tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22141679326344230122024-03-13T13:36:05.245+02:00Johan en Ansie se CaminoJohan en Ansie se Camino: 'n Blog oor twee Suid-Afrikaners wat die Camino de Santiago en ook 'n groot deel van die Portugese Camino gestap het.
A blog about two South Africans who walked the Camino de Santiago and also the Portuguese route from Coimbra to Santiago.
We will walk again from Lisbon to Fatima from 8 October - 20 October 2019.Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-58925054408078682992019-10-17T21:25:00.001+02:002019-10-17T21:25:45.038+02:00Batalha to Nazaré<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XM3PsRL3xo8/XajAOf1NuNI/AAAAAAAAIXA/LKWzHT6dSmgZvP29lfFpwXLEkclJeGBxwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191017-WA0017-745049.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XM3PsRL3xo8/XajAOf1NuNI/AAAAAAAAIXA/LKWzHT6dSmgZvP29lfFpwXLEkclJeGBxwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191017-WA0017-745049.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6748855396910086354" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AjZlQUrbaLM/XajAPPAv8eI/AAAAAAAAIXI/JYIzW15krdMuZk3eROP0qKzjb5y6ip_jQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191017-WA0014-748140.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AjZlQUrbaLM/XajAPPAv8eI/AAAAAAAAIXI/JYIzW15krdMuZk3eROP0qKzjb5y6ip_jQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191017-WA0014-748140.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6748855409574932962" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIjH3_ILS6U/XajAPjqivQI/AAAAAAAAIXQ/yKf7d97nc4gGljpb0WtWHck7nW-FvpZPACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191017-WA0013-749869.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aIjH3_ILS6U/XajAPjqivQI/AAAAAAAAIXQ/yKf7d97nc4gGljpb0WtWHck7nW-FvpZPACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191017-WA0013-749869.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6748855415118937346" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBQsBM1WUWc/XajAPwJN5hI/AAAAAAAAIXY/9t4dIq--UecPVifxhiRbyNofkw-TQaX6wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191017-WA0010-751555.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBQsBM1WUWc/XajAPwJN5hI/AAAAAAAAIXY/9t4dIq--UecPVifxhiRbyNofkw-TQaX6wCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191017-WA0010-751555.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6748855418468820498" /></a></p><div dir="auto">Last night we ate and drank like people who did not eat for a day and was taking on a journey to the end of the earth. The place we stayed in also had a restaurant. Ansie suggested we should share the meat platter. The wine accompanying the meal was never ending. We had pork rib, beef, lamb, three kinds of sausages, vegetables and chips!<div dir="auto"><br>This morning, well fed and rested, we left in the rain just after eight. Google maps took us through the most spectacular route we have walked up till now. For 27 km's we walked through forests, pine plantations and farms, apple orchards, vineyards and prickly pears. We sampled some of the prickly pears - sweat!</div><div dir="auto"><br>The last 6 km's was a test. Dunes upon dunes. We were exhausted when we eventually reached Nazaré.</div><div dir="auto"><br>We again reflected on the Camino; the fun we had! We talked about faith, God's faith in us. The Bible, breath of God, definitely not a rule book. God's grace and charity towards people. The depth of the Catholic faith, part of our roots. The Mystery that cannot be explained. <br><br>It is a pity that we do not treasure the myths and legends of our faith. Faith needs reason, but faith without mystery is dead.</div><div dir="auto"><br>Thank you for traveling with us. God was a faithful Companion, as always. Now we are tourists. <br><br>(Who is the face watching us in the tunnel?)</div><div dir="auto"><br><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_of_Nazar%C3%A9" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_of_Nazar%C3%A9</a><br><br><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto"><br></div></div></div> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-6129884626978486692019-10-16T18:24:00.001+02:002019-10-16T18:24:34.687+02:00DAY 9 FATIMA TO BATALHA<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PB4ROogWDQc/XadEQxSHrpI/AAAAAAAAIWY/K-cBXmj1IVkWcHCWPYRcoSpTX3md9WmMQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191016-WA0017-774711.