We all loaded into the Hypes' van, Dayton, Karen, Jordan, Chrissy, Linda and of course, me. I think I started my Camino when I stepped into the van or it could have been a year ago. It was a very strange feeling knowing I would not be seeing Linda for anywhere from 35 to 45 days. We arrived at the airport and all went for a quick lunch before checking through into the secure area. It was hard saying goodbye. I felt strange and a bit lost or should I say empty watching Linda leaving the airport. I wanted to turn around and get one more hug, and good thing I didn't as I may have not continued. It has been a dream of mine to finish the Camino, but dreams shouldn't be this hard. However, if following one's dreams were always easy, they probably wouldn't be worth it. I called Linda around 8:10 pm to say final goodbye then boarded. Once in my seat, I soon discovered the seat would be empty beside me. Kind of ironic that Linda sits there and since she's not here, no one is sitting there. Once in the air I started to watch Two and and Half men and lightened up. Laughter is really a good medicine. Then dinner and some wine and more movies. It was a good flight and we arrived in Paris on time.
April 24 Paris and to Monparnese Train Station, then Bayonne
We picked up our bags with our backpacks in and then discarded the old bags. Mine was one of Cam's old hockey bags. Didn't really know how to get rid of it as security might think I was hiding or dropping off a bomb so very sneakily stuffed it into a garbage can. I think Dayton just left his on a bench. We passed through security and customs without problems and everyone at the airport was very helpful and friendly. After catching the bus for Montparnese, we discovered it wouldn't be that long of a ride. It was exciting watching all the stuff going on as we travelled to the train station. It would have been interesting to have walked the route. When Linda and I re visit the area, we will stay in Paris at least three full days. We arrived at Montparnese station and then started to orient ourselves and find the platform we needed to get the train. We actually were quite early so we tried to change our tickets to an earlier train. Then we grabbed something to eat and had to chuckle as Dayton slopped on his clean shirt. Usually it would have been me. We grabbed a bench and just people watched and waited. I love to people watch and try to figure out where they came from, where they are going, what they do, do they have family, etc. Karen had about 2 pounds of trail mix which we decided to start eating to lighten the load. As per train stations, items were expensive, especially the bottled water, 4 to 5 euro for half litre. So make sure you fill up with water before the train station. I looked for a water fountain but none existed, and there was a sign in the washrooms saying not to drink the water. I even had to pay to pee, but that is not unusual in some places in Europe.
Finally, we could board the train for Bayonne, but really didn't know if we were in the right seats or car. Not many people in our car anyway so didn't worry. Would just plead the dumb foreigner part. I love trains and enjoyed the ride and watching the country side pass by. There were quaint little farms and houses in the villages, rolling fields and people working the fields and their little gardens getting ready to plant or weeding gardens. Spring flowers starting to appear and the vineyards were just starting to grow. Beautiful country side and even passed through an area of forest and shale/sandstone quarries. Even saw some sheep. Somewhere in there I fell asleep so missed some things. When I woke up I decided to repack some things and get rid of some paper work like airline stuff and train stuff. Less to look after. Close to Bayonne a group of young people, probably late high school or early college age boarded our car. It so happened that I was sitting in one of the teachers seat, and I think he would have gotten me to move but a girl, who spoke English explained it was more the conductors fault than mine so he sat in another seat. Well, low and behold, around came the conductor to take tickets and he asked for mine. I played stupid and pretended I couldn't find it and the girl intervened again and he just accepted the fact I lost my ticket (really tore it up but wasn't going to tell him). I did show him my receipt for payment and he said, "Merci monsieur," and that was it. I think Karen and Dayton got quite a chuckle out of this predicament.
We finally arrived at Bayonne and found our way to the Hotel Paris Madrid and met the proprieter , Patrick, (wife Sylvie)who was a wonderful man full of information and spoke excellent English. I think I owe it to the French to learn some French when back home. Patrick has done the Camino many times, backpacked in the Pyrenese, and all over. What an interesting life he has led and is leading. He gave us some good advice about keeping well hydrated and nourished. Patrick also recommended a restaurant close by where we had a great meal. Dayton, paella, Karen, bread and salad, me, a salad with different kinds of meat. Great meal and then some wine to go with it. Back to our room and reorganized for our first day on the Camino. Acutally had a good nights sleep, and Dayton said I snored, and I said didn't hear me but sure heard him. Can't wait for the morning to get going.
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