Flight of the... Hornet?

Since coming home from Europe, I've gotten back to work, consolidated a few of my grades, gotten my roots touched up, been to my grandparent's cottage, and have successfully worn shoes!

Ridiculous moment of the week happened on Friday while on the way to my hair appointment with the Algonquin Hair Styling School. My aunt lent me her Vue to get to the appointment, so I turned on the radio, windows down, and started the 7 minute journey to Confederation High School. Woodroffe Avenue is under construction, so the speed limit has been reduced to 50 km/h... I'm minding the speed limit, singing along with the Rolling Stones... and I hear a loud *FLICK*

Was that a rock? Nope, a HUGE HORNET is now on the passenger side of the car!!!!!!!

I am now 2 minutes away from Confed, do I pull over? Nope, I put one hand up prepared to defend my face and scream a little... If I had stopped I would have been late for my 3:30 p.m. time slot! After I parked the car, I was able to dispose of the angry hornet... using a used Timmies cup I found outside, and an old grocery list from my purse. No hornets were harmed, and I will be more apprehensive about having the windows down on Woodroffe Ave!

Being home is weird. Back to reality. Back to the job search.

Coming home early from my trip made sense: I was there to hike for a month, and I could no longer do that. I missed my family while I was away; however, I loved being overseas. I honestly believe that it is unacceptable to be homesick while travelling... anyhow, that's what I kept telling myself while I was gone!

The Camino is constantly on my mind. As I was unpacking my bag I unearthed my seashell... I cannot wait to plan my next attempt. I'm already working on better preparing myself for the next attempt... it's 3.7 km, one way, on foot to my workplace which takes me 40 minutes to walk. This is my summer challenge; walk or bike to work girl!

Although my stint on the Camino was brief, I've come home motivated to find a real job. Not that lifeguarding isn't a real job, I'm just not banking on it being my lifelong career. Been cruising the Parks Canada job site as well as City of Ottawa. I'm eager to see what's going to happen!! Wish me luck...

Now...

So much to say... very little internet access this week, so I apologize for the tardiness of this post!

Alas, the rumours are true, I am back in Canada. Arrived yesterday afternoon via Air Transat from Paris to Montreal.

Decided to pull the plug on

my Camino when I got to Burgos, Spain. Why? Got my feet looked at by another medic, who told me once again that I needed at least a few days of rest for my feet to improve. Tatyana pressed on (sent her with my iPod as to help her stay connected with her family), and I made my way back to Bordeaux, France.

My train pass still had a few trips left on it, thank goodness, so my mission from Burgos was to get to the French border as economically as possible, then hop a TER (regional train) to Bordeaux. This little adventure brought me to San Sebastian, Spain for an afternoon/night, and I wish I could have stayed longer! If I could compare San Sebastian to anywhere I went in the past month, it would be like a larger, more affordable version of Monaco... and it has some of the most beautiful in-city beaches in Europe! Spent a good portion of my aftern

oon, with my feet wrapped up, laying on the beach. *Sigh*

Tuesday morning I left San Sebastian on a PESA (similar to Greyhound) bus to Bayonne, France. On the bus, PILGRIMS! Tons of them. Everyone was making their way to St. Jean Pied de Port to start their Camino. It was really neat to be around all of them... Most of them were German, and the girl next to me was from Hungary. Her name is Laura, and she is an automotive engineer who decided to unplug herself from her cell phone, internet, and a decent shower for a month and a half to do the Way. Go girl!

Bordeaux is amazing; the whole town has been deemed a UNESCO world heritage site. I was happy to be back at Laurene's, but pretty bummed that I couldn't finish the Camino this trip... but not to worry! This has motivated me to plan out my next attempt. I say this now, I will not be doing the Pyrenees again (although it was absolutely STUNNING, but killer). My family has been ultra supportive of me during my Euro-trip, and my dad is convinced (as am I) that I will be back on the Camino in the not-so-distant future; perhaps in a few

years :) The thing about the Camino is, you do it once and you are hooked for life. Many of the pilgrims I met along the Way had done the Camino previously... like 3-7 times! One man, met in Los Arcos, always starts from a different route. This year he began from St. Jean PP to do the French route, but he's done it from Madrid, Lisbon, and the Camino Norte. AND he always does a return trip... on foot! Wow.

