Monday 11th April. Hungry as a..... Pilgrim

I mistakenly decided not to have breakfast at the hotel, and so set off just before 8 thinking I could eat, get something in the village -- nothing doing, nowhere open, and so I set off up the hills with just a feral bar for breakfast... And it would get worse... 

Again a lovely sunny morning, although as on Sunday it was a biting icy wind blowing in my face all day.

I didn't have a great distance to travel today, and as it happened with no food I didn't feel like travelling far... 
The route I'm travelling actually stays away from villages, however as I travelled near to any, I kept trying to find a shop without luck , anyway I had water, so I trudged on!! 

 










All very similar tracks through farmland, major roads in the distance and up and downs!!

By about 12 o'clock I was ready to eat anything, then that teasing sign advertising a 'Boulongerie' (bakers)... Sadly that was closed also... I plodded on!! 

Shortly after 1 pm I arrived at my destination, Abbaye St Paul at Wisques - I couldn't get in until 3 pm and so, walked into the village - 1 restaurant... Closed on Mondays .... Aaaargh !! 

I had a look at the nearby convent of Notre Dame, 

then returned to Abbaye St Paul. 
I went to a sung afternoon prayers (called None), and then it was time to get in to my accommodation 
Fr Peter the hotelerie priest was very welcoming, and having found I'd not eaten, guided me to the dining room... And as much bread and butter as I wanted!! 

I had a nice shower and relaxed before 'Vespers' at 6 pm - very nice, about 12 Benedictine monks, singing Gregorian chant... 

Then before dinner I was introduced to the Abbott, who ceremonially washed my hands, and guided me to my place in the Refectory, within the monastery. 
A different meal, as throughout there were readings, and no one spoke!! - the meal was pleasant, not outstanding.. 

After dinner I had a short relax before final night prayers at 830... 

I was then able to retire to bed!! 

A quite different and hospitable experience-I wouldn't say I had to attend all the differing services... But I'm a Pilgrim, and wanted to !! 

So a good experience!