<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT SIZE=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">If you are flying into Paris from overseas I would suggest taking a day of rest in SJPP. I flew into Paris, took the train to Bayonne and the next morning took the train to SJPP. I began walking the next morning. <BR>
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This was not a good idea. The walk to Roncesvalles is at a high elevation (I am from the coast of Tx.), I still had jet lag, and I hadn't eaten properly while I was doing so much traveling. This resulted in a miserable first day on the Camino. I was 18 and in good physical shape too. I nearly fainted, or something, on the walk that day. My heart started racing so fast and it woudln't slow down and it got to where I had to rest every 10 steps. The pilgrims that passed me were honestly concerned and one man refused to leave my side until he realized I was going to continue stopping every 10 steps for a long time. I was so tired and I don't know (ill?) that I didn't have the presence of mind to be scared even though I barely had the energy to walk. I was used to being tired, I took dance and did sports for years but this was scary. My heart was racing so fast and there was nothing that would slow it down. No amount of resting would help and it felt like I couldn't get a deep breath. I'm sure there were some very bad things going on with my body. So my point is, don't be too gung-ho about that first days walk. Drink lots of water and eat well and rest in St. Jean for a day if you have to.<BR>
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Heather</FONT></HTML>