Walk With Me, Tyler E. Burgess

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My first day in Ecuador my son and I accompanied his wife to the dentist. In the waiting room we wore shoe covers and were offered coffee, tea, red or white wine, Bailey’s or whiskey. Since it was 8 am, I chose tea. I want to come here for my next dental appointment!

Since I stayed in the central Historic District on a pedestrian-only street, it was very quiet and remarkably clean. Despite being in an area of 22 million people or so, it was easy to walk to museums and parks. I took a walking tour of public murals, all depicting the horrific acts of violence against the indigenous people by not only the Spanish colonists but each other as well. No happy stories here. And near the presidential Palace was a demonstration demanding the new president find out what has happened to all the people currently missing. The sadness continues today. But the food was delicious and people seemed welcoming and friendly. I enjoyed an Australian couple on the tour and we went to lunch together. They told me about the best bakery nearby, too. So it was a very pleasant day.

I have four nights here, mostly to acclimate at 7,200 feet before flying to Quito, Ecuador at 9,300 feet. It’s a lovely city for exploring.

Walking a pilgrim path in France. Starting in Paris, walking to Vezelay and continuing onto Nevers, to visit the INTACT body of St, Bernadette, of Lourdes. I stayed in the convent where she lived and rests in peace.

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Photos with my new pilgrim friends. It becomes a close community, with people coming on and off the path, as their schedule allows. Some people do a section of one week or two every year on their vacation. Others, like me, have more time and spend weeks or months being a pilgrim.