Day 23 - HOT!!!

It was a very HOT day today, so walking wasn't easy.

I wanted to leave early but I had to buy food and the store didn't open till 9am. By the time I got everything done and was ready to set off it was close to 10am. Walking all day in the sun can have an interesting effect on the body. I decided to wear my shorts today - decided it was time to finally tan my legs! My legs haven't seen the sun for about a year so a full day in the blazing sun ended in a nice burn, oops ......so now my legs feel super hot but the rest of my body is going through on and off shivers. Most likely I'll be wearing long pants tomorrow ;-)

At least the view from my campsite is spectacular!

Day 22 - Mirabel where are you?

As I was leaving Châlons en Champagne this morning I noticed a sign for it's twin cities and one of them happens to be in Canada.....does anyone know the location of Mirabel??? .....well for all those interested it's a city in the province of Quebec. More specifically it's an off-island suburb north-west of Montreal.

I walked all day today along the canal of the Marne river where the mosquitoes just couldn't get enough of my sweet blood......going to invest in some repellant ASAP!

A much needed rest at the town square of Vitry-le-François pleased my legs as well my eyes :-)

Day 20/21 - Walking through the vineyards of Champagne

As I walk through vineyards that will produce some of the world's best Champagnes I think to myself, WOW this is a real Art-form. Most of these families have been doing this for generations; teaching each other the ins and outs of the trade and passing down all the wisdoms that has been acquired over decades. I see farmers tending to their grapes making sure that last night's showers mad no damage. I think to myself, what would it be like to live here for a year, to see the whole process come to life. I walk and I think about all this, I would love to discuss this with someone but there is no one here. Though I'm three weeks into this strenuous walk I still haven't met another pilgrim on foot on the trail.

So I walk all alone and I think!

Day 18/19 - Reims

These last two days have been like a cultural cocktail that has filled my soul for days to come.

Reims is best known for it's Champagne labels, during my stay here I took a tour of one of them (G. H. Mumm) and got to see just how this remarkable wine is made. 

Here is the cellar of wines from exceptional years, the oldest is from 1893!

Since the crowning of Clovis in 496AD this city has been the crowing place of most of the monarchs of France at the remarkable Cathedral of Notre Dame.

A cathedral has stood on this site since 401, but the present building was begun in 1211 and has survived the French Revolution and both World Wars. 

2302 sculptures adorn the building my favourite was The Smiling Angel.

The oldest monument in Reims is the Mars Gate, which has stood here since the 3rd century. This gate was one of the entrances to the city of Durocortorum, which was then the capital of the Roman province of Gallia Belgica.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Paulina and Jonathan Hill for their generous contribution during my indigogo campaign. You support has helped me make this adventure a reality. Thank you :-)

VIDEO # 2

http://youtu.be/0CLq4gtVOE0

Day 16/17 - Dancing Bumblebees and Hitch Hiking!

After my wonderful night in my comfy bed in Laon I walked all day and found a lot of places where bumblebees danced in lavender :-)

After arriving at my campsite that evening I discovered that I forgot my passport and my adapter at the hotel, oops!

So the next day I hitch hiked back to Laon and then to my next destination at the Benedictine Convent in St. Thierny.

I've become a hitch hiking pilgrim for a day all because of my own stupidity! 

.....well at least I met some interesting people along the way ;-)

Day 15 - Laon

Located at the top of a long ridge, Laon is one of the most beautiful cities I've visited.

Winding cobbled streets filled with little shops and cafes make for a great atmosphere.

.....and of course the beautiful Cathedral of Notre-Dame, towering so majestically over the medieval town.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Hanna Rynkiewicz for her generous contribution during my indigogo campaign. You support has aloud me to get some much needed "super comfy" sleep at the ibis hotel in Laon. Thank you :-)