Have enjoyed my brief stay in Paris; walked & took the elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower, took a bus tour of Paris and had the opportunity to learn more about French history as well as see the most notable landmarks. Couldn’t fit everything in and Had to keep reminding myself that seeing Paris was/is not my primary objective for being here in Paris. Also finally had two very tasty meals one of which was suggested by Gary Bailey. Thanks Gary!! Purchased my rail ticket to St. Jean Pied De Port (SJPDP) during which I discovered the bank placed a hold on my account due to suspected fraud even though I called them as well as notified them online that I planned to be abroad. Even gave them a list of countries I’d be visiting and using the card. Fortunately, the desk clerk was making the arrangements for me and I just gave her another card; would have been embarrassed had I been using the card for dinner. Everything is all set now and I am ready!

I have packed and repacked and able to get everything in my Deuter Aircontact Lite 50+10 back pack. Went To the grocery store and picked up fruit, cold cuts, and cheese (recommended by the deli man). It’s a 6hr ride with an hr layover and transfer. Made reservations for private room and bath for as far as Pamplona. I’ve been keeping updated by posts on FB and it’s been unusually crowded so far in September. I do plan to stay in an Albergue (hostile) once I know I can obtain a bed. I am only guaranteeing one night of being a “true pilgrim”!

Buen Camino!

Anyway, it’s nearly 11:30p so I’m shutting it down and b n touch soon.

Arrived in Paris 4hrs late but the good thing is I arrived in Paris safe and sound. I got upgraded to Premium on the plane and experienced first class service for the first time. Free drinks – tempted but still sober – steak dinner, free movies, and breakfast. Loved the reclining seats and foot rests and the mini comforter put me go to sleep almost immediately. No problems with luggage nor any difficulties getting to my hotel that offers free breakfast daily. Thanks Chad for the Euros!! The first thing I noticed as we approached area in Paris where I’m staying was the beautiful OLD architecture some buildings in need of repair and the lack of trees. There is a huge homeless population. There was at least 3-4 blocks of camping tents crammed together and filled with all kinds of people – Black, White, Asian, Indian, and men and women of all ages.

Just learned the train to St. Jean Pied De Port takes 6 hrs with a 1hr layover. Will get to St. Jean around 4p on Sunday. Looks like I won’t encounter any problems with communication as long as I have access to WiFi. So, off to the bank to get Euros then back to hotel for a nap and may go out later for dinner.

Went out to grab a bite to eat, got completely turned around, lost my bearings, and finally flagged down a taxi to take me back to the hotel. Did not enjoy my first food experience. Perhaps it’s because I couldn’t read the menu. Tomorrow will be better.

Scheduled to leave for Paris this evening. Excited. Need to get travel docs in order and make a decision about what clothing to take. One of my colleagues suggested i take a taxi from CDG to the hotel in order to see some of the local color. I’ll be in Paris until the 8th so will have an opportunity to do some sightseeing and experience some of the Parisienne cuisine before catching the train to SJDP. – starting point for the Camino Santiago de Compostela.

Here at the airport. Checked in and waiting to depart. Flight is delayed. Expected to leave at 12:30a I guess I can exhale! I’ve been planning this trip for over 2yrs and Seems

Signing off for now. Next post will actually be from Paris

Never got around to writing anything for this day. I was feeling a bit scattered. I read many suggestions about how I should be preparing for The Camino and ended up packing and then unpacking. Went to bed thinking about whether to try the Albergue experience or get a room. After reading the latest posts, I learned that the first week in September is one of the busiest times to begin the walk and there appears to be a shortage of beds in an albergue.

Enjoyed a wonderful send off party last evening. Many of my friends and colleagues attended; and I also made some new friends. As far as the pilgrimage, my level of excitement is currently in slow burn mode but anticipate that level will gradually increase as my departure date approaches. At today’s worship service, John and I were called to altar and the congregation prayed for my safe travels and return. I pointed out to the congregation that my pilgrimage has actually been two years in the making and it was just last year that I was in an Intensive Care Unit praying for John who had been diagnosed with a life threatening illness. But John made a full recovery and is currently in remission and I and John both felt comfortable enough for me to go ahead with my plans to walk the Camino.

So as date of departure approaches, I am beginning to envision the articles of clothing I plan to take. I know I must pack lightly as I will be carrying all my stuff in my backpack. According to posts from those who have traveled before me, there are places where you can wash your clothes or have them washed by someone for about 3 Euros. So far, I am taking 5 pairs of dry fit underwear & t-shirts, 6 pairs of guaranteed “blister proof” socks, 2 pairs of REI polyester pants with zip off bottoms to make shorts, 2 kaki shorts, a rain jacket, a sweat shirt, 1 pair of hiking boots, 1 pair of Ultra sneakers, and a pair of flip-flops (for the showers), and toiletries (including 6 weeks of my medications). Needless to say, there may be changes!

August 30, 2019
Bill Alexander here. About twenty years ago, a dear friend pinned me Peregrinate because I had lived in so many places. As I think back, Horace was right! I have indeed been on several journeys during my 72 years; and my explorations did not just involve moving from place to place. I have also worked in a variety of positions and at age 44 with no college background, I enrolled in a Human Services Certificate Program at Los Angeles City College and ended up graduating from UMass Boston with a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology at age 56. About two years ago I happened upon a movie – The Way (starring Martin Sheen) – and now I am about to embark upon The Camino Santiago de Compostela, a 500 mile pilgrimage from France to Spain. This sojourn has been 2yrs in the making and I plan to chronicle my experiences and keep you posted along “The Way.”

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