Fiona Boult

So we have arrived at the start of the Camino Frances - St Jean Pied de Port. The bus actually worked fine and we arrived at the Alberge around 6.30. No one told me how beautiful St Jean is! Fabulous medieval town with winding cobbled streets and a river crossed by graceful bridges.
We were greeted at Alberge Beilari by Joseph - had to dump our packs in a sheltered area outside and change our shoes. Then checked in and were shown out dorm which was a mix of beds and bunks.
We had the most magical evening with our Camino family hosted by Joseph. Other pilgrims from Ireland, Australia, USA, Taiwan and France. All lovely and great fun. Delicious vegetarian meal (squash and fennel soup, then salad, then pasta with a soy and tomato sauce, then tiramisu). Red wine with the meal also delicious. This was a very special evening - everyone had their own reasons for being on the Camino and the theory that ‘the Camino will provide’ fully borne out in every way. My next door bed mate - Kay from Seattle turned out to be able to speak Chinese (or possibly Vietnamese) and could translate for Cho An who really spoke nearly no English (or French or Spanish) at all - not sure how she would have managed without her - but she didn’t need to! Bed very comfortable, silk sleeping bag liner worked well but unfortunately didn’t really sleep as I think I was a bit overtired and excited for the next day! Feel very lucky to be here and able to do this.Read more