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PB4ROogWDQc/XadEQxSHrpI/AAAAAAAAIWY/K-cBXmj1IVkWcHCWPYRcoSpTX3md9WmMQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191016-WA0017-774711.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6748437621535911570" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Re9_F0yMa9E/XadERRah1rI/AAAAAAAAIWg/Xt5DelHcJXggOtxq6Xgv9XGDAMhIiTuYQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191016-WA0016-777062.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Re9_F0yMa9E/XadERRah1rI/AAAAAAAAIWg/Xt5DelHcJXggOtxq6Xgv9XGDAMhIiTuYQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191016-WA0016-777062.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6748437630161114802" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EzXIpVroaBE/XadESNrJn7I/AAAAAAAAIWo/jFwoJL8qFL8KCsGeRqqVCPR1Fe2rOuIrgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191016-WA0022-779092.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EzXIpVroaBE/XadESNrJn7I/AAAAAAAAIWo/jFwoJL8qFL8KCsGeRqqVCPR1Fe2rOuIrgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191016-WA0022-779092.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6748437646336958386" /></a></p><div dir="auto">If you take the road less travelled, you will get lost, but hopefully find self. We were roughly 5 km's outside of Fatima when we lost the way maker. The way maker on this route is more or less 10x10 cm in size, stuck somewhere on a pole or tree. It is an unknown pilgrim route.<div dir="auto"><br>We were passing a small holding with the owner, Laubertus, feeding his sheep and horses. He started a conversation with us, just to be told by him that Nazaré is in the opposite direction. He then gave us a ride on the back of his pickup to the nearest town. From there we followed Google maps to Batalha. The route map to Nazaré I chucked.</div><div dir="auto"><br>Thought to self: In life, travel with a plan or travel in a general direction and let life surprise you?</div><div dir="auto"><br>One of the things that struck us so far on our pilgrimage is the amount of litter along the way. The cities and towns are clean, but the amount of rubbish along the roads is terrible. Are these signs of a society which is unraveling at the edges?</div><div dir="auto"><br>Batalha is a small town situated around a monastery completed in 1434.</div><div dir="auto"><br>Tomorrow we will continue to Nazaré - Deo Volente.</div></div> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-70944084320184701042019-10-15T21:21:00.001+02:002019-10-15T21:21:43.593+02:00FATIMA<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9WBM66NiXU/XaYcSCIauII/AAAAAAAAIVw/CEctMTsk54g2l1FEIelSy1XT0m3a-ewqACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191015-WA0019-703618.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d9WBM66NiXU/XaYcSCIauII/AAAAAAAAIVw/CEctMTsk54g2l1FEIelSy1XT0m3a-ewqACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191015-WA0019-703618.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6748112187796666498" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8IEG6KE8tyk/XaYcSZQnwsI/AAAAAAAAIV4/ZkTTbU-81sgvbAGWt1I1RSPTlQu3m-2-ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191015-WA0021-705579.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8IEG6KE8tyk/XaYcSZQnwsI/AAAAAAAAIV4/ZkTTbU-81sgvbAGWt1I1RSPTlQu3m-2-ACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191015-WA0021-705579.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6748112194005091010" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PH5vMk3M38s/XaYcS5PeB4I/AAAAAAAAIWA/moWYeDmRv9QvImZ8ksh0lJ4c5cmkZU2rgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191015-WA0020-706578.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PH5vMk3M38s/XaYcS5PeB4I/AAAAAAAAIWA/moWYeDmRv9QvImZ8ksh0lJ4c5cmkZU2rgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191015-WA0020-706578.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6748112202590193538" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-df7VvPVTOpU/XaYcTEHUbsI/AAAAAAAAIWI/jRczG7tpzXwynOBLaPpeJ2Q5MG1EgIG-ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20191015_201956-708275.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-df7VvPVTOpU/XaYcTEHUbsI/AAAAAAAAIWI/jRczG7tpzXwynOBLaPpeJ2Q5MG1EgIG-ACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20191015_201956-708275.