Ten days in Aix en Provence; the south of France.  Even the name, Provence, sounds soothing to the soul. Pretty much the perfect final destination to wrap up this 3-month, 6 countries incredible journey we’ve been on.  I adore France and I’ve been known to say I could live in France if it weren’t for the smoking.

Thirty days later and we’re still here. We’re still walking the Camino de Santiago. Yesterday we reached the 100 marker. Just 100 kilometers to go!

With only two days left in Prague it was a choice between Sunday or Monday as to which day we would take a day trip to Kutna Hora.  We decided Sunday was the better choice giving us a just in case day if we didn’t make it.

Today’s the day, we’re on our way.

“Plans are nothing; planning is everything.” ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower

I wonder if there’s a 12-step program for planning addiction.  Hi, my name is Patti.  I’m a planner.  Always have been, always will be. I like the challenge of planning, stretching my organizational skills to the max and putting together all the pieces of the puzzle.

“The Smithsonian museums are among this country’s most endearing treasures and I look forward to helping maintain and enhance their coveted works of art.”  Xavier Becerra

One of my most favorite things to see when we travel across the vast prairies of this country is the mile-long freight trains that often run alongside the highway. I start out trying to count the number of cars but soon give up because I simply can’t keep up.  But if I’m really lucky I’ll hear that long drone – somewhat lonely – call of a train whistle.  There’s just something about it that tugs at my soul; almost makes me want to bum a ride in an empty freight car headed for parts unknown.  Almost.

The Road East – Day 7

For the past 9 years I’ve been driving my little ’05 Honda Civic Hybrid (a.k.a Hazel) and I could zip, zip, zip around town and easily access any parking space.  I loved that car and was sad to say good-bye to her when we left Ashland.  Driving Big Betty is a bit different than driving my little Hazel.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve attempted to look in the rear view mirror that doesn’t exist, or look over my left shoulder before changing lanes, only to see a wall of yellow truck over my shoulder.

The Road East: Day 6

Here we are in Frankfurt, Kentucky watching our absolute favorite show, The Big Bang Theory.  Please tell me you think it is hilarious.  I’m trying not to be overly panicked worried concerned that there are flash flood warnings scrolling across the bottom of the screen.  I think I heard the word tornado; we are in the midwest after all.  No worries.  Only (only?) torrential rains and flash flooding.

The Road East: Day 5

The shrill scream of the hotel’s fire alarm bolted us out of a sound sleep at 6:00 a.m. this morning.  It was the ultimate rude awakening. We dragged ourselves out into the hallway and sure enough all of the guests were evacuating – including a young woman wrapped in a towel – so we headed down the stairs, with me dressed in jammies and bare feet.  I guess that was better than being wrapped in a towel though.