Bordeaux Wednesday 19th April
When does a journey begin? In the initial thought? The planning? The preparation – or the setting out? Perhaps all of them. I had certainly done too much thinking and planning, too many YouTube videos and blog posts, too much agonising about packing lists, boots or shoes, to book or not to book.
The preparation went well. My participation in Oasis Community Housing’s. Walk a Mile in Their Shoes challenge provided the structure and daily discipline of walking. The 7+ kilometres each day together with the occasional 20 to 29 kilometre day with my backpack provided the physical challenge. The prayer and reflection whilst walking was excellent inner preparation for what is always going to be more than a walk
The countdown began with a bus journey to Durham on Saturday 15th. As has become almost a habit I wanted to visit Durham Cathedral and the shrine of St Cuthbert. Ever since my first pilgrim walk there 11 months ago sitting in the same place talking to him has become my happy place. I prayed and reflected on the past twelve months which had led me to this place.
The next day I went to church as usual. I had asked for a blessing not really knowing what to expect. Rev Ken asked me to go to the front with him and sit in the front row and there followed a lovely and at times humorous few words including advice. Then I stood and was surrounded by love as the blessing was given. It was such a moving and precious moment. Not just in terms of my pilgrimage but the knowledge that j was being sent out by a loving church family.
Monday 17th dawned and I symbolically shouldered my pack and walked out the door to walk the first three kilometres or so to Newcastle Central Station to get my train to London. The journey had definitely begun now.
I arrived at Jonathan and Caitlin’s around lunchtime and began my pilgrim routine of getting my bed for the night, getting showered then resting. I did have a siesta whilst they were working. The evening was very special as Christopher came over with Lucy and we had a great meal. It was great to be together as a family as I set off on my pilgrimage.
Early the next morning it was off on the next stage. Victoria line to St Pancras to get the Eurostar to Paris. This is something I had wanted to do though in essence it’s just another train journey I suppose. Security and Passport Control negotiated I sat with my breakfast of coffee and pastries and had an pleasant conversation with the man sitting next to me. Soon we were through the tunnel and into France. I saw nothing of Paris beyond the inside of two railway stations and an underground Metro journey. My second train of the day was a double decker. I must admit I do like traveling on the upper deck of a train. By 4pm I had arrived at Bordeaux my destination for the day. I checked in to my budget hotel. To my pilgrim routine I now added some clothes washing before relaxing.
I had a pleasant walk around part of the city. The green signs outside the pharmacies helpfully provide the temperature which was a balmy 20 degrees.
Its difficult to put into words my impressions after a brief walk on one evening. There was grand architecture though much needed maintenence and repair. Beautiful squares and a lovely esplanade along the river. It was obviously a French city though as will all cities these days very multicultural too. The food outlets offered food from around the world. It was very busy with crowds of people socialising in the cafés and streets. I knew I was only passing through so I only skimmed the surface of this lovely place.
Later this morning I get two more trains to get me to my next starting point at Saint Jean Pied de Port where the walk properly begins.