flamarens. I told him that I cannot come, I cannot afford the train ticket. He was very insistent that if I do not come I will miss exceptional moments, and I thought it wise to find a way to Lyon in order not to miss said moments. So, I found a ride to Lyon for 25 euro and I will get there later today. I will stay probably until Saturday morning, since I have a train ticket to go to London from Paris Saturday afternoon.
I am excited to see Joel again, and to see Lyon for the first time. It is supposed to be very beautiful. I said this to Danielle and she said "Isn't, like, EVERY place you've been to?" She is right; I have not been to many places that are not beautiful! It has been a very full trip; wonderful landscapes, culture, people, and food. I could not ask for more, and I am sure I could not handle more. It means that I will have to come back some time to have more experiences in Germany, Holland, Belgium and other places. I have a big problem now, since I have met so many people from so many countries. I want to visit them all, but I do not have enough money to do it all in one big trip, so I have to choose what order to do my travels in. Perhaps North Carolina, Cuba and Mexico in one trip; then Turkey, South Korea, Japan and Australia in another. And of course more Europe and eastern Europe. I hope the Villa has a lot of hours for me when I get home!
Wednesday 15 October 2008
Thursday 9 October 2008
St. Jean Pied de Port
I made it! I did it! And like a crazy person I have not had enough, so I will walk one more day past St. Jean Pied de Port (my goal end point) into Spain...this involves walking about 20 km uphill. I hate walking uphill and that is a lot of it. I think the altitude is 1500 metres...but I can and will do it!
This experience of walking from Le Puy en Velay to St. Jean Pied de Port has taught me a lot of lessons: I have learned to be by myself, to slow down, to keep going when I think I can't, to talk to people with means other than words, to sleep early and wake early...and many more. I think most of the lessons are unspoken, unrecognized. They will be realized through situations that occur in my normal life, upon returning home. I have never done anything like the chemin before, but now I want to return to finish the journey through Spain another time.
I have seen young people struggle with walking, and elderly people breeze through it. The walking is not a matter of being young, but being prepared, going at your own pace and taking one step and a time. I would recommend this walk for anyone, as long as they follow those three rules.
After I reach Spain I will return to this beautiful, historic and touristic town, and take a train to Toulouse. I hope to see some friends that I have made in France before I return home, but I am longing to see all the friends and family I have always had in 13 days.
Until then, bonne courage and bon chemin.
This experience of walking from Le Puy en Velay to St. Jean Pied de Port has taught me a lot of lessons: I have learned to be by myself, to slow down, to keep going when I think I can't, to talk to people with means other than words, to sleep early and wake early...and many more. I think most of the lessons are unspoken, unrecognized. They will be realized through situations that occur in my normal life, upon returning home. I have never done anything like the chemin before, but now I want to return to finish the journey through Spain another time.
I have seen young people struggle with walking, and elderly people breeze through it. The walking is not a matter of being young, but being prepared, going at your own pace and taking one step and a time. I would recommend this walk for anyone, as long as they follow those three rules.
After I reach Spain I will return to this beautiful, historic and touristic town, and take a train to Toulouse. I hope to see some friends that I have made in France before I return home, but I am longing to see all the friends and family I have always had in 13 days.
Until then, bonne courage and bon chemin.
Sunday 28 September 2008
The Chemin de St. Jacques and return to Flamarens
Well, I have not written in a long time because I have been staying in many small villages and have not found internet access. I started the Chemin de St. Jacques, or the Way of St. James (I can't figure out how Jacques=James but whatever) on September 11th and have now walked over 400 km. At the beginning of my journey I walked 20 km a day, but soon after I began to do no less than 24km, usually 26 or 27. Some days I do over 30, but I don't enjoy that very much. I stay at Gites at night, which are like hostels meant for pilgrims. Usually I take a demi-pension, which includes the bed, breakfast and supper. I think its good value, and during these times I meet a lot of fascinating people.
Today I only walked 14 km because I have stopped in Flamarens, the village I did my first workcamp in. I have said hello to a few of the villagers, and I will stay with the mayor and his family tonight. Right now I am in Catherine's house, a lovely woman who has been very gracious to me, the young Canadian who rang her bell unexpectedly early this afternoon. We met when I stayed here before, but she had gone to England for the second two weeks of our camp.
I checked in on the ecomusee that we worked on; it looks largely the same but is quite abandoned. Some shrubs and grass have overgrown the area where we had our table, and the toilets and sinks are dirty and full of spiders. I also checked the wall, it is still standing firm as ever! I was said that the buvette was closed, I had hoped to surprise Daniel and have a Coke!
I saw Yaseen and his parents, they were very happy to see me. Yaseen is supposed to be sick but when I came he came to life, and was acting very much like a 9 year old boy.
Anyway, I have a lot of stories about the Chemin but its too much to write in one blog entry. I hope all who are interested seek them out when I return home!
