We are skipping ahead a bit to the beginning of the pilgrimage with Portals to the Sacred, the group from California (and three of us from Oregon). When we return to Paris, I will add the missing two days of 6 and 7 June.
We met at the Hotel St Jacques (where we have been the past few days) with all of the other pilgrims: four leaders who are two Presbyterian pastors, a Catholic priest and a layperson, and 12 of us followers. Most are from the San Francisco area.
Behind the hotel is Clos de Bruneau, a cobbled alley where the two vans waited for us. Fitting all of our luggage (two pieces each) into the backs of the vans was quite a feat. Then we gathered in a circle to read the prayer shown in the photo. Skies had turned blue, and we were eager for the pilgrimage to begin.
The trip to Rouen, north of Paris, which should take a little less than 2 hours took over 3 because of a terrible accident. But we finally arrived, checked in and gathered for tea before a short rest. There is one cathedral - the Church of Saint-Maclou - that is steps from our hotel. Construction began sometime after 1435.
Rouen's old town, where we are staying, has about 2000 half-timbered houses, of which half have been restored. Some have been here for several centuries.
Dinner at a nearby restaurant was delicious! I had scalloped haddock with vegetables and salad. And, dark chocolate mousse!
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