Lourdes

We almost missed our connecting train. We took a 6:40 am train from Lyon.  We knew we were to transfer to another train from Toulouse.  We had a hard time finding the correct platform though.  Good thing we managed to at the last minute.  

I held my breath while I was looking at my cousins run with their (humungous) luggage (filled with carefully labeled and coordinated daily fashion/OOTD, mini-packets) and board another coach while their other foot is suspended in the air from having just leapt off the platform. 

I found our train when it was just about to leave and I had to run back to where they were still trying to figure out what our ticket says.  So I was much closer to the train than they were, able to find the correct coach and board ahead.  I also have two but smaller suitcases.  Each, about 1/3 the size of theirs.  In contrast, mine is filled with dresses, shorts, bottoms and tops that are about the size of my palm when folded. (And my hands are smaller than the normal adult).  So definitely had the advantage. I leaned out to check if I had to leap right back to the platform should they miss boarding.  

(Somehow, I was reminded of a similar experience during mine and Ate's Myanmar rendezvouz.  I ended up boarding an entirely different bus from theirs, almost got lost in between, and made it to Bagan way ahead of them.  On my own.  The Myanmar blog chronicles it all). 

I was officially on leave from work but did agree to a quick, consultation call.  I did warn them I am going to be onboard a train.  I had to settle down quickly, only to find out the train's wifi is not working.  I had to go to where Ate is so she could turn on her data roaming. (Mine ran out 2 days before despite having bought a 21-day, 19+ countries data package and barely using it. Will never buy from this service provider again.) The call was a minor disaster as they also have some power interruptions from their end so we agreed to postpone to when I get settled at the hotel.

Lourdes was a quaint, little town we soon found out. My cousins went out ahead to the grotto while I had my call. I was about to leave the hotel when I got the call from Ate requesting that I buy them some hankies to wet with the water from the grotto. So bought them I did. The Shrine turned out to be huge. There are several chapels and designated spaces for confessions, praying, bath, etc. I went to several chapels but haven't found my cousins. I finally settled at the grotto and send my prayers. 

After a while I noticed a procession coming from the complex across the river. There were many people and some are on wheelchairs. It was such a sight to behold. Especially with all the banners raised high as well.  It had a "crusade" kind of vibe, only in this case, there were wheelchairs, some 'passengers' of which look visibly sick, in lieu of horses and knights.  

I knew that Ate and everyone are with them so I waited patiently amongst the crowd. When I spotted them, I joined them in the procession.