The Esoterics

In the part of France near the Spanish border are the Bugarach Mountains.  Not impressive as mountains go, but beautiful and an attraction to hikers looking for a good walk and a chance to find rare species of orchids.

But, these days the area is picking up attention from those who think it would be a good place of refugee when time runs out on 21 December 2012.  At least that is what Reporter MAÏA de la BAUME says in an article in the International Herald Tribune.  And it is not just those concerned about the Mayan calendar.  This area has inspired authors Jules Verne and Dan Brown and filmmaker Steven Spielberg.  And in recent years it has attracted a collection of people the locals refer to as the Esoterics.

The Mayor of Bugarach, Jean-Pierre Delord, would rather avoid the opportunity to take economic advantage of this collection of Esoterics and the beliefs that bring people to the town and the area.  But, still, they come.

Bugarach is like California in the ’60s.  Things appear more clearly here; when you arrive, you feel that this is the beginning of a new life.

Didier Gromaire, a social worker from Chambéry

On the other hand, "The future isn't what it used to be", or so Yogi Beera tells us.

If you go to the article via the link, check out the photograph at the top of the article and note the front license plate on the VW Van.

Regards  —  Cliff