The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away

Last night was a gift from above followed by divine punishment.  The gift was dinner at the Espirit du Chemin hostel here in St Jean Pied de Port.  Lots of good simple food, some rough local wine, the company of 25  pilgrims about to set out.  We all had to tell our story around the table, a little like introducing yourself at a work meeting but this was funny and full of emotion.  There are many reasons for walking this road.  My table was a pot pourri of nationalities, Irish, Dutch, Belgian, Spanish, French, Canadian and one Aussie.  I sat next to two Dutch widows who were riding from Rotterdam to Santiago and had to practice my rusty Dutch. St Jean right.

Divine punishment was trying to sleep in a dorm full of snoring old farts, literally.  I think I got about two hours.  At times the noise was like the jungle, strange sounds emanating form unknown places.  This must be retribution for too many years of my own snoring.  But the whole experience has been good.  I have been made to feel at home already.  No sooner had I finally nodded off when the early birds rose to set off.  I got up and wished them farewell.  Chances are we`ll never meet again but I hope it`s not true. 

Did my first round of hand washing clothes yesterday and raised a sweat, it must be in the low 30`s.  Today is market day in St Jean, so I`m hanging around for a sticky beak and buy a little fruit before setting off in a few hours time.  I walk to Refuge Orisson, a mid-point across the Pyrenees. 
Till we meet again, Buen Camino.
Bob