Paris, France

We woke early today and walked to Gare de Saint Lazare where we caught the train to Giverney. We stopped for cafe ole and warm croissants fresh from the bakery. We were pleased that we were able to figure out the rail system so readily. It was a rainy day but we came prepared with rain coats and an umbrella. We weren’t the only ones, as the garden in Giverney was crowded with visitors who didn’t mind the rain. We walked all around the garden, house and village. The flowers were amazing. The house was loaded with paintings and Japanese woodblock prints. After a while, the rain storm took a more severe turn, so we headed back to our Paris home. We couldn’t find a restaurant to our liking in Giverney nor Vernon because the prices were so high and crowds too dense so we didn’t eat until we were back on the Left Bank. We found a fixed price dinner at Chalet de Saint Michel. Back at the hotel, were relaxing. Definitely we’re in for the night. Tomorrow we’re off early to Hotel New York to dance the weekend away.

Millbrae, CA

We’ve been aboard our Air France flight to Paris for quite some time. I’ve been dozing through movies just waking up for the meals and snacks. We’ve flown into tomorrow according to the computer generated map. We should be there in an hour and a half but since we are flying into the future, I have no sense of time passing. I’ve been focused on avoiding the small inevitable muscle cramps that occur when one sleeps upright in a small space. I especially struggle with my neck when I travel. I’d like to mention a little more about my weariness. There was another earthquake in Nepal the morning we left, a 7.3 which followed an earlier one at 7.8. We are no strangers to earthquake ourselves, as we had our big shake up not too long ago, but our quake didn’t kill thousands because in California most structures have been reinforced to withstand seismic shock. That is with the exception of the new Bay Bridge. I have yet to know the full story as we’ve been airborne. Perhaps the shaking of the earth resounds for me because in these times my thoughts and dreams have been shaken. I had always been a positive thinker, seeing the rainbows and sunshine after the rain. Well, that’s been tougher lately as the world turns, we acknowledge the effects of climate change, of rising sea water, long term drought, and the persistence of global income inequality. The pilot just announced our descent so I’ll give this a wrap. I’ve had my breakfast of yogurt, fruit cocktail, orange juice, and ham sandwich chased with a smidgen of coffee. When we land, we’ll confront the world from a new angle, with a language I can’t speak, and coordinants I have yet to decipher. My intent had always been to save the world through my puny superpowers, by teaching of using ones voice for the power of good. I retired because I didn’t care to tilt at those windmills anymore. Also I’m a realist, my life on this small blue green planet is finite. I must put on my traveling shoes once more and actually get my feet dusty as I trek my final miles. I’m setting the stage here and now for this pilgrimage I am to take. It’s about having a fling with the planet, running off to revel in its sweetness, and perhaps to renew my hope for the ideal of democracy, in a global sense. Where we seize the opportunity to shift our course and rescue Robin Hood style what humanity we can.

Millbrae, CA

We’re at the airport way early as usual. We arrived at 11:30 am with Zakk’s help. We knew we’d be early, but like to travel low stress. We were awarded the short line, TSA approved again. Maybe this means we’re officially oldsters. We ate lunch at a pizza concession, and I had time to buy a more comfortable pillow. I checked my rolling bag, and will carry on my backpack. Norm did the opposite. It’s not so heavy, the backpack. it’s an Osprey, lady’s ultra light. I put my Swiss Army knife and hiking poles in my checked bag. I have my meds, pillow, and toiletries with me. I’m ready! Now my thoughts are taking flight ahead of me. I’m thinking about what makes me a pilgrim. It’s such an unlikely role for someone who likes to dance her nights away, someone who hasn’t joined a church, who likes her world concrete, and operational! At least I’ll be humble as I can’t even pretend to have a corner on heaven. I’m a pilgrim in the new sense, because I’m weary of this world, on some ecological brink. I’m looking for some meaning on the dusty roads west. Since I am so concrete, I’ll need the trappings of a long journey laden with clacking seashells and a small stone to leave in the pile left by those before me. The special pilgrims passport I’m carrying has meaning to me as will the inky stamps I collect to signify progress.

Sonoma, CA

It’s our last night home. Today we spent the day packing for our trip, and preparing the house to leave. I bought four bags of mulch, which we spread on the garden so it will manage in the California drought. I arranged my finances for the voyage and also to maintain our home. I’ve said my good-byes to family and friends so now I am truly ready. We’ll get a ride from Zakk to the airport at 11. We have our boarding passes to fly Air France out of San Francisco. Our house sitter Manu is already here. She’s in the guest room. I’ve been in touch with Olivier, the owner of our Paris flat also with the dance convention organizers. On the edge of another great adventure, too excited to sleep, we’re dreaming of the weeks ahead.

Denver, CO

We’re on the plane bound for Sacramento sitting on the Tarmac while they de-ice. It’s been snowing, and we’re looking at a late arrival home. We had a good visit with Kaily, Kadin and Matteo. We also stayed with Jason. Today Megan graduated from law school. I’m very excited about our next adventure which will be our flight to Europe on Tuesday. I’ve got a short list of things to still pack, and another list of things to do to be ready. In my heart, I am saying goodbye to my homeland. We will fly into Paris for a visit, then off to Saint Jean Pied de Port where we begin our Camino.