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.
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1 comment:
Well done peregrina-Val,
One day you must complete the journey to the tomb of St James in Spain.
Roncesvalles (Ron-thes-bye-ess)has provided shelter to pilgrims walking over the pass into Spain for over 1000 years. Please attend the pilgrim's mass - it is very special (even for an old atheist like me!)
Look out for the mason's signs in the stones on the left of the door leading into the museum, it dates to the 12thC. Safe passage home.
Abrazos,
Sil
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