Anyhow, Saturday morning I took a train to Paris, settled in and then met up with Laurene for our last day together in Europe. We strolled by the Palais Royal, into the gardens to see the Colones de Buraines, went to the Galleries Vivienne and found an amazing second hand store on Montmarte street. That night we met up with Noémie, we know each other from Laurentian University when she was an exchange student at the same time as Laurene. Good ol' Sudbury! We attempted to do museum night in Paris, but so did everyone else! The

line-up for the Louvre was easily 2 hours long at 9 p.m. ... and the museum was only open until 11:30 p.m. Bummer! They don't call it the City of Lights for nothing! We strolled around La Place Concorde, by the banks of the Seine, and by the Musée D'Orsay. Even saw the Eiffel tower all light up!

Anyhow, now I am home. Bentley, my wild bichon frise, doesn't really know what to do with himself... since I arrived he just looks at me as if to say "wait, I think I know you from somewhere..."

Oh, and I haven't worn shoes for a few weeks! It's rainy and cold here... is it poor form to wear wool socks and crocs?

The adventure continues!

The Way

(the crew in the cathedral's plaza)

We have made it to Burgos, Spain! A city with a population of approx. 170,000 and no free wifi. Well, there are a few spots, but they are well hidden...


(specialty in Burgos... Sausage made with rice, onion, salt, and pig's blood... Sounds lovely.........)









(the Burgos cathedral is HUGE! Breathtaking!!!)


(pilgrim insignia on the wall inside the cathedral... No pictures allowed in there but I couldn't resist)


(our hostel is situated above a small chapel. 16 beds, and a host who sings and plays guitar!)

After over a week of being told "wait 2 more days then you will be better", I have decided to end my Camino. Was assessed by a medic in Santo Domingo de la Calzada and I have an infection on both my heels; he told me to use lots of Betadine (iodine based disinfectant) and be cautious... What does that even mean?!

And the documentary? Not to worry, there is definitely a story here... And as I have learned throughout my year in Algonquin's documentary production; life happens, and stories change. There was a little more drama than I could have ever anticipated!

I came to do the Camino with high expectations of myself... Unrealistic even. The first few days I tried to keep up with my friends, and not complain about my feet. Lesson learned: stop and check your feet immediately at the slightest sign of pain or discomfort.

I have definitely learned about myself, for example; it's possible to walk 30km in a day, conditioner isn't necessary, 5 euros can go a long way, and that I need to continue pursuing Spanish! More importantly, how to better prepare for my next Camino attempt.

I'm so proud of Tatyana for continuing the hike! She is an incredible woman, and a skilled athlete! She leads the pack on the trail, and always reports back with a smile. Go get em' girl, keep up your positive attitude... To The End Of The World!!!





(why so serious Tatyana? Ha, that's better!)

Tomorrow is Sunday, making traveling by bus/train/plane more complicated in Spain; therefore, I will stay in Burgos until Monday, then off to San Sebastian for one night on my way to Bordeaux. Laurene gets back to her place on Tuesday morning, and if all goes well I will see her that evening.

Oh and a shout out to all the moms out there... Happy mother's day!


(street performer playing the violin via his puppet. A hairy dog sleeping at his feet)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod

Location:Burgos, Spain

Wifi Wizard

I have developed an interesting reputation on the Camino... I am the one to ask about where to find free wifi! I was asked 3 times today by different pilgrims where they could go... My trick: the municipal library.

After arriving in Santo Domingo, I found the tourist office and got a map, and then proceeded to locate wifi. Staying connected has been a priority during my time in Europe... Lately, it's been especially interesting keeping up with exciting American news, as well as with Canadian politics.

Met up with Tatyana, she and I settled into the hostel, and then she went to use Skype at the library.

Funny thing about siesta in Spain is that everything closes down for 2 to 4 hours in the afternoon; even libraries. Tatyana got locked in the Library!!!!!!!!!!! It closed at 2p.m. And the attendant didn't do a round before leaving.

I was outside filming beauty shots around the cathedral for a while, checked the time, walked over to the library doors... Locked... Immediately I thought "weird, did she walk right by me? Wouldn't it be funny if she was still in there..." AND SHE WAS!

When we found each other later and she told me what had happened, I laughed so hard that I cried!


(doors to the Sto. Domingo de la Calzada municipal library... And the balcony where Tatyana stood trying to recruit help!)


(this way pilgrims!)



(the Torre, across the street from the cathedral. Costs 5 euros for a ticket to visit the inside of both the cathedral and the tower... We admired from outside)


(the cathedral, doors open early tomorrow for mass)


(the amazing albergue for pilgrims! It's so beautiful inside... Large kitchen, plenty of showers and toilets; this is the life!)


