Panorama Moroccan Spice Day 95 - 100 Marrakech Little was I prepared for the impact of Morocco. The centre of Marrakech ignites the senses, it's alive and vibrant, exciting and colourful. There is always something to see, an alleyway to explore, a store to stop at to chat with the vendor. On my first day...I spoke to many people, enjoyed mint tea in a shoe store (I wasn't even shopping for shoes), watch the World Cup game between Australia and Ghana on the little TV in the back of the store, watched life go by at a restaurant near the main square, enjoyed a fabulous Tajine in a place that looks like it belongs in a movie set, Chez Brahim. An exotic mix of colours, aromas and people that is intoxicating. Who needs alcohol! The people ... read more

Panorama You can't get lost on this road. If only life was that easy Wanderer, it is your tracks which are the road, and nothing else; Wanderer, there is no road, walking makes the road. By walking, the road is made, and when glancing back, you contemplate the trail which you will trample no more. Wanderer, there is no road, only the wakes on the sea. Antonio Machado There were times where the road was not a machine made trail but was truly a road made by walking. I would think of this poem often, especially the line, 'walking makes the road'. It would remind me that I won't get anywhere in life if I stand still. For 54 days I've walked the Way. There was no need to think about which direction to turn. Just ... read more

Panorama The Canola Fields Spain and her people are beautiful. Walking the Camino in Spring, I think, is the best time to do it. Everything is green at first and then come the flowers. All colours, but mostly yellow, purple and red. In and after Ponferrada, it's roses, everywhere you look, vines of roses climbing the walls, gardens and parks. The people are relaxed and always friendly. Always quick with an hola or Buenas dias. Some people look like they haven't smiled in many years but just a smile first always gets a wonderful response. They will dance anywhere as long as there are others to clap the rhythm or sing. A wonderful freedom and love of life. I feel extremely comfortable here. The history, the culture, the life is contagious. Everything is tranquilo. In the ... read more

Panorama Alto de Perdon, look for me. The Camino attracts all people for all reasons. These people can be put into categories and so far they go something like this: The Fit and Physical - These are the people who only want to see how quickly they can travel the Way. They have no time to stop and smell the coffee, roses or even the boots that sit outside the dormitory door. They are up at 5 (with no awareness of how loud their backpack zips are in the dark and sometimes freezing mornings). They stop only to obey the call of nature and speed past with dust flying while on the trail. They boast about their distances each night and are oblivious to the eye rollers within earshot. They arrive at their destination by 3pm ... read more

A bedtime story. England is beautiful...what parts I get to see of it. I've seen the English channel from the white cliffs of Beaches Head. I've seen the green meadows dotted with white sheep heavily laden with their winter wool and frollicking spring lambs still unsteady on their legs. AND the sites of London are spectacular! One day I go to a very strange place underground. There's lots of talking and laughing. I can hear Lynne laugh. You know the laugh I mean. The loud uninhibited guffaw after a fantastic joke. We leave the cold underground place. Thank goodness Lynne decides not to stay. We both would have frozen overnight. We get in the car. There's lots of discussion about where to go for dinner. We stop at one place but as it's getting late the ... read more