Today was a better day and I reached Villafranca de Montes de Oca, a distance of 22 kms without it seeming too arduous. The route took me through gently rolling terrain that at times reminded me of the English countryside. There is a pattern to the days. I leave around 8.30 am and make sure to stop for a cafe con leche soon after leaving. Today I stopped for lunch which was the most delicious tortilla, a pie made with potatoes, egg and sometimes onion and ham. I was rested and my drooping spirits were revived after staying at the wonderful albergue last night which is run by Acacia and Orietta. This wonderful couple met in 1999 on the Camino, he from Brazil and she from Italy. According to Orietta, the Camino shakes you and this is obviously what happened to them. After many years working as volunteers they bought and renovated an albergue in the little village of Viloria de la Riojia.
Our evening meal which consisted of large pots of rice; a stew of chorizo and beans; homemade soup; salad bread, was placed on the table and then we all introduced ourselves and gave our reason for being on the Camino. We were one Korean, one Canadian, three French and two Germans, yet really I think we all somehow have just shown up on the Camino and in some ways don´t know why but we all know that we have found something special in the friendships and community that spring up so unexpectedly along the way. Orietta said that God is not the man with the white beard hiding round the corner, he sits at the table with the pilgrims breaking bread, this is the everyday sacred that exists here.
I agree with her.
I'm so pleased today has been a better day for you. You are sounding energized,and uplifted. What an amazing time you are having,you are truly inspirational.Is it Hornillos tomorrow?
ReplyDeleteYes, the everyday sacred. That's the consciousness by which to live our every day lives. Are you shaken? To be shaken is perhaps the foundation reason for walking the Camino?
ReplyDeleteLove and hugs for another better day, every day.xo
Just thinking how liberating singing out loud, alone in the mucky rain could be but how comforting to be quietly in tune with your fellow pilgims. I'm thanking God there are earth angels...hugs.
ReplyDeletefirst try with steve's help,glad you had a better day today. You are quite remarkable but seem to be enjoying what you are doing. Seems I have done it hoorah!!! Will now be able to keep in touch
ReplyDeleteWhat an experience you are having. Yes, I agree that God is everywhere all you have to do is open your heart and eyes. Did you ever have the feeling that (Arthur Boers - The Way Is Made by Walking):
ReplyDeleteThis is whre I want to be.
This is what I want to be doing.
This is who I want to be with.
This I will remember well.
It doesn't get any better.
Cheers and Blessings
John
Christine--you make "the simple" so compelling--stepping out of what most of us think is so essential to "living" in this world and realizing that a new friend, a bowl of beans, walking intentionally and gratitude for NATURE is enough!
ReplyDeletehugs today! Morgana