Hola I am sitting in the sun on a rock fence in Triacastela
with tomorrow finding me on my way to Sarria tToday was another
sunny cool breezy fluffy cloud kind of day with a wee bit of a
chill in the air. I find it magically interesting that my first
full day in Celtic influenced Galicia found me walking on two
separate occasions with pilgrims from Ireland. Daniel was a
delight to chat with and Margo is a massage therapist and
nutritional counselor And we had nothing to talk about:).
Walking has brought me closer and deeper within the earth
and land and elements. The stone here literally vibrates it
seems and the nooks and crannies and green spaces evoke magical
and mystical ponderings and then you round a bend and a vista
opens up that brings you to a vast space within. Ah nature as
poet and teacher. What a gift. Today on the trail I watched 2
different farmers herd their cows up the Camino path using
dogs usually German Shepard mixes and curved staffs to tap
the cows on occasion. The cows are usually very docile except
today when an Impatient and stupid cyclist continued to pass
by spooking one cow to attempt a meager charge. The woman farmer
and I made faces and i did the finger to my head in a circle
for the universal sign of crazy and I then said stupido.
Doesn't endear the cyclists with the local farmers It seems
odd that I can be in Santiago by a week from tomorrow , but if
all goes well that will be the case. I want go continue another
4 or 5 days to Finisterre but that all depends on how I feel
when I get to Santiago. I have the time so why not? Everyone
is feeling a bit odd about the end f our pilgrimage coming upon
us. Once again a paradox and mixture of emotions. Grateful joyful
excited to go home afraid to go home how will I integrate did I
change. How did i change many swirling questions and only the
moment and the gift of letting them settle where they may. So
dear ones off to dinner with Kim from Texas and a good nights
rest. Love to you all embrace the day and smile for me.
Camille in and on the Camino
Though you are nearing Santiago, there is still much ahead of you. And though the roads and paths may grow a bit more crowded, there is still plenty of opportunity for solitude and reflection. May God continue to grant you peace and insight and safety and friendships on this trail you trek.
ReplyDeleteHey Camille -- it's me again. A couple of comments regarding albergues ahead of you. I found that once I got into Galicia, the private albergues were much nicer, though a bit more expensive, than the municipal albergues, which were crowded. In Sarria, I stayed in Los Blasones,, nine euros and quite nice. The International albergue there does not have a good reputation. I don't know about the others in that town. In Portomarin, I stayed at O Mirador, but was not impressed. I heard that others were better and in the actual town. In Palais de Rei, the Xunta is generally crowded with young people. Buen Camino was quite nice. That town is a bit weird to navigate. It looks like just one major street with no real grocery store, but there is more than what you might think. In fact, there are TWO real grocery stores, an Eroski and a Dia, I think. Ask around before you pay the high prices in the little stores on the main street. Though I didn't stay in Melide, it is a nice town with full services and some interesting churches. If I were to go back, I think I'd spend the night there rather than trekking on to Ribadiso. Well, that's the end of today's travel agent advice. Embrace the day:) I can hardly wait to share a cup of hot tea and your photos with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm smiling!
ReplyDeleteSo Camille, as you are walking through the mountains in solitude, with mother nature filling your soul, have you had your Julie Andrews/ Sound of music moment yet? I keep seeing you in my minds eye, coming up over the crest of a hill, hat on hand, heart and voice bursting into song...the hills are alive... So if you haven't, I think you are due, and take a spin for me, too! I also
ReplyDeleteCamille: thoughts of tomorrow, and next week, and of home? "Embrace the day!", a wise woman has written to me. You have changed; and you have changed many others by your touch, kind words (spoken and written), random acts of kindness, and beautiful soul. Your questions will all be answered, in time, and at the time you are ready for the answers. I am indeed, smiling, with you. Carry on! Ed SSB
ReplyDeleteI most certainly agree with Trish's comments. This journey could not possibly leave you unchanged. And all of the love you have given and received on the way has most definitely left the world and other hearts filled with love and inspiration. I love that Gerri is a lovely tour guide for you. And yes twirl around in them mountains and belt out The Sound of Your Music. Barb and I will have your outfit made out of curtains ready for you when you arrive home:) YOU ARE SO VERY LOVED~!~!~!~!
ReplyDeleteDana