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!

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!

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!