At two o'clock sharp, we met the “The Prayer Group” faction of Ms. Lady Leader's gang. Looking at them, I started to wonder how they fitted in with the rest of their tour group. They were the exact opposites of the boisterous gambling gang. Their patience must be greater than ours because they had to spend more time with their comrades. At least, all four of us, my solo traveler amigas and myself, had the choice to do our own thing. I guess this time, they were able to "esca

We began our second day in Lourdes with an early morning Mass in French at the Upper Basilica, also known as the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. It is the second of the churches at the Sanctuary to be completed. Built in the Gothic style, the church seems to emerge directly from the rock of Massabielle and features a 70-meter spire and two smaller spires on both sides. Above the entrance is a mosaic depicting Pope Pius IX. At the entrance on the right is a marble plaqu