Author Archives: lydia

About lydia

An avowed francophile who speaks very broken but earnest French, Lydia is married to Joseph, of ancient Basque and modern Mexican lineage who has spent the past several years studying his Spanish heritage. In the course of their 50 plus years together, they have been abundantly blessed by a wonderful family which now includes 9 grandchildren, many longtime friends, and the desire to search their roots. Since Lydia doesn't have any French roots, her love of France must have come from her highschool teachers and from her father who never lost his ability to recite "The Grasshopper and the Ant" in French. His reading her the horrible wonderful French fairy tales didn't hurt either. Lydia plans their trips and Joe has the power of veto, sometimes! Genealogy research in Spain has led to a wonderful friendship with our Artajona Banales family. Our love of the Camino de Santiago has led to a love of the Camino Real de California. And then, there's always France, and Ireland, and Croatia, and, and.... This blog is an attempt to share some of the stories as they happen to spare their family and friends when they get home. We hope you enjoy it.

May 13, 2013 Angels Again

Monday , May 13, 2013 Angel in Granon, Angel in a Taxi Up and out bright and early (that’s about 9 am for us) and on our way to Castildelgado, population 80 About lunch time we arrived at Granon. The … Continue reading

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May 14, 2013

May 14, 2013 Lessons in Humility and Acceptance I am sadly having to admit that my capabilities are not what they used to be. “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” was never truer. Today’s plan is to … Continue reading

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May 12, 2013 Rest Day, Fiesta Day, Mothers’ Day

We packed up as quickly as possible in the mornIng and were at the Hospideria Santa Teresita by 10:30 to check in and go to the 11 am Mass at the Monastery. Our room was ready and what a difference! … Continue reading

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May 11, 2013 Easier Said than Done

The Azorfa Refugio was clean and well run. After a good night’s sleep we were eager to set out. First order of the day-breakfast. The bar/ cafe was doing a brisk business and many pilgrims were already enroute. We ordered … Continue reading

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May 10, 2013 Challenges and Answers

We started the day thinking we just needed to get from point A to point B to point C, etc. St. James had other plans for us. After a good breakfast at Hotel Europa, we picked up our rental car, … Continue reading

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May 9, 2013 Crossing Borders, One Train at a Time

We learned that there are two trains to Hendaye and from there we transfer to the Topo train which goes to San Sebastian. We decided to spend the night here and make further travel decisions in the morning. I had … Continue reading

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May 8, 2013 Unexpected Adventure

May 8, 2013 Unexpected Adventure Now I know what it’s like to go to a French Emergency Room on a holiday. Who knew these countries had so many days off. Today is Liberation Day, tomorrow is Ascension Thursday, and then … Continue reading

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May 7, 2013 Lourdes in a Day

May 7, 2013 Lourdes in a Day All went well getting to the Montparnasse station and our 8:30 train. I must admit that First Class does make a difference. The seats were very comfortable which was so important for Tom … Continue reading

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May 6, 2013 Normandy Beaches

May 6, 2013 Normandy Beaches We’re getting pretty good at getting on trains. Of course it’s a lot easier when you’re not laden down with baggage. We got a taxi to St. Lazare station and made it onto our train … Continue reading

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May 4 and 5, 2013 All Roads Lead to Rome but the Train from Hell Leads to Paris

May 4 and 5, 2013 All Roads Lead to Rome but the Train from Hell leads to Paris How to describe our overnight train ride? Awful, nightmarish, painful? All of the above? All that and more! A four bed couchette … Continue reading

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