(typical street in Sto. Domingo)


The town crest has chickens on it. The chickens in the picture live in a coop in the albergue's backyard. It has to do with a legend that involves soneone saying "when this cooked chicken sings, i will believe you!", and so his dinner sang. Hmm... There is even a coop in the cathedral; supposedly, I didn't see it though!


(the volunteer medic treating everyone's aches and pains)

Off to Belorado tomorrow. Need to make a point to use more sunscreen and drink more water...


Heehee!

Location:Santo Domingo de la Calzada

2 Outta 3 Ain't Bad

After two days in Los Arcos, I'm not sure if my heels are better. They look like hell. They hurt like hell.

New developments in the life of To The End Of The World crew. We are down a crew member; Tasha has decided that although the Camino is beautiful and a challenge, she needs to be home and sort out her professional future. Tatyana and I will press on, she on foot, and for now me on the bus.

In the past 4 days, Tatyana and Tasha hiked over 120km! Tasha calculated it all out, and turns out our excursion on day 1 was actually 32km because of the elevation. Proud of us!

Tatyana and I are sad that Tasha has left us, and we miss her already... The Camino is a challenge that, when accepted, needs to be accomplished at your own pace.


(and then there were two...)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod

Location:Calle de Miguel Villanueva,Logroño,Spain

Agua Plus Sal

Took the regional bus yesterday from Pamplona to Los Arcos. Apparently trains and busses have a sedative effect on me. I start the journey with plenty of energy, so I think, and 10 minutes later cannot keep my head up. Regardless, Pamplona is a really pretty city. Population of approximately 190,000! Isn't that like Ottawa? Well, you cant help but appreciate a place that will sell you a decent helping of gelato for only 1.70 euro. In addition, the taxi driver who brought me to the bus station told me that most of the participants for the annual running of the bulls are drunk tourists! Go figure.


(beautiful facade in Pamplona, Spain)


(square that I passed while looking for a map, this is where I found the cheap gelato!)

Staying in hostels is awesome. I mean it! I completely love the life style of meeting new, interesting people everyday. Every night is the same routine; stretch, pack a bit, eat something with carbs, brush teeth and wash face, find your bunk... Earplugs... And sleep. Thankfully you fall into the deepest slumber, because when you are sharing a room with 40-120 other exhausted pilgrims the snoring and farting can be detrimental to a good rest.

Last night I shared a dormitorio with 40 other pilgrims; what a snore-symphony. In addition to the human noise, the Los Arcos cathedral bells chime the hour, and in 15 minute increments. Not only earplugs, but I also burrito my head with the super long pillow on my bed. Hey, it works!

Los Arcos is small; however the cathedral is exquisite. It's awe inspiring, truly. The inside is done all in gold and the Marie and Jesus decorations are disturbingly life-like. There was s mass going on when I entered, but I quickly realized there was no priest present; it was a recording! What an unexpected surprise... Ha!


(the inside of the Los Arcos cathedral, behind the altar. The red window houses life-like Marie!)


(ornate glass coffin with a carved wooden Jesus resting inside, Marie behind)


(could it be a Banksy?????)

As I write this post my feet are soaking in a bucket of water with salt, as recommended by the pharmacist, a nurse, Denis the homeless guy, and an Australian woman... If anything, it feels heavenly!


(jealous?)

I dropped by the market earlier and bought a zucchini, an onion, a red pepper, and some green beans. Tonight I'm making stir fried veggies with olive oil, salt and pepper, noodles and chorizo. I've already booked the beds for Tash, Tatyana and I, and when they arrive they can relax as I prepare dinner.

Tonight we will be discussing the action plan for the remainder of the walk... Basically taking a look at what's best for each of us individually.

Updates as they arise!


(vending machine at the hostel; candy, chocolate, seashell, toothbrush, chips, metal logo pins... Perfecto!)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod

Location:Calle del Sol,Los Arcos,Spain

The Damage

Right foot, the worst one, renamed 'Brain':





Left foot, the smaller one, now named 'Pinkie':






Currently in Pamplona, considering new shoes...

Tasha and Tatyana will meet me tomorrow night in Los Arcos where we will plan the rest of the hike.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod

Location:Gazteluko Plaza,Pamplona,Spain

Feet Sh-meat

2 days of hiking have gone by... and so have approximately 54km. Something else that´s gone? My poor feet. They were sore the whole first day; obviously, we were walking in the Pyrenees mountains. The view is absolutely gorgeous, and you walk right by horses and cows taking pasture up on the mountains; making it look easy. When we left St Jean Pied de Port we were in misty fog. After the first 45 minutes of walking we were well above the fog, and looking back down at where should have been St Jean! The air is so clean, you can feel it in your lungs... The entire first day was an uphill battle with a mountain; however, looking back out all around was a scenic landscape that looked like crushed emerald green velvet.

