One gentleman I see from time to time when he walks his dog; the other lady was taking a walk and we met for the first time. Both told me some unusual things... she is a scrabble tournament player and she travels all over the world to play. He has lived in the neighborhood since 1937 and has witnessed so many changes. He told me how his dad traveled back to Italy with his Cadillac, which was brand new, back in 1965. The car was so fabulous that the people in Italy crowded around the car when he was driving because they thought the President had to be in it! Sadly, while being driven around on a mountain the car went over the side!!! Everyone was ok but the car was ruined. He actually brought the car back home with him anyway! The gentleman was a young guy and salvaged the a.c. unit, putting it I to his own convertible to have the only a.c. convertible back in the day! Listening to this story, you could just see how rich that memory was for him. I love people-it is wonderful to listen and be present and share!I appreciate the clothes washer more. The little hill by my apt that I have to walk up every day just isn't so torturous anymore. Some days, I used to feel like it was a mountain... now it's just a slight incline that is easy to get up. it doesn't have loose rocks to make me slip, you can see the crest of it, I know where it terminates... on the Camino you walk not knowing when the steep ascents and descents will end. You have to be mindful of foot placement on certain paths... traveling the familiar becomes so much easier and much more appreciated. I love my little hill.Flip flops and sandals rock. I love having air on my feet. I love being barefoot. My holes on my feet from the blisters are still present, better, but still there. I appreciate my feet and legs that carried me. I deeply appreciate my husband for joining me on this journey even though it wasn't his thing, so to speak. He supported me, emotionally and physically. It was a good bonding experience. Ah... my son. While away, I missed him so. It was so nice to return to him and feel the love! He is growing into manhood. I have been nostalgic about his earlier years, the time just goes so quickly. I want him to do the Camino, think it would be an awesome experience of growth and self discovery. Plus, there are other perks like learning about other's ways of life and developing independence. I am going to work on him.I am also touched deeply by others' interest in my journey. There is a sweet reward in having shared it with others through my blog, carrying people's intentions to Fatima and talking about it. This is hard to put into words. Let's just say I know I am blessed to have wonderful people in my life.So, am I changed? I think I would say I am enriched... Peace, inner and outer, is my wish for all. Enjoy your journey, every day.
Well, back to work at my job where I work with children who are 3- 5 years old, with and without special needs. I began a new class with new kiddies 4 days upon return from my trip. They are delicious and having a new class in July is not as daunting as I expected. Especially since my journey has refreshed me. Do I feel changed? Hmmmmm... I learned that I live my life almost every day as if I am on a grand journey. I have always tried to talk to strangers and reach out and live with an open heart. Being on the Camino was an extension of my usual way of being in this world. Take for example two people I had the pleasure of speaking with just this past Sunday. Both live in my neighborhood. One gentleman I see from time to time when he walks his dog; the other lady was taking a walk and we met for the first time. Both told me some unusual things... she is a scrabble tournament player and she travels all over the world to play. He has lived in the neighborhood since 1937 and has witnessed so many changes. He told me how his dad traveled back to Italy with his Cadillac, which was brand new, back in 1965. The car was so fabulous that the people in Italy crowded around the car when he was driving because they thought the President had to be in it! Sadly, while being driven around on a mountain the car went over the side!!! Everyone was ok but the car was ruined. He actually brought the car back home with him anyway! The gentleman was a young guy and salvaged the a.c. unit, putting it I to his own convertible to have the only a.c. convertible back in the day! Listening to this story, you could just see how rich that memory was for him. I love people-it is wonderful to listen and be present and share!I appreciate the clothes washer more. The little hill by my apt that I have to walk up every day just isn't so torturous anymore. Some days, I used to feel like it was a mountain... now it's just a slight incline that is easy to get up. it doesn't have loose rocks to make me slip, you can see the crest of it, I know where it terminates... on the Camino you walk not knowing when the steep ascents and descents will end. You have to be mindful of foot placement on certain paths... traveling the familiar becomes so much easier and much more appreciated. I love my little hill.Flip flops and sandals rock. I love having air on my feet. I love being barefoot. My holes on my feet from the blisters are still present, better, but still there. I appreciate my feet and legs that carried me. I deeply appreciate my husband for joining me on this journey even though it wasn't his thing, so to speak. He supported me, emotionally and physically. It was a good bonding experience. Ah... my son. While away, I missed him so. It was so nice to return to him and feel the love! He is growing into manhood. I have been nostalgic about his earlier years, the time just goes so quickly. I want him to do the Camino, think it would be an awesome experience of growth and self discovery. Plus, there are other perks like learning about other's ways of life and developing independence. I am going to work on him.I am also touched deeply by others' interest in my journey. There is a sweet reward in having shared it with others through my blog, carrying people's intentions to Fatima and talking about it. This is hard to put into words. Let's just say I know I am blessed to have wonderful people in my life.So, am I changed? I think I would say I am enriched... Peace, inner and outer, is my wish for all. Enjoy your journey, every day. The videos are taken in santiago - bagpipes and butofumeiro in side cathedral as well as Braga during the festival of St. John the Baptist.
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We left Briallos and hoped to get to Padron on this day however my feet were still in bad shape. We walked into Caldas de Reis, a beautiful town with a great cafe on the river and we sat and sat until our friend, Anne happened by. As we enjoyed our food and wine, she said something prophetic- this is a town you could never leave... As we prepared to find the albergue, we came across a hotel which offered a pool of therapeutic mineral hot springs water. We opted to stay here. Ahhhhhh.... Leaving Caldas we got lost for awhile and our early start was for nought. Here is a hard to spot arrow and then a pic of a chapel that some kind folk redirected us to, thank God for the kindness of strangers.
