Pilgrimage from Wisque to Auchy-Au-Bois 05/06/07

I am starting to get my head around being a pilgrim again. My body is also starting to get use to the idea. I managed to walk the first 15kms today before lunch. I was very pleased with myself but then promptly fell asleep in a field. luckily after a couple of hours the farmer came and gave me a kick because if he hadn't I think I would have been there the night.

I walked another 10kms before dinner time and stopped into this place called “Auchy-Au-Bois”….now is it just me or does that sound very funny to others as well :)

The bar didn’t serve food but the one across the road would in another one and a half hours so this gave me a good excuse to get pissed, which I promptly did…

It was a really friendly bar and I wished my French was up to scratch. Every man who walked in had to shake everyone’s hand in the pub and every woman who came in had to give everyone a kiss on the cheek. I got caught out though because I started reading my book and a kid of about 7 came up and nervously stared at me from about half a foot away. After prompting from his father I realized he was waiting for a kiss on the cheek as well. The kids couldn’t even get away with not doing the rounds.

On realizing I was a pilgrim bound for Rome the bar owner promptly presented me with a big bottle of water and a big bottle of coke. I was very impressed with his generosity but I did cringe at the extra weight :)

So after 90 minutes I staggered across the road for dinner. When I asked for a menu I got the reply “stake frittes” (stake and chips). This was all they served but it didn’t bother me as it is probably what I would have had anyway.

I went to leave town about 8pm and I could see a bunch of trees off in the distance which I figured would be ideal for camping. They weren’t. So I was faced with the possibility of either camping in the wheat fields or continuing to walk. I didn’t like either option and probably because of the beers I decided to practice my French and ask if anyone minded if I camped in their yard. Amazingly enough, the first person I asked understood me and even more amazingly said “yes”. Once again I wished my French was better because they were quite keen to have a chat. Thanks anyway guys, It was greatly appreciated :)

But still no sign of Dan...