Today I only walked 14 km because I have stopped in Flamarens, the village I did my first workcamp in. I have said hello to a few of the villagers, and I will stay with the mayor and his family tonight. Right now I am in Catherine's house, a lovely woman who has been very gracious to me, the young Canadian who rang her bell unexpectedly early this afternoon. We met when I stayed here before, but she had gone to England for the second two weeks of our camp.
I checked in on the ecomusee that we worked on; it looks largely the same but is quite abandoned. Some shrubs and grass have overgrown the area where we had our table, and the toilets and sinks are dirty and full of spiders. I also checked the wall, it is still standing firm as ever! I was said that the buvette was closed, I had hoped to surprise Daniel and have a Coke!
I saw Yaseen and his parents, they were very happy to see me. Yaseen is supposed to be sick but when I came he came to life, and was acting very much like a 9 year old boy.
Anyway, I have a lot of stories about the Chemin but its too much to write in one blog entry. I hope all who are interested seek them out when I return home!
Tuesday 9 September 2008
Zombie in Paris
Well, I left London this morning at 5:30, but in order to catch my train ontime I had to leave Brixton at 3:30. That was very painful. I could not sleep at all in the hours before departure...I don't know if it was excitement, nerves or maybe I just wasn't tired enough. As 3;30 grew closer though, I definately could have used some sleep. I am not known to pull all nighters, and so far I am suffering the consequences of this one. I was able to sleep a couple of hours on the train to Paris, but now I am walking around the city like a zombie. I cannot think; typing this is draining what energy I have left.
Anyhow, I though I would let everyone know that on Thursday I will begin my pilgrimage in Le Puy en Velay; it will probably take a month to walk and I do not know how often I will use the internet during that time. I am going to buy a SIM card so I will have a phone number to call or text; I will post that soon.
Love everyone immensely!
Anyhow, I though I would let everyone know that on Thursday I will begin my pilgrimage in Le Puy en Velay; it will probably take a month to walk and I do not know how often I will use the internet during that time. I am going to buy a SIM card so I will have a phone number to call or text; I will post that soon.
Love everyone immensely!
Wednesday 3 September 2008
Chilling in London and Preparing for the Camino
So, I arrived in London last Thursday, and was very glad to be able to just relax. Frances is a wonderful hostess, and she keeps reminding me to help myself when I want anything. I sleep in, I read, watch TV, go for walks and not much else. I think soon I should remind myself that I am in London and should go do something interesting or special.
Yesterday I was accompanied by Frances' neighbours, Enid and Byron, to Croydon to buy some hiking gear (I bought a Swiss Army Knife!!!) I also found some really nice ''trousers'' and a hat (I hate hats.) So, I am all kitted out to start my next adventure, but I don't think I am really ready to go just yet. I have not bought any ticket to get to France, although I am working on that now. I want to find the most economical way to get there, and thats proving a problem. Anyhow, after the shopping Byron begged me to go to Wimbledon (he loves the trams!) I gave in to his cute little begging, although while being cute it was also very irritating, and we went to Wimbledon. We did not do much there, however, just go to the bookstore and McDonalds. I have to say I am proud of myself that this is the first time I have gone to McDonalds in Europe...sometimes they just looked like such an easy option! It was good to have a BigMac again, and now I won't have any cravings for a few months I think. The day was full of Byron holding my hand, singing and saying my name over and over again. Quite enjoyable, but on the way home I was feeling quite sick from all those trams and busses!
Today, Frances and I went back to Croydon to meet Juliet and her children. We had lunch together, and I bonded with Isabelle. She is an energetic six year old who took quite a liking to me...we held hands the rest of the afternoon. It was nice to be with Juliet, I think she is quite a wonderful and generous woman. She is very warm and kind to me, and its nice to speak to someone younger than 80 sometimes!
Juliet suggested that she call her brother-in-law and ask him if he has time to take me around. I said that sounded good, it would be nice to get out, and that way I don't have to go to all the traditional tourist sites. He will be able to suggest some other options. So perhaps in the next few days I will hang out with him. And do something with my time in London!
Yesterday I was accompanied by Frances' neighbours, Enid and Byron, to Croydon to buy some hiking gear (I bought a Swiss Army Knife!!!) I also found some really nice ''trousers'' and a hat (I hate hats.) So, I am all kitted out to start my next adventure, but I don't think I am really ready to go just yet. I have not bought any ticket to get to France, although I am working on that now. I want to find the most economical way to get there, and thats proving a problem. Anyhow, after the shopping Byron begged me to go to Wimbledon (he loves the trams!) I gave in to his cute little begging, although while being cute it was also very irritating, and we went to Wimbledon. We did not do much there, however, just go to the bookstore and McDonalds. I have to say I am proud of myself that this is the first time I have gone to McDonalds in Europe...sometimes they just looked like such an easy option! It was good to have a BigMac again, and now I won't have any cravings for a few months I think. The day was full of Byron holding my hand, singing and saying my name over and over again. Quite enjoyable, but on the way home I was feeling quite sick from all those trams and busses!
Today, Frances and I went back to Croydon to meet Juliet and her children. We had lunch together, and I bonded with Isabelle. She is an energetic six year old who took quite a liking to me...we held hands the rest of the afternoon. It was nice to be with Juliet, I think she is quite a wonderful and generous woman. She is very warm and kind to me, and its nice to speak to someone younger than 80 sometimes!