Tasha, Tatyana and I finally reached the village of Ronceveau, France (after laying down in the grass on the hill side for 5 minutes; well deserved!), I took my boots off... bloody socks. Both my heels are raw. As a lovely Austrian man said ¨It´s the meat!¨. Yeah, great.

The man was cool, he treated my meaty feet, and in the morning he wrapped them up using some kind of healing cream, a compete bandage, and some tape. Walked all day today... got to our stopping point... no room in the hostels. Our options then become quite thin. Either walk 7km back to the last town or continue to Pamploma via taxi. There were others waiting for the taxi, and I think the girls will agree, there was NO WAY we were going to be walking back the 7km we just finished!

Taxi arrived, we got to Pamploma, aaaaaaaAAAaaand no hostels there either. Good Lord.

The driver was so great, he was calm, pulled out his cell phone and began calling all the hostels in town as well as some from a few towns over. We finally found a place 2 towns over in the village of Zariquiegui, Spain.

We arrived, settled, I removed my socks... no blood... I removed my bandages... more carnage. I feel completely deflated.

Here´s the plan for the next few days. Tash and Tatyana are healthy (feet and all... sore all over as is expected!) and will continue to walk the Camino. I will take a regional bus to the town of Estella and wait for them there. It will take them 2 days to reach Estella on foot, so this gives me 2 days are 2 nights of recovery. During that time I will be using all the spanish healling creams the pharmacist recommended (One that speeds the scarring and scabbing process) so that I will be ready to go the day after the girls arrive (they need to rest too!).

We were pretty disappointed to have to take a taxi today... and double disappointed when all this business with my feet happened. Oy. I will be sure to take a picture with my ipod so that I can post it at the earliest wifi spot... brace yourselves!

Goodnight, bed time...

St-Jean Pied de Quoi?

Sitting alone in St Jean Pied de Port, at a small eatery named 'Chez Edouards'; wondering where are my friends?

After I finished packing this morning, had a little stretch, Internet stop on the way to the station. The train was a bit stressful though! Out of the 10 cars, only the first two were going to Bayonne... What? That happens?! I only found that out 3 minutes before go time, so I jogged to the front of the train... This is what my uncle Jacques was talking about! Cars detaching and going different directions... Huh.

I had a 2 hour wait in Bayonne before my connection to St Jean PP, and although the train station was quite cute, the neighborhood was a bit rough. So, without a map (not like me, I know!), I went for a walk. What a charming town. The Nive river passes through downtown and the cathedral is beautiful... Even has a St-James chapel in along the right hand ambulatory.

Not having wifi right now really is the pits.

DENIED

Tasha and Tatyana were DENIED at the Philly airport!
What does that even mean? Ugh.

All this really means is a lot of inconvenience for them/us, and a delay for the start of the walk. Bummer! Also, no computer at the hostel so I was stressing all night about my missing compadres. Not to worry, they are safe; as safe as one can be in Philly. Hopefully I will see them tonight; if not I will be writing the Philly airport authority a strongly worded message in the near future!

The weather in St-Jean PP was absolutely beautiful today... took advantage of the day by taking some beauty shots around town... Not of myself! Dusted off the PD-170 and shot the citadelle, the St-Jacques doors (recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site), of the old town... it truly is gorgeous here.

Paying for internet, so I must keep it brief...

Paule, I hope you are having a blasty-blast in Bermuda during youer work-related conference! Miss you and love ya girl!

It's Here!

Thanks to everyone who has been following the blog and spreading the word about the documentary. It is completely humbling to know that people other than myself and my crew care so much about this project.

I cannot believe the Camino has arrived! It's all I've been thinking about for the last few months, and now it's right in front of me... Well almost! Today I am making my way to St Jean Pied de Port by train; there I will meet Tasha and Tatyana... Who I imagine will be exhausted! The took an overnight flight to Madrid, and from there a bus to St Jean.

My challenge last night was to find out my options to return to Paris for June 2. Options are slim... And obviously, pricy. Eek! Bussing is crazy, bus+flight possible, train is really expensive! Ultimately I will have to get to a major city nearby and from there get to Paris. Awesome.

I'm all packed, just a quick Internet stop before going to the train station.

