Last night we had a good night's rest with the whole house to ourselves. It was good to have some privacy and cooked pasta with tomatoes, cheriso sausages and cheese and of course some local wine. We set off at eight. Theresa and Cristian passed us when we still had croissants on the patio. This was their recommendation but they decided to stay at another place.
The house we stayed in belonged to an old lady, she must be well in her eighties. She was there to make sure everything was in order. She even started cleaning our boots.
We set off at a very slow pace. Ansie's feet were in bad shape. The scenery was again breathtaking with rivers and lush forests around us.
We time-traveled across the boarder from Portugal to Spain. The moment you step over the boarder, you must turn your watch one hour ahead. We met up with Cristian and Theresa as we crossed the boarder and are now staying at the same albergue. Tonight we are 18 pilgrims sleeping together.
The usual routine was followed when we got here: Book in, get your beds, shower, wash the clothes, buy food and relax. We will go for coffee later and look for wifi.
I again reflected on how religious this country is. Mary is venerated as I have not seen before. There are saints all along the way as a cloud of witnesses to guide us along the way. Crosses decorate the way. And yet, why is it that so many do not care for their animals?
I think of South Africa. We are just as religious, well at least in a Protestant sense, and still we battle with racism, homophobia and sexism (to name a few) on so many levels. Can we not rediscover the spirituality of the early pilgrims who walked these paths, whose only trust was Christ revealed in the stranger, bread, animals and in the way itself?
The mystery is Christ living in us, God dwelling in His creation. The challenge is to go and find Him, in yourself and in nature.
Tomorrow is a rest day. We will explore Tui and let the bodies/feet rest.
Ultreia! Suseia!
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