41. Nevers, France

I arrived by train about noon,

The sun was shining none too soon.

Blue skies and warmer weather,

Have brought me back to feel light as a feather.

I don't know if it is leaving a City or if I have SIDS

But I am happier now, I feel like a kid.

I figured out the location of the B & B

It wasn't too far to walk for me.

The owner was there for me to meet,

Told me I have the third floor walk up, here's the key.

Hotel Beausejour is very simple, yet warm & clean

Better than some places that I have seen.

Up the stairs for some exercise and hoping I don't fall,

To my room where the bathroom is across the hall.

It's ok by me because I am the only one here,

I want to go eat and unload my gear.

I find a Restaurant Cote Pare,

The owner seats me next to an older gentleman

Who is a local, who's flirting with me as best he can.

I enjoy his happy deameanor, he bids me good luck on my travels

The owner jokes with him that he is a rascally fellow. 

The menu is superb and only 14.50.

I order the Menu du Jour,

It was the best I have had in France so far.

In Paris, I paid that much for a sandwich deal

Here, I get an entire four course meal.

Starters, it was a salad with cheese, ham  & bread

Second course, I had broccoli and veal with a sauce spread.

Next comes chocolate mouse and cafe

And, I am very happy for this day.

I compliment the owner on his restaurant's meal

Ask to take his picture because how happy he made me feel.

I am content and go back towards St. Bernadette at St. Gildard chapel.

So serene and beautiful she is to see

Preserved in time for years, over 150.

I sit in silence, I am the only one there,

This is a special time for me to be here.

Bernadette died at age 35, April 16, 1879

when she was exhumed in 1925, they did find,

That her body was incorrupt, sealed in time.

Here are a few of her personal quotes:

Let the Source of Life well up within me.  Let the Source of Love unfold me.

I shall not live a single moment without loving.

We must love without measure. Jesus, please give me the bread of strength, the bread of patience.

The greatest love a person can have for his freinds is to give his life for them.

God is love.

For an hour, I prayed and cried,

Then wandered to the garden outside.

Imagining she walked these very grounds,

And where she walked praying in the rain around.

Lit a candle in the grotto

And, felt so much love, this should be our daily motto.

I went for a walk around the town square

It is Monday, very quiet, no one is near.

This is one of the prettiest French towns

Keeping so much of its charm safe & sound.

Went into St. Cyr church that was bombed in WWII.

I was wondering why the stained glass windows looked modern and new.

The outside shell remained intake, 

With hundreds of dragons making an attack.

Headed back towards hotel near the park

And the town has come alive before it gets dark.

I have never seen so much family love all in one spot,

There's a merry-go-round, peddle carts, bikes, the entire lot

Is full of people, young and old,

Playing with their children and being happy souls.

Kids on ponies are taking turns,

Parents smearing sunscreen so the children won't burn.

I keep hearing in my head the song by Chicago

Saturday in the park, I think it was the 4th of July