As I was struggling along today I said a little prayer to St. James, the patron saint of the Camino, and I prayed that there would be a shoe store in Carrion. The first business we came to was a shop called Pilgrim's Oasis and I bought new shoes and socks. Fingers crossed that they help my feet.
One of the high points of the day, besides new shoes, was a stop at a church that once belonged to the Knights Templar. It was the job of these men to protect the pilgrims who walked this route during the Middle Ages. A second high point was walking with a Canadien named Otto from Winipeg. He is one of the nicest gentlemen I have ever met, He lost his wife a year ago and they had been planning to walk it together. He now walks in her honor. Everyone on the walk knows him because he makes a point of introducing himself to everyone he passes. There are so many stories like his that make this a very special journey.
A lady I met two nights ago told me that the Camino can be divided into three parts. Part one, the part we did not do, is for the body to make you strong for the journey ahead. Part two is for the mind. You have to be strong mentally to walk the Meseta with no shade and miles of nothing to look at but fields. The third part is for the Spirit, from Leon to Santiago. I decided during my struggle today that it takes a lot to conquer the body and the mind together!
Even though I had a few low moments today my day ended on a very high note when a former student wrote me a note of encouragement. My backpack is ready and body, mind 
and new shoes are ready to go.
I can almost hear you singing that famous Sinatra song " These shoes are made for walking". Here is my perspective on your trip so far: Mary Ellen is enjoying meeting interesting folk, but still surprised she hasn't met anyone named " Mary ____". Charlie is having a bad "golf dream". He is in this giant waste bunker ; has swung 15 times and is still in the bunker. Enjoy Bill
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ReplyDeleteOh, Mary Ellen! As someone who has bad feet, I ache just reading your posts. The difference between us is that I would be whining and complaining while you are making new plans. I hope your feet settle into their new home.
ReplyDeleteYour story of Otto made me cry. I cannot wait to hear about all of the different people you meet.
I loved how the woman described the 3 parts of the Camino. It makes sense, doesn't it? Combining the difficulties of the first two together will only make your heart and spirit stronger and more open (if that is possible) for the final portion from Leon to Santiago. Surely something to look forward to.
Love your posts and Charlie's pictures.
XO
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ReplyDeleteObviously, I had difficulty posting. Sorry about that!
ReplyDeleteOh that Bill is so funny....
ReplyDeleteI want to talk to you when you are home after a couple of days..
I want to hear fresh what your thoughts are and not wait until March.
You writing tells me so much about your experience....
You are being touched in so many ways..it is exciting....powerful and deep....
Hello to Charlie...and hugs to you both....All will be Well...love Mary Jo
I forgot I wanted to say, that I would take Sandi's advice and eat more often to
ReplyDeletegive you energy.....protein and some carb are important....
love
Breakfast--the most important meal of the day, si? i wanted to send you the food pages, but i can't find my Spanish picture dictionary. :-(( que lastima! bueno, heuvos, pan y cafe [eggs, bread, coffee] would make a good desayuno [breakfast], si? y jamon [ham]...y mucho agua durante el dia.
ReplyDeletegood luck out there!
judy s