learned of this St. Augustine event via Groupon and glad I did as it made for a fun New Years Day. The master of ceremonies was a young man, as is the troop, and he explained 3 years ago St. Augustine gave them one of their first breaks, and now they are a touring nationally. They are at the St. Augustine Auditorium through 1/5/20, so pick up a ticket if in the area. I am posting this extra blog in the hopes folks will, especially those with holiday visitors.
The circus began with a show tune extravaganza followed by a gal who twirled over 10 hula hoops on her 4 extremities.
Then there was fire-eating..
And a aerialist team who thrilled.
Followed by audience participation with ringing bells.
And my favorite the silks.
What a great venue for Florida seniors to bring their kids with kids for the holidays.
Woke at 2 a.m. though the alarm was set for 3. Unable to check in on line for my flight the hotel clerk told me to get to the airport early for seat confirmation. Besides check in concerns transport to Charles De Gaulle, (CDG), was another problem. I was told several hotel patrons leaving at 4 a.m were facing challenges getting to the airport.
While the bed beckoned I took a final stretch got up, dressed, and AP’d Uber. As I walked into the lobby the Uber driver was notifying me of pick up a quarter mile away.
Though I wanted the ride I had no idea of the location, had 1 bag, 2 carry-ons, and the darkness loomed. I texted back I had no idea of the location and within 3 minutes he was at the hotel. This was a good sign.
Upon checking out I donated the 10 euro subway card to the desk clerk as a token of appreciation for his guidance and walked out to the waiting Uber. The Uber driver assisted with bags and spoke minimal English.
The ride to CDG held no Paris lights and we passed through an intersection where police were beating a felon 10 feet from the car and more were running from a panel van to assist. Grateful the light turned I asked the driver about this and he stated, “unsafe area,” elaborating no further.
When we arrived at CDG the driver placed me at the exact terminal, assisted with my bags, and stayed an extra moment to ensure the old lady got into the terminal. While he was richly tipped, it was a nice touch. It is eight hours till departure. Sufficient time for an airport review. 🙂
Finding a bank of computers I quickly accessed my flight information and checked in. Whew!
Next, find a cart.
Check.
And the visit to the loo.
It is now 7 hours 15 minutes to take off, so I checked for a spot to rest. Several places were already taken.
Looks like an entire family on a camping trip here.
And somewhere under that blanket is a solo traveler.
Then there is this interesting place to doze between calls.
And while in my search I was unable to find the perfect spot to rest my head I did locate the perfect way to end this blog.
The message of Lourdes came in 1858 when a 14 year old girl, Bernadette Soubirous, daughter of a miller, saw a vision of a woman veiled in white with a blue sash and golden rose on each foot. She was holding a rosary of pearls. This woman appeared to Bernadette 18 times from February to July 1858.
Bernadette went to religious authorities and despite their skepticism began an investigation. After much ado the wishes of the veiled woman were granted and Our Lady of Lourdes Basilica was built surrounding the spring which appeared during these apparitions.
The Spring
Visiting Lourdes
Start your visit to Lourdes at the Information Center. Here they have staff who can direct and understand your needs for the visit in your language. There are many daily events and schedules are available. Few speak English on the Church grounds or in the community.
The Church has an upper level
and a lower level..
It was in the lower level altar where Bernadette saw her last vision of the Blessed Mother.
There is a separate building for confession and in that building English mass is conducted. Most of the pilgrims at the Church are European.
Catholic Mass in English is held here.
There are healing baths. To have this experience contact the Church prior to visit to ensure availability.
Candle Sites are available in the Church as well as in an outside structure past the Grotto.
Stations of the Cross are present beyond the candle structure in the picture above and to the left of the main Church.
TORCHLIGHT PROCESSION
Every evening from April to October at 9 pm there is a torchlight procession of pilgrims saying the rosary in every language and singing Marian songs.
Because my visit occurred during a Marian Holy Day, December 8th, this weekend had a Torchlight Procession. It is an extremely moving prayer event not to be missed.
Other Concerns: Dress in layers with comfortable, thick soled shoes and bring an umbrella. For those with disabilities there are ramps, however, there is much walking for those pushing wheelchairs. Outside the grounds there are many reasonable restaurants. Gift shops are also located there.
To the left side of the main church at ground level candles can be purchased and masses obtained. There are also self service carts for candle purchase throughout the grounds.
Lourdes water from the spring is available free from faucets on the grounds. Bring containers or small bottles can be purchased next to the faucets or in local gift shops.
There are many places to stay near the church. Plan ahead and use a cab as driving the streets of Lourdes is a horrific experience. The streets are narrow, crooked, and sloping. People use the street rather than sidewalk to walk. Asto transportation from Paris, HOP Airline operated by Air France is a reasonable and efficient airline or the high speed train.
Access the Lourdes website for additional information.
Several months ago when I decided to go to Paris thoughts of a side trip to Lourdes occurred. For years I had been giving folks the Lourdes water and seeing amazing things happen. It was time to pay my respects.
In checking web sites I found the trip long and expensive. Frustrated I said, “Mary, if you want me to visit, figure it out,” and went to bed. In the morning I woke and switched on my email. Priceline, which I never use as I am an Expedia gal, was my first email letting me know there was a $100 round trip flight from Orly to Lourdes. The next email was from Expedia stating I had enough points for a room at a villa in Lourdes. Taking this as a sign I booked.
Later I was told there was a high speed train available out of Paris to Lourdes. While I would have preferred the train I was already booked. As I boarded the plane to Lourdes I heard even the high speed trains were cancelled during the strike. I think I have found the ultimate travel agent.
When I relayed this story to my gal pal at the post office she said, “I guess she wanted you to come,” and that she did.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 