So much in 2 days...even a new country. Hardly noticed as we crossed the border, only the map and the signs in French paid tribute to the change in government. To backtrack a little.
We visited Guernika yesterday..outstanding museum dedicated to peace. The people here have taken much the same stand as Hiroshima...peace-not vengeance. The museum analyzed peace and then had a marvellous explanation of what happened that day in 1937. Found out it was a joint force of Germans, and Italians aided by the Spanish. There was a moving video of the German apology in 1997. So far the Italians and the Spanish have failed to do anything to own up to their parts.
It seems that the Franco era in Spain was so aided by the Catholic Church that is still so strong, that no look at any of the atrocities of that era has happened. We have seen several demonstrations featuring calls for Justice for the victims of that time. Looks like Spain has a darker side that still lies in the shadows.
We moved along the coast and headed for overnight in Pamplona...and Jurg's most important soccer game on TV. There must be a day of mourning in Spain as they got eliminated by Italy from the semi finals...but we got to see the famous bull run city in the morning. Walked the run that takes the bulls about 3 minutes to cover.
Then on through the Pyrenees- a magnificent drive thru small towns and green hills to a height of 1000m over the pass. Then the descent to France. Along the way we passed lots of cyclists and pilgrims on the Camino. Both seems like incredible challenges...
We drove to Lourdes...huge crowd of pilgrims and lots of souvenir shops. Quite the place. Not sure what to make of it all.
Tonight we are at Carcossonne. Jurg was last here 50 years ago. We will see tomorrow morning what has changed...
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