Overdue

     Sorry to post so infrequently. I really ought to be more diligent, as this is the sole form of contact linking some of you to me. Well, Merry Christmas to all, and by now, Happy New Year. I've been thoroughly enjoying myself here in France, first with my host family in Le Touquet, then with my pal Perry, an old chum from Kenyon who paid me a visit for New Years. 

     An uproarious time was had on all fronts. I'm writing this hurriedly, as tomorrow morning I board a train for Le Puy-en-Velay, where I will start a short hike. It could last anywhere from 4-12 days, depending on my comfort, enjoyment, and progress. This is the Chemin du Puy, which is one of the French feeder trails to the great Pèlerinage du Chemin de St Jacques de Compostelle, an ancient religious pilgrimage. I just found out today, to my relief, that you don't have to be Catholic to do all this! I'm in the clear. Well, from what I know, the trail will be much different than what I'm accustomed to in the States, meaning the trail is more like an extended walk in the country. The terrain is agreeable, while undulating, and it passes through towns at least once a day. This means I will collect water from established sources and will not need to treat it, and that I should never be carrying more than 2 days of food with me at any time. Yes! I'm taking my new 35 liter pack, and even though I'm outfitted for winter weather, my rig is gonna be nice and light. I've got my good, solid, American gear to depend on (thanks for sending it all, mom). I'm 93% sure I'll be comfortable. But don't worry, this is my third winter hiking trip, and I've got what it takes. 

     Here are some pics from Perry's visit. Wish me luck!

     Perry found a copy of the literary journal in which he has a poem published. This is in the way famous bookstore, Shakespeare & Co. Woowie.


     We had seen about 2 dozen reliquaires or reliquaries that day, so I grabbed the duck bone off my plate and treated it as if it had come from a Saint. 

     Later on we took a ride on an abandoned baggage cart. See, my Vélib card is only good for one bike, so we were forced to improvise.

      Perry really wanted a shot in front of Courbet's The Origin of the World. It took three rounds of asking museum goers to take our picture to get a good one. Pushing a camera towards uneasy tourists and saying simply, ''photo'' just doesn't guarantee a good outcome.

    

      Perry and I were on the Île de la Cité for the strike of midnight. We sung a hearty round of The Star Spangled Banner, because we didn't know the words to that song that goes, "...may old acquaintances be forgot ...". This attracted four German girls, well, we approached them, and chatted with them in German. At some point this Algerian guy and his friend appeared out of nowhere and were just a bit bothersome. I told him about every crêperie I knew of in the area, but he didn't go away till we took this picture. What a laugh.

      Roommates in a bar enjoying several pints. It was a blast.