La Réole "Listen to your body", they said. Everyone says it. "Listen to your body." The people at pain management say it, so does my doctor, so does my osteopath (the excellent James), and so does Vladimir the scary body-building Moldovan sports masseur, who looks like a dwarf from the Lord of the Rings who …
Continue reading Camino Stage 4: Day 3 – Saint Ferme to La Réole
Vines and an ancient tower at Haute Bonnetie This was my first walking day. I was up early after a good night's sleep, and ready before Breakfast, so I was on the road by 7.22. Sainte-Foy was wrapped in quite heavy mists; Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness This made walking along the road rather …
Continue reading Camino Stage 4: Day 2 – Sainte-Foy-la-Grande to Saint Ferme
La Gare du Nord, Paris. Laurence and I were in London yesterday for his daughter's wedding (a touching civil ceremony followed a marvellous blended Anglo-Lebanese feast and dancing - thank you Annabel and Nabil) and stayed over with family in very chic Hackney. We were up silly early, and Laurence kindly dropped me at St …
Continue reading Camino Stage 4: Day 1 – London to Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
Seven floors, before lifts existed. I had a broken night with my ankle, but managed to get myself in and out of a bath safely. The trouble with my booted ankle was not only was it still rather painful, but it made getting myself around a very slow business. I had breakfast and then packed …
Continue reading Camino Stage 3: Day 11 – Bordeaux to Southwell
Ten years ago today, I got married to Laurence Cunnington. The next morning's Mail on Sunday headlined its story about us, "Church of England plunged into crisis". Ten years on, there are a few things I want to note. First of all, I want to say thank you. To Laurence, above all, of course - …
The day dawned clear but cold. It was only six degrees. My last walking day on this trip. Always a slightly bittersweet moment. I have had a really marvellous time, and there is something special about knowing that every step forward is one nearer Santiago - but I miss Laurence and home too much, and …
Continue reading Camino Stage 3: Day 10 – la Gratade to Bordeaux.
From The Quire 