Travel Notes
August 29, 1984 - Day 29
FRANCELourdesAll right, these rooms are not exactly designed for comfort. There is no place to put the suircases on the floor, so we use the beds. On the other hand, the bathroom more than makes up for the smallness of the room! So does the room's location : on the very top of the hotel, like living in a belfry!We went back to the grotto after breakfast, and caught up with a Mass celebrated by the parish priest and bishop of the Irish diocese of St. Elphin. Then time for a quiet walk around the grotto and the Basilica while the weather smiled on us, being deliciously cool. Ma was able to offer a thanksgiving Mass in one of the chapel offices. The thing that gets me about European churches, is the question of how did they move all those blocks of stone by hand? It's awesome to think that most everyone worked at it to glorify God, and not much for fame or money (at least, we hope so).Ma took a rest in the afternoon so I went down to the river Gave for some fresh air. On our way out later, to do some souvenir shopping, we saw Bart patching with tape and plastic sheeting, the window that got broken in Barcelona, which was a very nice, masterly job. He says as long as nobody sits close to, or beside it, it should hold till we get back to Dunkirk.Tonight's dinner, thanks be to God and the Virgin, was more substantial than last night's! Talk about the tips due to Bart and Earl have started and Gene Nocon passing out envelopes for this purpose (bit forthcoming, eh?). My personal opinion is that money can't begin to express what those two have done to make this trip a good one.Ma and I had one last look at the candlelight walk from the top of the basilica. It was awesome - a sea of light in the dark, and there are those who would find a comforting symbolism in that. Earl mentioned before we pulled into Lourdes that it wuld be hot and warned about the dangers of fainting, but it seems he was proven wrong on both counts, fortunately!There's an early start scheduled for tomorrow's loooong drive up to Paris, the last stop of the tour.The *last* stop! Where has the time gone?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
[EUROBOUT CONTINENTAL CAROUSEL - 1984] DAY 18
Travel Notes
August 28, 1984 - Day 28
SPAIN - FRANCEBarcelona, Spain - Hotel ReginaTalk about your rude awakenings, everyone jolted out of half-conscious state by the news that the bus had been broken into! Some hooligans rendered the window of the left-hand emergency door a total loss, making off with Frank's two bottels of wine and the Silveiras' cardigans before vanishing into the night. Bart has very little reason indeed to love Barcelona in particular and Spain in general, now. The remaining glass had to be cleaned, and something improvised to cover the empty space where the window used to be, which process delayed our departure so that we left at eight instead of seven.Barcelona, Spain - Lourdes, France - en routeThe broken window raised eyebrows at Perpignan, and sighs of relief from me and Ma, for we've entered France for the last time. It looks like Earl can manage a good night's sleep in Lourdes, now that we've had a smooth border crossing, and after we get through the Pyrenees to Lourdes. The lunch stop was memorable for the little self-service that I think deserves three stars for its poitrine de veau. It's served with shell pasta in a golden sauce, precisely what one needs to recover equilibrium after traveling the zigzag roads. We apparently had a near miss when a sleepy driver shifted into our lane - just as we rounded a bend in the road! Bart whisked the bus into the opposite (and fortunately, clear!) lane and had us back in the proper lane before all the sleepy passengers and Earl even knew something was out of kilter...our eyes met in the mirror for a moment as he did a quick check to see if anyone had awakened, and I gave him an approving nod, as did Grandfather Basil.Lourdes, France - Hotel ChristinaWe arrived safely in Lourdes in time for dinner, but I think we were underfed. ONE slice of meat on the plate? It felt like we were served not merely a pilgrim's dinner, but a penitent's one, more likely, as the slice wasn't all that big, either. Two other busloads had pulled in ahead of us, but still. . .a little more of the main course and less of the bread would have been nice. Once dinner had finished, straight to the grotto for the candlelight procession and a drink of the holy water. To be in Lourdes, especially after the small miracle Our Lady worked for me. . .it makes me wonder what I ever did right to deserve it. A very humbling experience, especially when one sees the faith of so many people from so many places, and somehow you get the feeling that there is hope for the world yet!
