Cold and Wet Day Walking Around in Lourdes

On Saturday morning, we got up early and had a hearty breakfast full of bread and croissants… Mmmmm…. Sooooo good.

I promised myself I would start running as soon as I step foot on American soil!

We went to mass early in the morning. It was raining. What an ugly day (in terms of weather!). It was so cold and wet. I had to go back to the hotel room after mass to put on some layers. I put my sweat pants under my jeans. And I also decided to wear every single long sleeve shirt I brought (all 5 of them and my jacket). I purchased a winter hat and gloves and was on my way with my sturdy umbrella, which was a gift from my friend Lori for all my travels.

At the lobby, I asked for directions to Bernadette’s childhood home. I ran into Norm, Carol and Theresa and along with my mom, we decided to walk to Bernadette’s childhood home, as well as where she was born. We took a nice walk in the rain to see these places. The homes looked very old. They had been there for many, many decades. One thing I didn’t like was that I feel like all these holy shrines have become so commercialized and have been changed a bit to attract more people. There were souvenir shops galore! Everywhere you look, there are shops selling rosaries, jewelry and other artifacts.

Regardless, we had a good walk and I enjoyed seeing the two homes of Bernadette (where she was born, and where she lived after she was 10 years old).

Then we strolled back to the hotel. My mom went in to take a nap. She was getting cranky, so I think a nap was overdue. I think honestly, all of us were cranky because we were all so tired from all the sight-seeing and such. But we all kept saying, "We're only here this one time, so we have to see or do as much as possible." While my mom took a nap, I strolled around on my own to find a good crepe stand. I was successful and promised to take Peggy and Kathy back to get a crepe later.

After going to the hotel and waking my mom up, we went to lunch with Father, Peggy and Kathy. We went to the local creperie where Kathy ordered a crepe. My mom, Peggy and Father ordered the longest ever hot dogs. They goofed around taking pictures of their hot dogs….

I know…. Weird! Father pretended two of the hot dogs were swords and took pictures holding up his and my mom’s hot dogs. I laughed a lot watching them goof around!

Then we walked to the miraculous healing baths. My mom, Peggy, Kathy and I stood in line for almost 4 hours without success. There were already too many people admitted and therefore we’d have to return the next day to try again for the baths. It was not fun! I was not a happy camper after standing in line for way too long in the freezing cold. We attended the Blessing of the Sick at the Basilica that seats 25,000 people. It was huge! What a grand and overwhelming place. I loved it. I didn’t think the inside was particularly beautiful, but I had just told my mom the other day that I thought the catholic church spent too much money on beautiful buildings when one could pray anywhere. I told her then, the money should be used for better causes.

After visiting the Basilica, we went back to the hotel and prepared for dinner. I decided I was in need of a clean shower and nicer clothes for dinner, so I dressed up a bit to eat my nice meal.

The dinner again was delicious. I sat next to Cecelia (the lady with the lack of short term memory). I reminded her we were in France at least 4 times throughout the meal. I gave her our itinerary for the following day another 10 times, and told her where we would be traveling next about a dozen times. Father made me laugh because he told me not bring up certain topics that would make her talk more and I failed to listen to him. He had warned me and I didn’t listen to him! Bless her heart. She's such a sweet and intelligent woman, but I just wonder how she travels all alone. It has to be hard.

After dinner we all went down to the bar and had cafĂ© au laits together. Unfortunately, the coffee was so strong, I was up until about 2 am unable to sleep because of all the caffeine.  Overall, today was a good day. I realized how little tolerance I have for cold weather, and how much I despise rain. I also realized how hilarious and entertaining Father is. I watched my mom enjoy herself and laugh most of the day and like seeing her happy. It was a good day. But were I to return to Lourdes, I would do it in the summer.