Juliet suggested that she call her brother-in-law and ask him if he has time to take me around. I said that sounded good, it would be nice to get out, and that way I don't have to go to all the traditional tourist sites. He will be able to suggest some other options. So perhaps in the next few days I will hang out with him. And do something with my time in London!
Tuesday 26 August 2008
Paris
I have recently been informed that my blogs are highly anticipated and read regularly by certain members of the Degner family, so I think the pressure is on to write more indepth prose...I will do my best!
So my strep-throat is gone, gone gone and I am so happy. Now I have more energy and better spirits to visit this beautiful city. I have now been to the Louvre, the Catacombes, Maison d'air, Sacre Couer, Notre Dame and Champs Elysee. Today was the day I visited Champs Elysee, and never in my life have I seen more wealthy people...it was like their skin was made of gold and silver, and maybe platinum! And they were so posh, so put together. And so this is reason number one why I cannot live in Paris - I am not so posh and I do not love to shop. I do not put myself together so well in the morning; although since high school I am sure my mother would agree I am doing a lot better!
Reason number two that I cannot live in Paris, or anywhere else if France for that matter, is crepes. I ADORE crepes with nutella, and possibly bananas. If I lived in Paris I would want to eat 5 crepes a day, I am sure. And this is a serious health risk.
Reason number three is that men in Paris are very forward and extremely persistent; I just cannot deal with this all day every day. I can only say "non, non, non" so many times a day, and certainly not every day a year.
Reason number four is people like me: tourists stress me out. There are piles of tourists on every corner, every metro, every restaurant, and it is quite exhausting.
So far this is my list of why I cannot live in Paris; none of them do I take so seriously that if the chance came to actually live here I would turn it down! I love this city and if I had a lot of money I would like to spend a long time here.
So my strep-throat is gone, gone gone and I am so happy. Now I have more energy and better spirits to visit this beautiful city. I have now been to the Louvre, the Catacombes, Maison d'air, Sacre Couer, Notre Dame and Champs Elysee. Today was the day I visited Champs Elysee, and never in my life have I seen more wealthy people...it was like their skin was made of gold and silver, and maybe platinum! And they were so posh, so put together. And so this is reason number one why I cannot live in Paris - I am not so posh and I do not love to shop. I do not put myself together so well in the morning; although since high school I am sure my mother would agree I am doing a lot better!
Reason number two that I cannot live in Paris, or anywhere else if France for that matter, is crepes. I ADORE crepes with nutella, and possibly bananas. If I lived in Paris I would want to eat 5 crepes a day, I am sure. And this is a serious health risk.
Reason number three is that men in Paris are very forward and extremely persistent; I just cannot deal with this all day every day. I can only say "non, non, non" so many times a day, and certainly not every day a year.
Reason number four is people like me: tourists stress me out. There are piles of tourists on every corner, every metro, every restaurant, and it is quite exhausting.
So far this is my list of why I cannot live in Paris; none of them do I take so seriously that if the chance came to actually live here I would turn it down! I love this city and if I had a lot of money I would like to spend a long time here.
Saturday 23 August 2008
Updates
It has been awhile, and I think this blog will go faster for me because I am getting used to the French keyboard...this could be troublesome when I go home and have to readjust. Ok, so I am finished each and every workcamp, and now I can relax...except that I cannot because I am staying in a hostel and apparently there is a reason they are called youth hostels. It is because you would be crazy to stay in one if you are over the age of 25, or if you value sleep. And I am trying to recover from strep-throat, which is hard to do with the medicine prescribed to me by the utterly thorough doctor who walked in the door, shone a light down my throat and wrote a prescription. But slowly I feel better!
And enough of the whining.
I LOVE Paris. Did anyone know that it is supremely beautiful? It is such a pleasure to simply be able to walk through this city. I wish I had all the time in the world so that I did not need a guide book or some idea of what I want to do, because it is my favourite thing just to start walking towards one destination and to get lost...you find so many beautiful and interesting things along the way.
I have not been in anything except the Musée d'Orsay, but I have seen Bastille, Le Louvre, Le Tour Eiffel, Le Grand Palais, Les Halles, St Eustache, La Seine, and so much more. I look forward to going to the Catacombs, Notre Dame, and all other sites.
Everyone should come be with me in Paris.
And enough of the whining.
I LOVE Paris. Did anyone know that it is supremely beautiful? It is such a pleasure to simply be able to walk through this city. I wish I had all the time in the world so that I did not need a guide book or some idea of what I want to do, because it is my favourite thing just to start walking towards one destination and to get lost...you find so many beautiful and interesting things along the way.
I have not been in anything except the Musée d'Orsay, but I have seen Bastille, Le Louvre, Le Tour Eiffel, Le Grand Palais, Les Halles, St Eustache, La Seine, and so much more. I look forward to going to the Catacombs, Notre Dame, and all other sites.
Everyone should come be with me in Paris.
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