“I was disappointed in myself for not being tough enough to take the flak, disappointed and ashamed. But as pilgrims must discover if they are to complete their quest, we are led to truth by our weaknesses as well as our strengths.”
— Let Your Life Speak by Parker J. Palmer
Yesterday we travelled from Nimes France to Grenoble France, by train. I had warned myself in a recent post to remain humble as travel and planning will encounter challenges no matter how smoothly it has been lately. Yesterday we were challenged by my lack of understanding of the intricacies of French train travel. We inadvertently took a side trip to Lyon and lost two hours. Beware of cases where two trains start together then separate. Make sure you are on the correct side of the separation! I did not.
When we reached Grenoble my phone had reverted to Mexico style, meaning I had suddenly lost ability to roam and to make calls. We arrived at our apartment to find it has this marvelous European system of using a magnetic fob for entry. Unfortunately, it was not explained in our entry instruction; but it works great! A tough afternoon and a reminder that the only thing that matters is to stay in the present and find answers. Let’s leave it at, “I coulda dun better”. That is the context for the opening quote.
We are on the edge of “charming” Grenoble. A mile walk from our abode is the old town, and it is wonderful. This stay should be fantastic with its views, trails, architecture, food stalls, free museums and likely much more. I navigated about one mile to the Office of Tourism, which is where I found the info in the preceding sentence. Easy from home to there. And I was back at the apartment in time to catch the final 75 minutes of a large farmer’s street market one block from home. I am home with baby potatoes and mushrooms, avocados, cured olives and meats, sausages, a tapenade and a tomato. It’s been a fine start to the day.
Grenoble is situated in a valley and partially hemmed in by the Alps that tower above it. Here are a couple of pictures from the balcony of our 6th floor walkup. Also, a couple of the very spacious and nicely appointed apartment. Oh, there is also a great selection of CD’s in the apartment.
More unobscured pictures of the Alps and the city should be on their way tomorrow in what is predicted to be a beautiful sunny day.
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It looks like beautiful old world charm. Enjoy your stay.
Is it a higher elevation and a little cooler?
Oh boy, what a question1 We were wondering that also as it rained on and off all day and was still in the 70’s. So, here’s the scoop, a little over 700 meters above sea level and surrounded by peaks of 9000, 93000 and 99000 meter peaks on three sides. Thye claim this provides it with a semi Mediterranean climate. I have yet to look up what that means. We are going to walk the mile to Old town now, after an amazing dinner of caramelized onions, garlic and mushrooms simmered in tarragon and tarragon vinegar and lots of fat, on a bed of quinoa mixed with a little olive, sundried tomato and Pimenta (whatever that means) tapenade; with salmon served on top of that smothered in the tapenade and topped with fresh tomato slices. Then let the whole concoction sit covered for ten minutes. It should be served in restaurants and the tomato is the best slice of tomato I have ever had. Served with a white Rhone. gonna walk down town now, for the second time today because Sheila missed time #1. Oh and most of the ingredients came from the farmers market 1.5 blocks from home.
Good Morning, Dr. Pat and Sheila,
I am thoroughly enjoying your travels, your insights and challenges. I often translate your insights and challenges into my own personal experiences as well. What an amazing spiritual journey you are experiencing. Thank you so very much for sharing with us.
Much love to you both. Ginny
Thanks for responding. I love hearing what others find interesting in the posts. I especially love when someone appreciates the journal for something beyond the physical places I describe. Yours in Health Ginny
Trains, can be tricky, but you made it, and got an education in the process, can’t wait for the pictures. How close are you to the Alps? Must be summer like weather there.
In the 60’s here
Hi Charles! The Alps, as you will see when you read on were almost all around us. Unfortunately, we never had a really good Alps picture day. Grenoble, largely because of the Alps has smog. On a good day you can make out the 14000 foot peak beyond the 9-10 thousand footers I show. But none of the pics I took reveal that. It was hot our last two days in Grenoble, hotter here in Beaune and hotter the next two days, up to 97 or 98 possibly.