Pontalier was where Pernod, the original absinthe spirit, was made. It brought to mind Hemingway sitting in the bar in Pamplona stoned out of his mind first thing in the morning before the bullfight. Pontarlier is a funky place. We followed the Absinthe route to Jougne, without hallucinogens, us up the Joura mountains with some significant elevation gain but stunningly beautiful landscapes and vistas. Fortunately the weather is holding in the mid-70s and with gentle breezes it make walking easier. Nonetheless we arrive in Jougne looking forward to a relaxing evening and early bedtime. Not to be. Jougne decided to celebrate Bastille Day 4 days early. The whole town turned out to the main square, directly in front of our hotel, to re-enact medieval rituals, think Renaissance Weekend, costumes and all, and to watch a respectable fireworks display at 11pm. And then the DJ kicked off the music and light segment that lasted until 2 am.
Walking the Via Francigena 
Loving the blonde hair, Paula! xoxo
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Dearest Paula and Edward
I’ve been keenly following you day by day with admiration, amazement and most recently awe. Total mounting awe. You are incredible, invincible.
Good job no one fears elevation differences- where is Hannibal when we need him?
My only concern is that you find you can’t stop the new normal and I envisage you beyond Rome, up before daybreak striding off down through Puglia and on to the source of the Nile. Leaving us all in your dust.
Hopefully we’ll get to intercept you briefly on the way….
Meanwhile corraggio pilgrims and I wish you many of the best two day hotels with benefits (not only soap).
If not witness protection I bet they are under deep cover. Who really thinks it’s her father?
Awestruck hugs
Xxx
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Your story brought to mind the night I spent in a so called Relais du Silence somewhere in the Lot e Garonne. That was the night the town was celebrating something- maybe it was Bastille Day and all traffic was diverted from the main drag straight past my bedroom window! Love your blog and full of admiration not only for your journey but also for the fortitude and good humour you are maintaining in the face of what must be some very trying situations. Courage mon braves!
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Wow that would never happen in my community. People complaining ad infinitum about noise and fireworks and how animals are petrified. HOA is on it.
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Paula and Edward – though I had been keeping up more regularly at the start, I just binged on the past 3 weeks of your blog. It is 5-star for sure! I love the fascinating observations, the keen insights, creative projections, the fabulous wit, and every single none of the morning selfies – you guys are AMAZING. Thank you for sharing this journey…I can’t wait for the next “episode.”
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“every single ONE (not “none”) of your morning selfies”
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of course, I meant to write that I love “EVERY SINGLE ONE* of the morning selfies” – they are beautiful and a great reminder that a day that starts with a smile and a positive attitude can be very productive indeed!
*isn’t it crazy how one letter can completely change the meaning of a word?
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We got your meaning
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Stunning
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