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Published: December 10th 2008
Day 1
Using a map as reference Becky and I intuitively pick up the energy trail and draw ourselves to two different towns though they are within 10 miles of each other. We sense deeper this time both receiving "Saint Saens, France". Our next decision was transportation and we both sensed a bus which as it turned out was our only option.
I am still very sick with my cold and we tow luggage about two thirds of a mile stopping to get food that we thought was sausage and chips (french fries), the only thing on the menu we thought I might be able to eat. When we received our order the sausages looked like long thin, red colored hotdogs and tasted a lot like them, which I ate without question, but Becky would not touch - other than the fries. So far every country we have been to has a love affair with french fries which they call by differing names but serve with practically everything. Anyway, it is on to the bus station, in the rain, as usual.
We meet Jackie there, a lovely and vivacious french women that I started up a conversation
with, though we could barely communicate. This hardly stops Becky or I now and she tried to help us with the bus schedule. After getting on the bus we had fun using the electronic translator while trying to talk about spirituality. We left our new friend, who turned out to be a spiritual seeker like us, at the next bus stop and parted with much regret. The world seems so small when I meet others who desire connection and spiritual communion as we do. In the briefest of moments we still found significance and heartfelt empathy. We are not likely to ever forget her.
Our final destination came quickly and we got off the bus in the rain in Saint Saens. It was about 1:00 PM and everything was closed. We finally found a small cafe that was still open. I tried to use some phrases I had written down in my little notebook but it was the help of a Scandinavian man who intervened, and just happened to speak 4 languages two of which were french and English, that helped us the most. He explain that we were merely wanting drinks and a place out of the rain.
France_Saint Saen
Le Relais Normand CafeBecky and I found him quite charming, very educated and we decided "hunky" was the only word that really fit for his good looks.
From there we sensed for a Bed and Breakfast only to discover the one we were guided to just up the street was not available, the women being in southern France. We turned to our second guided choice. Becky called to gather information to see if suitable for us, especially me. She was assured our needs would be met and there were no stairs.
We towed luggage about 4 blocks to an older residence and upon gaining entrance I was presented immediately with a steep set of winding stairs. I balked. Badly. I sat down on the bottom steps and refused to budge. It had taken all my energy to get there and I had nothing left to climb the stairs.
It was not good. Becky didn't know what to do with me. I turned away from everyone and sat there fighting back tears. I didn't know how to keep going. Once again, I didn't understand why we were sensing for our accommodations and I was still ending up with nearly impossible experiences
for myself. It also didn't help for me to see how easy it was for Becky. I felt inadequate and a burden. I questioned why all of this was happening.
The two young women who work here carried up my luggage and Becky got the rest of my stuff. I slowly hauled myself up the stairs and collapsed on one of the beds. One good thing is we have lots of heat for which I am very appreciative. I also have a large deep bathtub for my aches and pains as well as a heater in the bathroom. For these reasons and the fact I could go no further, I decided to stay. However, my mood has not dramatically improved. I am too miserable.
Day 2
Still sick. Still miserable. I feel desperate to be alone and have some space. Though cold and threatening rain I go for a walk even though I know I will have those daunting stairs upon my return. We are on the edge of town and in two blocks I am in trees and nature which soothes the beasties in me. I calm down and spend some time taking pictures which remains
my only true pleasure.
I am better when I get back. I climb the stairs slowly but I make it to the top. I discover the two girls who own the place are being as accommodating as they can be. I am grateful for their kindness. Becky is bringing back what food she can find. Not much luck. Bread, cheese, dairy, almost everything has it. I am mostly feeding myself with what we brought with us: granola bars, tuna, peanut butter and fruit we pick up along the way.
Day 3
None of my drama steals away my admiration for this town. I just love it. It is picturesque, friendly and relaxed. I would be pleased to stay here for the duration of our trip. I especially love how busy it is at the main intersection in the village right at 12:00 noon. The church bells chime and people scurry about and soon you see most of them with long baguettes of bread in hand. They head home for a 2 hour lunch and all shops accept a few are now closed. The streets are empty. Only Becky and I sit alone on a bench and wait
France_Saint Saen
On the Way to the B&B for our ride to our next destination. Let's hope it doesn't have stairs...
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walter
non-member comment
to dream
Lettie, I met you years ago when you were a drywall guy! I'm Craigs buddy. through Craigs friendship with you, I have kept up with your life. I apologize if that sounds odd. I watch you now, with your comrades, doing something blessed. God speed.