On this day, I was in the most pain with my blistered heels. I started off okay but as the day progressed, the pain worsened. I was walking like Tim Conway's old man character on the Carol Burnett Show. Awful. Eddie kindly offered to carry my backpack but I refused; then he pretended to adjust it and took it from me. I was pissed. It took me a whole day to express gratitude for that action. I likened my pain with or without backpack as being similar to getting hit by a train at 30 mph or 90 mph. Either way you are screwed! It was kind of him... yes it was. Still, this day was lovely in its own way. I kept thinking that enduring the pain I was in did not compare to the pain of Christ or of others who have endured physical trials like one of my former students who underwent tendon release surgery and was in rehab for months. Or my friend who has cardiac and other health issues. I could do this. And Eddie cheered me on. But by the end of the day, I felt like if I had to go through one more gosh darn vineyard, I would strangle someone. Portela was a welcome sight. We had lunch here and met some wonderful people and a dog. After a beer, some octopus and some conversation my feet and I followed behind Eddie until I couldn't take another step and we ended up at the albergue in Briallos. It was a slow and steady walking day with some moments of "What the heck was I thinking? " But this was the night we befriended another peregrina, Anne from Germany and a hospitalero bombero. It was a night to remember. In the morning, we locked up and said goodbye to Anne, heading off although my feet were still in bad shape. Miguel the hospitalero told Anne and I to use the aloe he had growing in a pot in the albergue. No quick fix for sore feet.
I have an envelope filled with intentions. Some people may ask why. As a person who believes strongly in the power of prayer I am bringing them to Fatima, the place where it is believed, and the Catholic church has attested to, that an apparition of the Blessed Mother appeared there to 3 children. I am bringing prayers as this is considered a holy place ..where miracles occur. I am bringing all different types of prayers... for better health, an easy passing. money, financial security, long life, love, a finding of one who is lost. Mary is believed to be able to intercede on our behalf to Jesus and God. I believe that there are miracles. I feel it is an honor and blessing to take these prayers with me. To those who gave me a prayer, thank you for entrusting me. I do so with great joy for you.
Our first day was my hardest emotionally. I (and Eddie) were enjoying lots of things about the beginning of our walk. we came upon a public fountain (which are along the way, many sponsored by families or the village). My feet needed a break and there was cold refreshing water so we drank and I soaked my feet. Didn't dry them well and that was a bad move... The smell of eucalyptus forests and the sight of pussy willow and butterflies and wildflowers that first day was incredible. My legs bleeding under the skin, swelling and the start of blisters as well as running out of water in the heat was scary and made me feel like believing I could do this to fruition was unachievable. I cried to Eddie while in a bar to eat a bocadillo and have lots of juice as I was dehydrated. I lamented that I was out of shape, too fat, too old and crazy to think I could do this.... We got a taxi to go the remaining 5 kms to Porriño. A good night's sleep brought a new and hope-filled perspective. It was a better day. My feet were sore but I could manage. Leaving Porriño early, we stopped and got some empanadas and water bottles were filled and ready. I had belief in myself, confidence was the key and with Eddie's support I knew the next few days were going to lead us into Santiago. This past weekend I attended my 30th reunion from St. John The Baptist . it was lovely to see old friends and reconnect with acquaintances on a different level. Beautiful experience. I was missing so many who were not there- some because of other commitments, some I suppose don't want to revisit the past and some who have left this life. When you go back to revisit that which was left behind, you have the opportunity to remember and reflect. Life has been filled with challenges since those innocent, naive days of h.s. but I wouldn't change a thing. All that has occurred has made me the woman I am. It is good to remember.
It's my birthday , I'll cry if I want to and cry i did. I was missing my mom and dad, carvel ice cream cake, my boy and family. Not necessarily in that order. Maybe. It was a great day for walking. The weather and vistas were some of the best and I was looking forward to a great seafood meal in Pontevedra. Eddie and I were having as great time just hiking along along the easiest paths. There were times where I wanted to just soak in the scenery but the destination-driven hubby marched on ....and on and on. This day's walk was strenuous at points with ascents and descents that were hard on knees, feet and ankles. But there were so many beautiful moments, it was worth it. Walking these paths required thought and caution. This was our second night in an albergue. There wer more pilgrims here. It was a lovely building. Pepple were respectful and fairly quiet. The manboy in the bunk next to me went to bed in his bikini drawers. Eddie was a bit surprised. I wanted to giggle!
I had thought we would meet lots of people but for the most part Eddie and I were alone, together. Since he was a faster walker, we both spent hours alone, interacting intermittently. There is a peace that comes from that, and it is important to have that time. My best friends are the ones who I am not uncomfortable being quiet with.... because they are ok with just "being." Eddie and I have that down. We saw many pilgrims once we were in Santiago but along the Camino just a few. Even most of our albergues stops were done with minimal pilgrims in residence. My next journey I hope will include more pilgrim interaction because I think it would be lovely to meet and know a few. Here are some people along our Way... Here is a photo of a kind pilgrim and his sons. The gentleman stopped as I was hobbling along slowly. These small kindnesses bolstered me to keep one foot in front of the other. God bless! |
AuthorSome names I go by... mom, honey, sister, friend. Sadly, I am no longer anyone's daughter. I am a Special Ed preschool teacher by profession... lover of life by choice! Archives
March 2014
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