Apologies. A couple of logistical difficulties have resulted in a delay for this posting.
The journey from the rudimentary comforts of the Camino to the creature comforts of Grasse was straightforward but expensive. What I learned about French public transport is that, as advertised on the interwebs, there is indeed a bus service from the Promenade outside Nice airport, direct to Grasse bus station. However, it is almost impossible to get a seat. The 500 bus operates once every half-hour, but by the time it reaches the bus-stop, it is full, and doesn’t stop. I saw three of them pass me by, and was forced to have my face ripped off with a €114 cab fare for a 30 minute ride; equivalent to 10+ nights in an albergue. Sheesh! Live and learn.
So, it’s done. Overall, not as hard as I expected. A lot learned. I would do this again, whether the Camino Frances again, or another. Next one likely to be the Camino Norte, though I don’t know when exactly, as the main albergue opening season draws to a close in October and only re-opens in March. I’d like to do an Alps trip this year, which would only take 6-8 days, but with very much greater changes in elevation. Since I could only do that from mid-October, I run into similar difficulties for when the “huts” are open for hikers – not to mention weather considerations. That leaves the West Highland Way in Scotland in November. Well, if I want to be miserable, cold and wet, I’d prefer to do that from the comfort of my home.
Thank you for reading this and indulging my vanity, profanity and occasional insanity. I’ll post some more occasional profanity and embarrassing pictures of a couple of friends over the next couple of weeks, as well as whatever catches my eye in Hawaii, thereafter.
For those who can’t remember when the BBC didn’t broadcast 24 hours a day, Test Card F (above) was used during downtime hours. It has an interesting story behind it, if you’re interested – Test Card F .
The main point though, is not that there is no further broadcasting… rather that this is downtime ahead of resumption of “normal” service. “Normal”? Hah! No such thing.
Stay tuned.
Besos,
Des