Yesterday we had train trouble - which meant a delayed departure from Nancy, an unscheduled change of train in Dijon, missing our connection in Lyon as a result, but happily managing to board another to travel via Marseilles back to Arles - a little late but none the worse for wear. The French trains are so comfortable, even in second class. And given today's planned transport strikes across France, we were grateful to have arrived when we did, in time for a reunion dinner with our dear friends Guy and Martine - fellow pilgrims we met on the Camino Primitivo in late 2014.
We four have found Arles to be a delightful and interesting town - a walking town. There is a lot to explore and enjoy, from Roman times (the amphitheatre dates back to 90 AD) to Medieval (the Saint Trophime Cloister a highlight) and following in the footsteps of Van Gogh. For artists and art historians Arles must hold a special significance. I can't claim to have any knowledge of art - let alone any artistic talent - but I find this town charming. References to art are everywhere - even in our Chambre d'hôte where we are in the Gaugin room. There are two others - the Van Gogh and Picasso. Perhaps we will visit Arles again one day.
Time is running short to write too much tonight. We've had a long day discovering this gorgeous town. We are meeting Guy and Martine for dinner shortly at the highly recommended Le Criquet specialising in traditional Camargue cuisine. And, before then, we'll be doing a last check or our packs - in my case to see if there's anything I can do without! My pack weight is down to 8.5 kg without water - which I'm pretty happy with - but under 8 would be even better. I'm not optimistic I can be so ruthless!
Tomorrow we begin. I'm beyond excited to be en camino / en chemin again - and hoping to walk such a long way. It's been almost two years since the last time I set out to walk such a distance - around 900 kms from Le Puy en Velay to Pamplona. That was a wonderful adventure - full of surprises and serendipity. And I met a very interesting Frenchman along the way.
I wonder what magic The Way will offer this time.
J x
