Still Kicking

The travel is old news, at least for those I have talked to recently. For those of you whom I have not, or have not been as thorough with, here is the final Euro 2005 update.

Adam graciously met us at the gare and escorted us to his apartment with view of the Eiffel tower. It was great to see Adam in Paris, loving his job and tackling the language. I think Hannah and I have seen and done more things in the city than he has, and we were only there for a short visit. We managed to see a fair chunk of the Louvre one day, unfortunately the Egypt wing was closed. That evening they were filming a scene from book made movie, 'DaVinci's Code'. I believe I am one of the last people who have not read the book. Maybe I'll wait for the movie as not to be let down by it.

We headed L'Ouest to watch the starting stages of Le Tour de France. A few setbacks and we were there in Challons the night before the second stage. We happened on a beautiful campground outside the town, complete with swimming pools, water slides, morning bread delivery, and small market with home grown produce and wine. We were set. We met four Americans all settled in around us (I think we were plopped in the English section of the grounds). Two of the guys were touring Europe on bicycle and trains. I was a smidgen envious... maybe next time. The other two were an eclectic couple who had left their well paying jobs, sold their cars and home, and were traveling the world for a couple of years... again a tad jealous. If only I had a house to sell. The couple joined us when we headed to Tours to see the next couple stages. The highlights of the tour were Hannah getting me the Tour Officials guide somehow, and drinking wine on the streets of a small village 10 Km out of Blois watching the team time trial.

Just as all roads lead to Rome, all rails lead to Paris, so we were back in Paris after that. After another short visit with Adam we were on the rails headed for Pamplona for the San Fermin festival. By now, we were seasoned travelers and easily avoided a delay in Irun, France by taking a pleasant detour through San Sebastien, Spain. I must visit San Sebastien again. We arrived in Pamplona after the streets had erupted with dance and sangria. To think the city is so crazy for a week is mind-boggling. We went to what a Louisiana Spanish teacher insisted was a Rodeo, and ended up seeing a bull fight on horses, but they were amazing horsemen. Leaving the Toro ring a little disturbed, I managed to convince Hannah to come out for a drink, and from there it gets a little hazy. We met Manual, a fantastic new friend and unofficial festival guide. He took us under his wing, showed us a fantastic time, and what was best to avoid.

The next morning I ripped the poles out of the tent (pitched in the middle of a city park) out on Hannah as I went running for the Running of The Bulls. Unfortunately instead of being chased, I chased the sounds of their hooves trying to catch up... to the relief of many, and disappointment of my self. After a few cups of fine Spanish coffee and pastries I was ready to carry on with life, still upset, but carry on any how. We went back to wake Manual sleeping in the park beside our tent site, and carried on to see the parade. That is when word came of the London bombings, and I began to panic.

All of the phone lines to London were jammed, and I didn't know if my family and friends (or those they care for) were hurt or injured. I also had no idea of the magnitude of the bombings, and was relieved to find it wasn't on a larger scale, and that everyone I knew was well.

Knowing that London transit would be moving the next day, we hopped on a train to Barcelona for our return trip stopping overnight in London. (EasyJet managed to lose my bag, returning it a week later in Halifax). Unfortunately, traffic was terrible as a result to people avoiding local transit, and our 50 minute bus from the airport ended up taking three hours and left two hours late. The traffic ate the time we were going to spend with family, and only left a short visit.

I can't thank everyone enough who let us stay with them, or in there homes while they were empty. It was a huge help, however it was more a treat seeing everyone again. I'd also like to thank people we met along the way who shared good times, and helped us in any way. I hope that I can return you all the favour in the future, don't be afraid to ever ask.

I may be putting together a gallery together with photos from the trip if I remain unemployed for much longer. Since my return I have sent out a fair number of applications, and even had a few interviews, so you may be out of luck.