Panorama Spring has arrived in France Day 32-33 This blog is like an infomercial. My laptop is being shipped tomorrow morning and I don't know where my next internet access will be after leaving Biarritz. After all the planning over many months or even years when the idea first came into my head, I'm finally at the start of the Camino Frances. The book that first put the idea in my head is 'Slow Journey South' by Paula Constant. That was 3 years ago. But she started her walk from London and has continued afterwards across the Sahara Desert on a camel train (new book soon to be released). Just so you know where I'm going, I put together a route map. I am doing this slower than most and will be spending extra time in ... read more

Panorama A painting by Cezanne. Isn't it gorgeous? Day 23-29 Make a cuppa everyone. This is a big blog. Well, lots of photos with notes. So I'm here in Paris enjoying the sights and sounds, the music, the atmosphere. Ah, Paris! It is beautiful everywhere I look. I am using the useful knowledge I learned from Jane about pronunciation of the sounds and have been able to communicate in stores and even asking for stamps at the post office. I watch the people and listen to their speech to help me with the sounds. The first morning I arrive by Eurostar to the Paris Gare du Nord train station. I'm very tired with very little sleep last night for fear of missing my 5.30am train. I take my time and find a map, check the Metro ... read more

Panorama The line up near the centre of shopping district in Nottingham Day 19-21 Nottingham today by train-bus-train. They are working on the Birmingham line so the trip will take a bit longer but no less efficient. Again, an easy transition from pack mule to wandering tourist with camera. I meet the locals at the Igloo Hostel. There are about 12 semi permanent residents here and it has a different feel from the normal hostel. With all the various characters in this scenario it's more like Faulty Towers. Maud is the lady in charge and she likes a good chat "Oh, I know" but if it's information you need, she calls on Kevin (a British Indian or Indian Brit) who can tell you all about the people and the places to visit for the best deals. ... read more

Panorama - The Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol Day 15-17 On another train this morning (did I mention how easy it is to get around England?). This time to Bristol...a brief trip but a much bigger place than Bath. Things weren't too encouraging when I was looking out the window to see rather seedier looking houses and run down buildings. I really didn't know what to expect here. At the train station, I look for the information counter, collect a map and find out about transport to my hostel. I find the bus, pay the fare to a surly driver who obviously doesn't like being the driver. A mother and adult daughter hopped on after me and asked the driver questions about what stop they needed for there destination. The driver grunted and gave short answers. ... read more

Panorama - Stone Henge, of course! Day 12-13 When one is asked the question about doing something different, I would jump at the chance. Such is what happened when a friend of a friend asked me the very same question. 'Would you like to spend the night in a decommissioned atomic shelter, Lynne... just for something different?' I must say at this stage that the owner of said shelter is camera shy and would prefer all reference to him or the shelter be made without actually using name and town. One of those things that if a true nuclear fallout were to happen he would suddenly be inundated with new friends wanting to get in. So I shall refer to him as 'friend of a friend of a friend'. Rob (friend of a friend) and I ... read more