When we called at La Poste yesterday afternoon we were a bit surprised to find our Poddy was not there, especially as a man at La Poste told us post from England normally only took 3-4 days. However, we subsequently discovered you have had post strikes at home.
Anyway, the story has a happy ending, as when we reported in to La Poste this morning, it was to find there were not one, but 2 parcels waiting for us. What a relief! We went into the Cathedral (our favourite of the trip so far) where Gio lit a thanksgiving candle on behalf of us all.
We are very grateful to the Suffolk Branch, not only for the resurrected Poddy, but also for the special consignement of edible caterpillars they have sent us. They will give us a real boost as we set off on the trail again tomorrow.
Back to yesterday, we checked into a basic, but perfectly fine, 1 star Logis hotel by the river. After doing our laundry, which the proprietor's wife kindly agreed to hang in their garden (there is no laundrette in Condom) we went back into town for a beer as our demi-pension meal wasn't until 8.00 p.m.
We were a bit hungry, especially Yorkie, so we bought and tucked into a packet of peanuts. Just as we finished them, one of the bar staff brought a dish of nuts to our table, followed by a small dish of chips. Of course we ate them all, but on returning to the hotel and seeing the meal that awaited us, and the other pilgrim who was there, we seriously regretted tucking in so much.
We had quite simply one of the biggest meals we have ever had. We had a lentil and vegetable soup; a huge plate of salad with charcuterie and lots of melon and apple; a dish of chicken with braised grapes (we had to watch out for the pips), carrots and mushrooms; then we had a spaghetti bolognaise and then, finally, we had a fruit and armagnac ice cream dessert! We were secretly rather relieved when it ended. Being bears though, we had no problems sleeping on a full stomach.
Today, as well as looking round the town, drinking oranginas, shopping and visiting a cyber cafe, to try and get some more photos off the camera, we have been strolling in the sun by the river (we had to stroll slowly, not walk as it is a day off from walking).
Hopefully we will be refreshed and raring to go tomorrow for a long stretch into Eauze.
Love from the Camino Bears xxx
2 comments:
Gio, ypu look very clean and smart! Just as pristine as when you left blighty - are the other bears faring as well? I hope so!
Rugby Branch want to know whether being a pilgrim in France is good for the figure or not? We know you do a lot of walking, but you also seem to do much eating and drinking afterwards.
Post a Comment