Honouring passion and love

I look forward to the next few days of flat country. It would seem that the fog I have had surrounding every thought has slowly begun to lift. Storylines are presenting themselves, words which have jumbled and crowded thrmselves inside me are being released. I am feeling balanced and welcoming myself back to me.

I understand that the next few months as I move more into the next phase of our lives are critical in keeping that integrity and freedom of self, of not accepting things which are not outstanding or excellent and not forgetting the sacredness of this quiet, alone time.

I do feel Adrian beside us many times. I see so many stones in perfect heart shapes - in places I randomly stop, place my backpack or place a hand. I realise there is no' random.' These are truely messages of love to me, of farewell from an incredible man who did his utmost in a dreadful situation; and that his love will continue , as mine does, beyond the grave. But in this , the realisation  that it is time for me to let him go and grasp yhe new life ahead of me. To honour him is to continue to live a full life, bursting in love, passion and to live in grace- the way we always lived - never to leave things unsaid, undone.

On to Iterio Del la Vega

Purposely another short day in the attempt to look after my ankle and achilles heel with just 12 Km done today.

I understand many pilgrims take the bus to Leon to miss this part of the trek - or complain endlessly about the flat few days ahead.

Now, more than ever, I understand the wisdom that the Camino is not done on your feet. It is not up to me to judge another, as everyones journey, experience and Camino is thier own, but it made me smile to see the kids stare incredulously at the well meaning advice to get the bus and announce , why would you start the camino if you werent going to do it? I asked them if they meant   'Finish' but both said that you finish when you are done.. Not in Santiago. Wise chikas no?

Onward ho. The morning hill

Breaky stop at cafe Annie.

Up and down hills today. 

The road ahead. Another 8 km to go till we stop! 

Taking a rest at a traditional pilgrims hospital.

Not far to go now.

The ladies in the bar gambling while the men watch a football match. 

Hospital of the Soul - Castrojeriz

This place is so amazing, it deserves a post by itself.

Just past one of the churches along Calle  Mayor, before the Plaza, tucked behind an unpretentious doorway, languishes the hospital  of the soul. 

Nia Peito and Mau Mariani are artists and pilgrims. Nia is a photographer currently exploring themes around shadows of the human existance, focusing on the many caminos she has walked.

It is thier home not an Albergue a showcase of hospitality and of art. Its an incredible heartfelt demonstration of service to others.

Soft new age music lilts through the maze of tiny rooms as insense curls along beside you. It would almost be cliche, but nothing is pretentious nor put on here.

The rooms are decorated with paintings, photographs and inspirational messages, written in Spanish, English and French.

Comfortable chairs litter the tiny rooms and sunny spots. Magazines snd books, balls of yarn and knitting are scattered about, making this place homey snd welcoming. 

One of the surpising and incredibly spiritual places Ive visited so far was at the bottom of thier garden.  I'm unsure of the origins, as the town has roman ruins and been occupied obviuosly prior to this by many cultures.

Two caverns were available for quiet reflection. One is accessed down tiny stairs under a bricked archway and into a tunnel. The interior candle lit and peaceful. I felt a strong spiritual presence of calmness and am not afraid to say that I wept with an emotional release as I sat in the flickering light.

The other is a more open cavern, wild but still a calm place for reflection.

I loved the carefree openess this house offered; the feeling of hospitality and love.

Its a sense I want to capture and recreate in my next home.