Remy’s 2023 Travel Notebook

Events of the last 5 days sure have been a rollercoaster. But the “journey” to St. Jean is almost over, and Camino is almost here. I am sitting in the Geneva airport awaiting my flight to Biarritz. There was an unexpected but needed family reunion in Switzerland for the last week. Grossmami has had ups and downs with health for the last handful of years. In her hard times over the years, she would seemingly recover and overcome most problems that would come up. This time it was different, and I had a feeling when I arrived at her house at noon. I stayed past the time I should have departed to Biarritz (5pm), and I’m glad I did. Grossmami left this earth at 7:57 pm that day. Sometimes I envy the ease at which some people can explain or justify why certain numinous or spiritual events/feelings occur. The way I ended up at Grossmami’s for what ended up being her last 8 hours, after shifting travel plans multiple times, is something beyond my explanation.

I spent the week with family – Swiss, Canadian, and American – at Grossmami’s house and the house my dad, aunt and uncle grew up in. It was also the place of many fond childhood memories as my parents brought us back to visit with grandparents and their past. more details on the happenings of the last week will follow.

One person I talked to before I left for my trip told me it’s common that someone who embarks on the Camino de Santiago dedicates their walk to someone. Of course, this one’s for Grossmami.