We got an early start and hurried past Place Carnot, which was already buzzing with Saturday Market, and onto the train station. Our plan was to catch the TGV (high speed train) to Toulouse and then switch to a regional train to Lourdes.
The Kreugers are a railroading family and so we were all looking forward to this day. However, this was not to be! Electrical issues in Toulouse and a track problem near Carcassonne delayed all trains 2.5 hours and cancelled many, including all TGVs. Crestfallen, we eventually made it to Toulouse, bought our tickets for Lourdes and then sought out a cool place to wait in the station. The heat wave that France is experiencing makes afternoons unbearable. Our two—hour trip to Lourdes was very hot as the air conditioning in our car broke down. The conductor brought us water and eventually some seats opened up in a cooler car.
Arriving in Lourdes we were taken aback by hustle and bustle of the city’s main drag. I imagined that this is what Vegas would look like if it had been designed by the Pope. Trinkets, Holy Water containers, rosaries, and every imaginable item emblazoned with the image of St Bernadette, were for sale in nearly every store and hotel lobby. The street was full with the crush of pilgrims procuring souvenirs and meandering their way down to the Holy site of St Bernadette’s visions.
We barely had the energy to get our Camino Passports stamped and find a place to eat supper and so we decided to check out shrine complex in the morning. I’m not sure how I feel about holy water, miracles, and the like, but tomorrow I plan to wash my Toronto Maple Leafs tattoo with Holy Water and see what transpires over the next season. It certainly can’t hurt!
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