August 28, 1984 - Day 28
SPAIN - FRANCEBarcelona, Spain - Hotel ReginaTalk about your rude awakenings, everyone jolted out of half-conscious state by the news that the bus had been broken into! Some hooligans rendered the window of the left-hand emergency door a total loss, making off with Frank's two bottels of wine and the Silveiras' cardigans before vanishing into the night. Bart has very little reason indeed to love Barcelona in particular and Spain in general, now. The remaining glass had to be cleaned, and something improvised to cover the empty space where the window used to be, which process delayed our departure so that we left at eight instead of seven.Barcelona, Spain - Lourdes, France - en routeThe broken window raised eyebrows at Perpignan, and sighs of relief from me and Ma, for we've entered France for the last time. It looks like Earl can manage a good night's sleep in Lourdes, now that we've had a smooth border crossing, and after we get through the Pyrenees to Lourdes. The lunch stop was memorable for the little self-service that I think deserves three stars for its poitrine de veau. It's served with shell pasta in a golden sauce, precisely what one needs to recover equilibrium after traveling the zigzag roads. We apparently had a near miss when a sleepy driver shifted into our lane - just as we rounded a bend in the road! Bart whisked the bus into the opposite (and fortunately, clear!) lane and had us back in the proper lane before all the sleepy passengers and Earl even knew something was out of kilter...our eyes met in the mirror for a moment as he did a quick check to see if anyone had awakened, and I gave him an approving nod, as did Grandfather Basil.Lourdes, France - Hotel ChristinaWe arrived safely in Lourdes in time for dinner, but I think we were underfed. ONE slice of meat on the plate? It felt like we were served not merely a pilgrim's dinner, but a penitent's one, more likely, as the slice wasn't all that big, either. Two other busloads had pulled in ahead of us, but still. . .a little more of the main course and less of the bread would have been nice. Once dinner had finished, straight to the grotto for the candlelight procession and a drink of the holy water. To be in Lourdes, especially after the small miracle Our Lady worked for me. . .it makes me wonder what I ever did right to deserve it. A very humbling experience, especially when one sees the faith of so many people from so many places, and somehow you get the feeling that there is hope for the world yet!
[EUROBOUT CONTINENTAL CAROUSEL - 1984] DAY 17
Travel Notes
August 27, 1984 - Day 27
SPAINBarcelona - City TourHola Espana! The group was on time and the guide, late! Though I must say that it was a comprehensive tour of the Plaza Cataluna, Sagrada Familia Church, Montjuie (Jewish Mountain), the harbor and replica of Columbus' Santa Maria, the Ramblas, and back to the self-service where we had dinner last night. Among the tour highlights were the Cathedral in the old town; though when the guide gave us a walking tour and a shopping break, I think that was considered the best part of all. Ma and I got ourselves a Spanish shawl and a fan each, and other bits to remind us of Spain. Going through the Ramblas, we passed through a narrow lane where Bart managed to squeeze through - just barely - and the guide was loudly appreciative of his skill.Barcelona - Paella DinnerThere was a break in the day's activities for that time-honored tradition of the afternoon siesta, then off to dinner! The restaurant is off the little square behind the Cathedral, with lots of cobblestones! It was delightful to realize that Bart and Earl get to sit with us this time, and watching the normally EXTREMELY reserved Tour Manager acted as wine steward for the Sangria was something to see, indeed! I was fortunate to have him on my right, Grandfather on my left, and Bart took the head of the table beside Mr. Nocon.The dinner equal to that in Rome : salad, shrimp in the shell, paella with clams, all washed down with Sangria. The jokes flew thick and fast, and Earl made an after-dinner speech while turning a pretty shade of pink - a nice Kodak moment, that was. I got involved with a scholarly debate with Jun on just exactly how long the Spanish were in the Philippines - 400 or 392 years? In the end, the question was settled with a compromise and a Sangria toast : but not without some ruffled feathers on the oldies' part.Another source of merriment was when Grandmother Rita walked out of the restaurant on Lois' arm, and *singing*! Grandfather was *much* amused. Bart put on the "Chicken Dance" (again!) when we were all in the bus, while Bertha and Frank danced in the empty plaza. At 11:30 pm, the city is just starting to wake up from siesta, with folks all over the Ramblas.We will definitely be sleeping all the way to Lourdes!
August 27, 1984 - Day 27
SPAINBarcelona - City TourHola Espana! The group was on time and the guide, late! Though I must say that it was a comprehensive tour of the Plaza Cataluna, Sagrada Familia Church, Montjuie (Jewish Mountain), the harbor and replica of Columbus' Santa Maria, the Ramblas, and back to the self-service where we had dinner last night. Among the tour highlights were the Cathedral in the old town; though when the guide gave us a walking tour and a shopping break, I think that was considered the best part of all. Ma and I got ourselves a Spanish shawl and a fan each, and other bits to remind us of Spain. Going through the Ramblas, we passed through a narrow lane where Bart managed to squeeze through - just barely - and the guide was loudly appreciative of his skill.Barcelona - Paella DinnerThere was a break in the day's activities for that time-honored tradition of the afternoon siesta, then off to dinner! The restaurant is off the little square behind the Cathedral, with lots of cobblestones! It was delightful to realize that Bart and Earl get to sit with us this time, and watching the normally EXTREMELY reserved Tour Manager acted as wine steward for the Sangria was something to see, indeed! I was fortunate to have him on my right, Grandfather on my left, and Bart took the head of the table beside Mr. Nocon.The dinner equal to that in Rome : salad, shrimp in the shell, paella with clams, all washed down with Sangria. The jokes flew thick and fast, and Earl made an after-dinner speech while turning a pretty shade of pink - a nice Kodak moment, that was. I got involved with a scholarly debate with Jun on just exactly how long the Spanish were in the Philippines - 400 or 392 years? In the end, the question was settled with a compromise and a Sangria toast : but not without some ruffled feathers on the oldies' part.Another source of merriment was when Grandmother Rita walked out of the restaurant on Lois' arm, and *singing*! Grandfather was *much* amused. Bart put on the "Chicken Dance" (again!) when we were all in the bus, while Bertha and Frank danced in the empty plaza. At 11:30 pm, the city is just starting to wake up from siesta, with folks all over the Ramblas.We will definitely be sleeping all the way to Lourdes!