Oh, and I bought the dorkiest hat ever yesterday. I am going to feel so cool while wearing it... plus side is my whole face, the back of my neck, and truly my whole person will be protected from any guys who may find me attractive. Yes, the hat is that great :-P



(place de la Victoire, in Bordeaux. No way I am going to show you my hat right away!)



(girl shopping with her dove... In a hippie store on St-Carherine street... Shocking?!)


(do you see the shell?? They are incorporated into the street signs!)


(Duckie flip flops... The shop keeper didn't like that I took a photo of his shoes!)

Going to catch the bus to the station!

Thanks again to everyone who is following our journey!

Algonquin Doc Fest tomorrow evening at Centrepointe Theatre; great work this year everyone, complete pleasure working and learning with you :-)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod

Location:Place de la Victoire,Bordeaux,France

Living the Nice Life

Immense gratitude from myself and the crew goes out to Paule Marchand and to gdevalerio for funding 'To The End Of The World' documentary! Gros merci! We need more people to know about the indiegogo campaign... You can help out by checking it out yourself at http://www.indiegogo.com/caminodoc and please send it along to your friends and family!

Spent time in Nice over Easter... My original plan was to stay 2 nights in Nice, chill, then off to Bordeaux on Saturday night. I went to the train station to arrange my ticket, I said to the woman "Ticket Saturday to Bordeaux?", she just looked at me giggled and shook her head NO! What a... Disappointment. Trapped in Nice til Monday evening; on the plus side, had time to see Monaco. Which is breathtaking by the way! I now understand why there are defibrillators on nearly every street corner... My heart was skipping beats at every turns... So beautiful!


(one of the many defibrillators stationed around Monaco)


(inside the mall... Good lord!)



(parked outside the Monte Carlo casino... Tourists were posing with it... Weird?)



(the casino! Pretty!!)


(at the Port of Hercules)


(Monaco oceanographic museum, patron=the Monaco royal family)


(the dock where I ate my lunch!)



(main room as you enter the oceanographic museum... Statue of Albert I, flounder of the museum... Oops I mean founder!)



(the lagoon had a turtle in it! Yay!!)


(view of the harbour, facing the casino, from the ramp up to the palace)

Yes, Monaco made the delay to Bordeaux totally worth it. I walked the whole day, starting from the train station to the casino, downhill and around the bay, back up to the palace and oceanographic museum, and up to the palace. I stopped at the cathedral, and saw the tomb of previous royals and the resting place of princess Grace (Kelly). Everything in Monaco is beautiful, and nothing is cheap... So I bought a patch for my bag, and went to the grocery store to pick up lunch at a reasonable price. It was 9 euro for a joint ticket to visit both the prince's palace and tge oceanographic centre... Not bad!

Back to Nice; the old town was cute, but really touristy. Food and trinkets were completely over-priced... Bummer. What is cool is that the beach is composed entirely of smooth rocks and pebbles; meaning free back massage. And of course it's on the Mediterranean, which is a double win!






(trying to tan my legs a bit before the Camino... Result: legs still pale, but my face is one big freckle!)

The hostel where I stayed was really well situated; close enough to the train station for a quick escape, and 10-15 minute walk from the sea (which is turquoise! Amazing!). Lucky again, i had some really great room mates throughout my stay in Nice... 4 american girl, 3 brazilian guys, a polish guy, even a cutie from Quebec! Not all at once, roomies rotated nearly every night.

Getting to old town is such a nice jaunt, you pass all the important stuff... H&M, Virgin Megastore, Gallerie Lafayette! So distracting, but I promise I only looked ;-) after you pass all the stores, you arrive at Place Massena which is decorated with 7 men perched at the top of tall metal posts! Random.., but really cool at night.


(place Massena at night! Cool eh?)


(split an order of white wine mussels with a friend from the hostel, Ninna)


(Ninna from Norway! Passing through place Massena on our way to the pebble beach)

Nice is a neat place to visit, but I'm relieved to be spending s few days in Bordeaux with Laurene. I know this city (we are acquainted, definitely still need a mal to get around) and feel comfortable walking around. No pressure to see certain sights or churches, saw them a few years ago. Relief!

Event on Facebook by the way... Check it out by searching: Hiking the Camino de Santiago

I'm meeting Tasha and Tatyana tomorrow evening in St Jean Pied de Port! It's here! Time to walk... Oh and look what I found on the tourist office here in Bordeaux:





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod

Location:Rue Sainte-Catherine,Bordeaux,France