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6748112205508800194" /></a></p><div dir="auto">What a day of just enjoying this mystical spirituality. Where shall I start? That I came here with my protestant preconceived ideas? That I wanted to come here on my previous Camino but was talked out of it by the women in charge at Alpriate? <br><br>Ok, let me confess: The pope is not infallible, Mary was not without sin, purgatory does not exist. <br><br>That aside, what I experienced here was something profound. There are more crosses than statues. Mary is always portrayed in miniature scale to the cross. One of the more beautiful crucifixes that I have observed, is Christ levitated just off the cross.<div dir="auto"><br>The mass at the Chappel of the apparition this afternoon was inspiring. The readings were from Rom 8:18-27 and Joh 14:1-8. The message from the Fr of the Phillipians was simple, we are one, we are united to the Father in Christ. Let our prayers and life be in union. Guard against a life where there is a dichotomy between your prayers and every day life with others.</div><div dir="auto"><br>Tomorrow we set off for Nazare. We must travel, as the first pilgrims, further east, to the end of the world. There we must wash ourselves in the ocean cleansed from our sins.</div><div dir="auto"><br>Qui vivis et regnas Deus in saecula.<br></div><div dir="auto"><br><a href="https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_F%C3%A1tima" rel="noreferrer noreferrer" target="_blank">https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_F%C3%A1tima</a><br><br><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto">Dr Johan van den Heever <br>0834482609</div></div></div> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-27239188332867865912019-10-15T09:19:00.001+02:002019-10-15T09:19:39.054+02:00DAY 7 TOMAR TO FATIMA<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3otNYU8bXdc/XaVzCzirzCI/AAAAAAAAIVE/yPjniJlq3-Yp2-H_Eoi9ojGqZHL6dZ9TwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191014-WA0017-779079.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3otNYU8bXdc/XaVzCzirzCI/AAAAAAAAIVE/yPjniJlq3-Yp2-H_Eoi9ojGqZHL6dZ9TwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191014-WA0017-779079.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6747926108717173794" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CUJJA0ivJrQ/XaVzDC6gYOI/AAAAAAAAIVM/P9ADtt18XcwqxdapMBd1dWXCVXpizkrqgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191014-WA0015-780505.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CUJJA0ivJrQ/XaVzDC6gYOI/AAAAAAAAIVM/P9ADtt18XcwqxdapMBd1dWXCVXpizkrqgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191014-WA0015-780505.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6747926112843620578" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VcGjmvu5iu4/XaVzDogx-KI/AAAAAAAAIVU/PMSb34lfz9UFupsX6Mnwy95HMLlOKswAgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191014-WA0014-782603.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VcGjmvu5iu4/XaVzDogx-KI/AAAAAAAAIVU/PMSb34lfz9UFupsX6Mnwy95HMLlOKswAgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191014-WA0014-782603.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6747926122936268962" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lX_7ONKxz20/XaVzEBHAVvI/AAAAAAAAIVc/8V5ROhyYFQYOe0_TN2hG040EDRZJQyo0ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191014-WA0012-783970.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lX_7ONKxz20/XaVzEBHAVvI/AAAAAAAAIVc/8V5ROhyYFQYOe0_TN2hG040EDRZJQyo0ACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191014-WA0012-783970.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6747926129539045106" /></a></p><div dir="auto">We got up early, had bread with honey and cold milk with chocolate, left just after seven and lost our way. Fortunately, there was a cafe and we had a coffee, to be assured by the owner we are on the road to Fatima. Then it began to rain!<div dir="auto"><br>We later realized that the road we are on will get us to Fatima, but definitely much further than 30 km we planned according to the original route. At another cafe I asked Google maps for a walking route. <br><br>How Google maps kept on talking to me all the way up to Fatima until we picked up the way maker, I do not know (no data or working SIM). Google maps also took the shortest walking distance between the point we found ourselves at and Fatima. This turned out to be quite a route. <span style="font-family:sans-serif">But as our son Willem says; more fun getting lost.