We have described our journey so far in terms of places we have visited,
the beauty of our surroundings and times of laughter and fun. Never a
dull moment! More difficult to express are our thoughts and feelings. As
we travelled the miles we have encountered God with new eyes and in new
ways in the people we have met, the places we have stopped and in the
natural beauty of the world around us.
Each day it's as if a new journey begins... A journey into the unknown ... exciting, full of anticipation but also full of hope that we have the strength to reach our destination with blister free feet!
On Thursday 10th we had a particular experience in mind as we walked to Melide, a little town deeply linked with the pilgrimage to Santiago. One of the best known dishes served in Melide is the octopus!
As recorded previously we did have an unexpected taster in Sarria of
the gastronomic delights in Melide. Bryan,our vicar, wanted evidence that we would not return without sampling the pulpo ... an experience we
did not relish. Every picture tells a story.
When we return,we look forward to telling you about the many colourful characters we have met on the way. There are too many to write about here - fellow pilgrims who have helped to make every day special, including a lovely couple who live along the road from Ian and Joan!!
Theads and links of those we meet never cease to amaze us!
On
the road to Aruza on Friday we were happy to find two village churches
open. In one of them a Spanish man enthusiastically described his
little church to us. We did not understand each other but there was no
mistaking his pleasure when we gave him a postcard of St John's before
we left.
Each day we have shared the path with cyclists from around the world also on route to Santiago we spent time chatting to a Romanian paralympic champion who took part in the London Olympics and is now preparing for Rio. On this afternoon there was also a group of people on horseback.
We spent Friday night in a hostel but not in bunks
thankfully!
We have met so many inspiring people, but on Saturday, as we walked to Rua, we were privileged to share the excitement of around
20 disabled people, each on their own adapted cycles, accompanied by
carers and volunteers - young and old. They had travelled from Madrid to
journey to Santiago.
Spontaneous cheers and applause welcomed them to
our Casa.
Between us we have taken hundreds of photos. This little
robin and many more like him provided pleasure and birdsong wherever we
walked ...and this larger bird made us smile. HAS HE A COUSIN NEAR THE
GARDEN CENTRE IN TIMPERLEY fee?
Another lovely description of your adventure... beautifully done. I can't believe your journey is drawing to a close; I hope it's lived up to all your expectations. Susan x
ReplyDeleteGosh Granny every day sounds like an unforgettable adventure. I can't wait to hear your tales when you get home. But until then keep on being your usual cheerful self keep and keep on walking :D janet
ReplyDeleteGreetings fellow peregrinas! Mary and Barbara here from Upstate New York. Isabel and Sue, your blog is wonderful - so well written and put together, and your photos are terrific. We have such wonderful memories of our journey and both of you will always be part of them. We are just now starting to organize our photos but will share some with you when we're done. Just FYI, our email addresses are: Mary mckalbert@gmail.com and
ReplyDeleteBarbara sullib@pfizer.com. We would love to hear from you if you feel inclined to drop a note. Best always, Mary and Barbara