I am walking the Somme. From downtown Decatur to Bethlehem, Georgia or from Springfield to Decatur, Illinois, between 2 1/2-3 million men fought with over 1 million killed, wounded, or missing in action. In the period July 1 to December 1916, over 500,000 killed. That July 1 has been declared the “worst day in the …
Author: sabbatical2017blog
511. The valley of the Somme
As a very young Swedish immigrant, my unknown-to-me grandpa Lindquist came to the USA in the 1880’s. Later, as he was in his mid 30’s and supporting a wife and five kids, he did not volunteer for “the war to end all wars.” He supported his family by being a book binder. Whether he was …
510. May Day
Okay, it isn’t storming the Bastille, but it is my Americanized version of French life. The French are in the streets!! Right outside my hotel’s front door! They aren’t wearing berets; they don’t have angry looks on their faces. Some have the leather attire; some proudly wave posters “Macron likes the Rich”; some pound their …
509. Busy with the Basics
There’s times when feelings go into overdrive. It’s the basics: Food? Which Route? Weather? Next lodging? The Next Human Contact? Believe it or not, In this land of Michelin restaurants, I’ve only had three or four noteworthy meals so far. If there is breakfast, I pretty much devour anything in sight. For lunch, a protein …
508. Making Friends with an Old Aquaintance
Granted, the above is not the prettiest sight! For the first 8-9 days my body grumbles. A small blister on the left foot; a small blister on the right foot. My soles feel numb if I walk five hours or more. I have a low-level bruising of the right hip. Despite these physical ailments, I’m …
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507. Host Friends on the Via Francigena
Walking the Via Francigena is different from other excursions in many ways. One of the differences is that I meet a number of home owners, "ostello" (hostel) owners, and guest masters of convents and monasteries. I will always picture some of these first individuals who made my visit so memorable. Eric outside Clerques. Made me feel …
506. Arrivals
Arrivals! Me suis arrive en France!! Yeah!! I have hoped for this arrival. I am concerned about walking the miles to reach the ferry; I am concerned because the website states that only one ferry accepts foot-traffic today; I am concerned because the ferry website states all tickets had to be pre-purchased online; I am …
505. Canterbury, more
I simply love Canterbury, especially the Cathedral. I remember one Christmas Eve that our family decided to take an impromptu trip to Canterbury Cathedral. During a family Christmas vacation to Paris and London when our boys were probably seven or eight, my wife and I asked the question "Why not a trip to Canterbury?" Well, …
504. Canterbury
Thomas Beckett Memorial Departures. “When April with his showers sweet with fruit, the drought of March has pierced… then do folk long to go on pilgrimage… Of England they do Canterbury wend, there the Holy Blessed martyr there to seek…” So begins Chaucers Canterbury Tales. During this morning’s matins service at Canterbury Cathedral, the words …
503. Departures
I wish that I could remember my first trip. No, not a trip to a different city, not even a trip to a different country (I can remember that trip to Canada), but my trip across the carpet to my Mom's or Dad's outstretched arms. A question though! Why did you or I leave the …
Journeys: Explorations in Body, Mind, and Spirit 