</span></div><div dir="auto"><br>Just before 17:00 and after 35 km's we reached Fatima, exhausted. </div><div dir="auto"><br>The pilgrim's hostel where we are staying over do not allow for men and women to share the same dormitory. Ansie sleeps in a separate part of the building. No nonsense tolerated on holy ground.</div><div dir="auto"><br>Tomorrow I will reflect on Fatima and the spirituality of this beautiful place.</div><div dir="auto"><br>Tonight it is off to bed.</div><div dir="auto">God has provided.<br><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto"><br></div></div></div> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-83262815033248097452019-10-13T19:15:00.000+02:002019-10-13T19:30:16.705+02:00DAY 6 AZINHAGA TO TOMAR<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PW3tuwopFWc/XaNfKdak8eI/AAAAAAAAITw/WG6BNs_GYiwtLdI4szTc40z4dhqcyMTNACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191013-WA0023-716827.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PW3tuwopFWc/XaNfKdak8eI/AAAAAAAAITw/WG6BNs_GYiwtLdI4szTc40z4dhqcyMTNACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191013-WA0023-716827.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6747341300030566882" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U2YPLq4gMSU/XaNfKiaytAI/AAAAAAAAIT4/MivJ7xs2d7IudjnMlN5qOgkCSQOYEe9JwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191013-WA0008-718366.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U2YPLq4gMSU/XaNfKiaytAI/AAAAAAAAIT4/MivJ7xs2d7IudjnMlN5qOgkCSQOYEe9JwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191013-WA0008-718366.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6747341301373645826" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytMh4uFc1cg/XaNfLLXZ6dI/AAAAAAAAIUA/a68IuaUpmJgTX9gWmwo22UhtMaY7cj0AwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191013-WA0009-720030.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ytMh4uFc1cg/XaNfLLXZ6dI/AAAAAAAAIUA/a68IuaUpmJgTX9gWmwo22UhtMaY7cj0AwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191013-WA0009-720030.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6747341312365291986" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ5Zehap4ck/XaNfLRHGxdI/AAAAAAAAIUI/CuAFTkhLud8Bm0usYYJM9FQSJGyTjaYXgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191013-WA0010-721554.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PJ5Zehap4ck/XaNfLRHGxdI/AAAAAAAAIUI/CuAFTkhLud8Bm0usYYJM9FQSJGyTjaYXgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191013-WA0010-721554.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6747341313907541458" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzd-FkvDEIQ/XaNfL0Vz2JI/AAAAAAAAIUQ/xF-MgbeTkugxPKjVUHcXE6ahOzl26x4vACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191013-WA0022-723551.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzd-FkvDEIQ/XaNfL0Vz2JI/AAAAAAAAIUQ/xF-MgbeTkugxPKjVUHcXE6ahOzl26x4vACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191013-WA0022-723551.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6747341323364456594" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uyd5nlJ9xWw/XaNfMTw2ogI/AAAAAAAAIUY/YMbvGzb9CK4Jpgb9_WpIpQ-tgcatHANVACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191013-WA0018-725319.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uyd5nlJ9xWw/XaNfMTw2ogI/AAAAAAAAIUY/YMbvGzb9CK4Jpgb9_WpIpQ-tgcatHANVACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191013-WA0018-725319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6747341331799384578" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDz2T1CVrwc/XaNfM4a026I/AAAAAAAAIUg/xcU_lLvjJMgfAvNubNnlzHIvi79cZBNZgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191013-WA0025-726934.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDz2T1CVrwc/XaNfM4a026I/AAAAAAAAIUg/xcU_lLvjJMgfAvNubNnlzHIvi79cZBNZgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191013-WA0025-726934.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6747341341639105442" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CG5wENiTSFA/XaNfNI77cLI/AAAAAAAAIUo/NTgiiIu1-WQjXGpiPjv_ljYUhAydTPqZACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191013-WA0016-728587.