Friar: Fermez La Bouche

A cool and rainy day greets us. But, after a good night's sleep, the weather is not dampening the mood. My favourite meal of the day, le petit dejeuner is absolutely delightful with croissants, scrambled eggs, meats, and cheeses. Before heading to the train station, we do a quick tour of Paris.

And when I say quick, I mean quick like a bunny. Here we are dashing to the Eiffel Tower.

In our mad dash, Jacinta captured an amazing shot:

The Notre Dame looks a whole lot different than my last visit. Despite the reconstruction post the 2019 fire, it is still spectacular.

The taxi driver took us around and around the city before dropping us off at the train station.

While the train is sweet. It is not without challenges. Having successfully navigated a priest yelling at us to " Fermez la bouche" and an older lady annoyed at our laughter and ordering us to "shut up", we decide to go to the lunch car. Sadly, we got lost on the way back. Fortunately, we make it back in time to get our packs and catch the connecting train.

While sitting on the train that we think is our connection, we discover at the last minute that it is the wrong train. We scramble off and fortunately catch the train to take us to Saint Jean Pied de Port.

And if that is not enough misdirection for one day, we are lost (in the dark) hiking to our hostel.

Not sure how the next 850 kilometers is going to work. But, if you don't hear from me, please send out a search party.

Tomorrow we get our passports stamped at the Pilgrim's Office. Tuesday we start our assent on the Napoleon Route.

Buen Camino.

Steps: 16,833