The first day was really a travel day, but what can you say about a succession of flights and bus rides? The microwave gourmet food and a large collection of second run obscure movies on Air Canada? Not much. However, I was fortunate to be able to share my allotted 17-3/8 inches of seat with a very large lady who overflowed the armrests even BEFORE she donned a heavy wool overcoat for the remainder of the flight.
Heathrow and Gatwick both allowed us plenty of walking practice between the check in and the gates. Getting to the bus depot at Heathrow required finding the special set of elevators that took you to floor -1 (that’s ‘minus one’ – what is this – Hogworts?).
At Gatwick we began to see the first evidences of the Camino – small groups wearing factory creased walking pants and shiny new walking boots.
Our final transport from Biarritz to St. Jean simplified that particular leg, and gave Vic french language practice.
The final crisis came at our pre-booked hotel in St. Jean. It turned out to be a B&B, locked tight and with nobody around. After a day of travelling with jet lag and no sleep we were not happy campers on their doorstep. After a lot of pounding and doorbell ringing, and few fruitless phone calls and texts, I walked into town to try the (now closed, as it turned out) tourist office for help. While I was gone, the situation resolved itself – the landlady returned, and the landlord (I think) woke up from his nap.
A good meal, a jug of wine, and a night’s sleep has made everything right again.
Remember when flying used to be glamorous? Yep, the food and the space are just not made for comfort and enjoyment. Enjoy the walk. Should be a lovely time of year.
Glad to hear you made it safely and I can see I’ll enjoy Stacey’s blogs. He has a way with words that always makes me smile!
Yup, the interesting posts will be his. I will deal with the facts.