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CG5wENiTSFA/XaNfNI77cLI/AAAAAAAAIUo/NTgiiIu1-WQjXGpiPjv_ljYUhAydTPqZACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191013-WA0016-728587.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6747341346072916146" /></a></p><div dir="auto">So we arrived at Azinhaga very tired. Helena was a super host! With us was a retired Economics prof from Spain. At supper last night, I realised the narrative in SA is also the narrative in Spain; corruption, social grants together with over paid unproductive government officials, tax evasion etc is killing the economy. In Portugal however, the economy is booming.<div dir="auto"><br>Today we were tourists, it is a rest day. Tomorrow it is off to Fatima - 30km's. We had a picnic in the park, walked up to the Templar Castle and enjoyed this beautiful old town.</div><div dir="auto"><br>To get us in the right frame of mind, we booked into a pilgrim's hostel to pick up the "incense" of the Camino.</div><div dir="auto"><br>The railway lines reminded me that the beauty and joy of life happen where the line between spirituality and insanity gets blurred. <br><br>("See, I am doing a new thing!...")<br><br><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto">Lots of photo's from the tourists.</div></div></div> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-51027797218329138942019-10-12T20:29:00.001+02:002019-10-12T20:29:40.540+02:00DAY 5 SANTAREM TO AZINHAGA<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8ASwYE6K30/XaIblJ1Rs7I/AAAAAAAAIO0/eWQldjPuZmggnfqdITNW97cXWl5b9OfWgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191012-WA0014-780563.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q8ASwYE6K30/XaIblJ1Rs7I/AAAAAAAAIO0/eWQldjPuZmggnfqdITNW97cXWl5b9OfWgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191012-WA0014-780563.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6746985516862911410" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGnjHa3dZ9Y/XaIblkMSp9I/AAAAAAAAIO8/8gWfXZ3lsRYUxi8Mb7bdkx3UU9U5sjiuACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191012-WA0008-782475.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGnjHa3dZ9Y/XaIblkMSp9I/AAAAAAAAIO8/8gWfXZ3lsRYUxi8Mb7bdkx3UU9U5sjiuACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191012-WA0008-782475.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6746985523938764754" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3OqJjrI9gmg/XaIbmDmOI3I/AAAAAAAAIPE/9r6fN3A5KXk19-VA0VCP-xh4yiAWRBYEQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191012-WA0017-783704.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3OqJjrI9gmg/XaIbmDmOI3I/AAAAAAAAIPE/9r6fN3A5KXk19-VA0VCP-xh4yiAWRBYEQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191012-WA0017-783704.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6746985532369019762" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KBTxGJVbciA/XaIbmfqcKHI/AAAAAAAAIPM/0mJEiPoa7sQYsoIzsxJqRHAwIHUeGsaZwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191012-WA0016-785365.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KBTxGJVbciA/XaIbmfqcKHI/AAAAAAAAIPM/0mJEiPoa7sQYsoIzsxJqRHAwIHUeGsaZwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191012-WA0016-785365.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6746985539902908530" /></a></p><div dir="auto">We left just after seven, missed one of the way makers and eventually, after an hour was on our way out of Santarem. This however was not as bad as one of the pilgrims who had to return to fetch her phone, just to discover it was all along in the side pocket of her trousers.<div dir="auto"><br>I previously wrote about people who on the Camino leave things behind which symbolises something personal. The three teddy bears hanging in the tree, made us wonder. Was it maybe a bereaved parent mourning a child? <br><br>The spirit of the Camino was presented to us in the form of a pouch hanging from a tree. Inside was a note; "Please take what you need and leave the rest for other pilgrims", also plaster, wound dressing and three cigarettes.</div><div dir="auto"><br>The day was long, 27 km's. We are tired and our feet hurt. Tomorrow will be a rest day. The journey is not yet over. The journey inward is quite often also tiresom but that is where growth happens. It is when the silence of the Camino opens up to you that you know the Camino is accepting you and will provide in your needs.