I walked into the small town of Bursinel, soon saw a sign overhanging the entrance to “Clef d’Or” (translation: “the Golden Key”) — a “Communal Albergue” (or “Community Hostel”, a title which normally indicated a place that was pilgrim-friendly), and entered the same; hoping for a glass of ice water to dampen the heat and quench my thirst. Much to my joyous surprise, proprietor Pierre heard my tale and immediately offered me a room there for the night. I humbly declined the same (it was far too early to halt that day’s march) and yet thankfully accepted his subsequent offer of an espresso. His wife, Sylvie (pictured below), then offered me a croissant (which I politely declined, citing my unconditional Love for all sentient beings — including those who had been murdered in the making of said pastry) and then took me across the street to the local spring, the waters of which being apparently far more refreshing than any bottled alternative … 🙂

Vincent (also pictured below), the sole customer therein at the time, was equally blown away by my pilgrimage and used his cell phone to fervently try and secure me lodging that night with friends who lived in the upcoming city of Nyon. He did so without success*, and yet his gesture — like those of Pierre & Sylvie before him — did not go unappreciated or unthanked … 😀

“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is an essential prerequisite to your own.” ~ via Robert Heinlein

*As it turns out, Vincent kept trying to help me long after I left, and was indeed finally able to secure me a bed for the night in Nyon. Of course, I was not able to read his email telling me about the same until many days after I had already passed through that city… :O

Filed under: Peace Pilgrimage #02: Walking HOME (2019) by Scaughdt