[EUROBOUT CONTINENTAL CAROUSEL - 1984] DAY 16
Travel Notes
August 26, 1984 - Day 26
FRANCE - SPAINNice - Perpignan, en routeTraveling through southern France, home of artists and the mistral - the hot, dry wind that starts brush fires and drives men mad. Famous also, for the Camargue and its wild horses. which is something that I'd like to see some day. Most everyone spent the morning half of the trip catching up on sleep lost in Monte Carlo, with myself sleeping over two seats, with legs stretched across the aisle and Teddy under my chin.Perpignan - Franco-Iberian borderBart made it known he doesn't care for Spain, and today he was justified. Apparently customs/immigration officer woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, because when Bart stopped two feet over the line, and not soon enough; Earl was ordered out with all the passports! The chief customs officer (a recipient of two bottles of wine from Bart's last run) came up to say hello, and we all replied in Spanish, which may have helped pass us through a little faster than otherwise.Franco-Iberian border - Barcelona, Spain - en routeHaving pulled out of the border crossing, there was no reason for Bart's opinon about Spain to improve. Ten minutes into the main highway, some kid decided we looked like a trash can and threw a heavy object at the side of the bus! The loud thump startled most people on the right-hand side of the bus, and many were the questioning glances being shot around the bus. Bart's temper showed itself when he declared he would let the car pass and then tailgate him the rest of the way, and in his quiet way, Earl averted potential crisis by firmly warning that it wasn't the right time. Fortunately Bart agreed, though he was rather grim about it. I seriously doubt the Antarctic would have been far enough away for the culprit if anyone from the bus had caught him!Barcelona, Spain - Hotel ReginaTo compensate for reining him in on the road, Earl let Bart have his way when it was time to park in front of the hotel. The official unloading zone was occupied, and the porter was insisting we unload where we were anyway. To the obvious question, "What if we are caught?" The porter shrugged, and Bart had a few well-chosen words with him. Dinner was at a little self-service that Earl goes to, however, another coach group had beat us to it."Outrageous!" comes the good-humored comment, from our good-humored Tour Manager. "This is *my* self-service!"Earl excused himself early and left us in Bart's hands while going to arrange our night tour for tomorrow; the long line did not match his need for speed, since he needed to call various offices before they closed. Bart drew up behind me in the line and offered to make me the Tour Manager in Earl's place so I could eat for free, an offer I had too many scruples to accept, but it was tempting enough...
August 26, 1984 - Day 26
FRANCE - SPAINNice - Perpignan, en routeTraveling through southern France, home of artists and the mistral - the hot, dry wind that starts brush fires and drives men mad. Famous also, for the Camargue and its wild horses. which is something that I'd like to see some day. Most everyone spent the morning half of the trip catching up on sleep lost in Monte Carlo, with myself sleeping over two seats, with legs stretched across the aisle and Teddy under my chin.Perpignan - Franco-Iberian borderBart made it known he doesn't care for Spain, and today he was justified. Apparently customs/immigration officer woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, because when Bart stopped two feet over the line, and not soon enough; Earl was ordered out with all the passports! The chief customs officer (a recipient of two bottles of wine from Bart's last run) came up to say hello, and we all replied in Spanish, which may have helped pass us through a little faster than otherwise.Franco-Iberian border - Barcelona, Spain - en routeHaving pulled out of the border crossing, there was no reason for Bart's opinon about Spain to improve. Ten minutes into the main highway, some kid decided we looked like a trash can and threw a heavy object at the side of the bus! The loud thump startled most people on the right-hand side of the bus, and many were the questioning glances being shot around the bus. Bart's temper showed itself when he declared he would let the car pass and then tailgate him the rest of the way, and in his quiet way, Earl averted potential crisis by firmly warning that it wasn't the right time. Fortunately Bart agreed, though he was rather grim about it. I seriously doubt the Antarctic would have been far enough away for the culprit if anyone from the bus had caught him!Barcelona, Spain - Hotel ReginaTo compensate for reining him in on the road, Earl let Bart have his way when it was time to park in front of the hotel. The official unloading zone was occupied, and the porter was insisting we unload where we were anyway. To the obvious question, "What if we are caught?" The porter shrugged, and Bart had a few well-chosen words with him. Dinner was at a little self-service that Earl goes to, however, another coach group had beat us to it."Outrageous!" comes the good-humored comment, from our good-humored Tour Manager. "This is *my* self-service!"Earl excused himself early and left us in Bart's hands while going to arrange our night tour for tomorrow; the long line did not match his need for speed, since he needed to call various offices before they closed. Bart drew up behind me in the line and offered to make me the Tour Manager in Earl's place so I could eat for free, an offer I had too many scruples to accept, but it was tempting enough...
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