The man on the trains

 

Today I took a TGV and two regional trains to get to my departure point Le Puy-en-Velay (somewhere in the macif central south of Clermont-Ferrand).  This 6 hour trip allowed me to get a third of the way through Illusions Perdues by Honoré de Balzac.

I'm reading it because last night Fianna, my Dad, some friends and I went to see the recent film of the book which we all enjoyed.  I was particularly struck by the description of the press and journalism of the time (early 19th century) which were confronted to many of the issues we worry about today around unreliable news.  

I'm reminded of the esoteric tour of Strasbourg Cathedral that I attended for my sister's birthday a few year ago in which the guide explained that the signs on the cathedral indicated that we were in the process of transitioning to the age of aquarius which brings us closer to our humanity and rationality (my interpretation). At the time it made me feel quite optimistic about the future.  Now I'm feeling as though the world is stuttering rather than moving forward. Over the last year films, books and world events are giving me a sense of deja vue (not in a good way).  So is humanity really ready to enter the Age of Aquarius ? (singing chorus please) 

Back to my trip.  Having climbed up from the station to the top of the old town to the Maison Saint Francois, I was greeted by Sister Marie Therese who stamped my Credencial.  She also informed me that :

a) The weather was going to be pretty bad for the next two days 

b) There was plenty of room as nobody else was crazy (my interpretation) enough to do this so early in the season

c) That there was no mass or benediction for the pilgrims tomorrow so did I want to wait till Sunday before leaving

As you can imagine I was devastated by information c)!  However I have decided to stick to my plan and go tomorrow without the blessing.

Day 0: Water : None - Food: None

Well done to Aunt C who as the reining Blog Competition champion is off to a flying start with 10 points.

5 points for guessing the reference of today's blog title.