<br><br><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto">May you have a blessed Sunday!</div></div></div> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-50679306734996747952019-10-11T20:07:00.001+02:002019-10-11T20:07:38.883+02:00DAY 4 QUANTA DE BURRA TO SANTAREM<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqgWga2_Dmo/XaDE67rn99I/AAAAAAAAIOM/VjyJQhEndcAR1IZuswwtDUN1BKbpDVuJQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191011-WA0030-758907.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqgWga2_Dmo/XaDE67rn99I/AAAAAAAAIOM/VjyJQhEndcAR1IZuswwtDUN1BKbpDVuJQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191011-WA0030-758907.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6746608758533126098" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArS4Kz6JlZQ/XaDE7QCV3sI/AAAAAAAAIOU/FTefVgIHr5kd1DGMMXl_lV7k1wuFxnEhACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191011-WA0031-760985.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArS4Kz6JlZQ/XaDE7QCV3sI/AAAAAAAAIOU/FTefVgIHr5kd1DGMMXl_lV7k1wuFxnEhACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191011-WA0031-760985.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6746608763997118146" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vL8COp-QQjc/XaDE7g_k_qI/AAAAAAAAIOc/zbMl2JY_kVM8yVrzooJbrsjBLvOBQYRkwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191011-WA0021-762735.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vL8COp-QQjc/XaDE7g_k_qI/AAAAAAAAIOc/zbMl2JY_kVM8yVrzooJbrsjBLvOBQYRkwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191011-WA0021-762735.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6746608768548929186" /></a></p><div dir="auto">Last night's supper was in the traditional Camino way, nine people around the table, enjoying Paula's home cooked meal and hospitality. After the port it was time for bed.<div dir="auto"><br>We were up by six and after breakfast we were off. The sun was slowly rising, the morning fresh and cool. We had 16 km's ahead of us, all through farmland, vineyards, maize and tomato fields waiting for the next planting season.</div><div dir="auto"><br>It was here that we realised how much plastic is used in cultivating vegetables and tomatoes. (Look at the heaps of plastic piping in the photo above.) A very thin, soft plastic piping is used to irrigate the tomatoes. These piping gets ripped up after harvest time to be replaced again in the new planting season. Is plastic so cheap that we can sell out our environment for more profit?</div><div dir="auto"><br>Paula mentioned that she does not accept tomatoes from these farmers because of the amount of insecticides that they use.</div><div dir="auto"><br>Just before we left home, we had this discussion about the new lies people are being fed: "Stop eating meat, cows are destroying the earth. Eat vegetables and save the earth!"</div><div dir="auto"><br>We arrived at about 12:00, checked into a municipal albergue, bunk beds, but just the two of us and the set off to explore the town. We attended the last part of the Eucharist in the "Shrine of the most holy miracle". The liturgy was in English which was special; "..for the remission of our sins..."<br><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto"><br>Our bodies can feel "The Way". The first pilgrims believed this was part of penitence and inequities being forgiven and departing from us.</div><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto"><br><em style="border:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;font-family:"droid sans",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:13px;text-align:justify;background-color:rgb(255,255,255)">Deus adjuva nos!</em><br></div><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto"><em style="border:none;margin:0px;padding:0px;vertical-align:baseline;font-family:"droid sans",arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:13px;text-align:justify;background-color:rgb(255,255,255)">You are welcome to leave a comment. Reminder, my first language is Afrikaans.</em></div><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto"><br></div></div></div> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-43398528876300291412019-10-10T18:28:00.001+02:002019-10-10T18:28:47.744+02:00DAY 3 AZAMBUJA TO PORTO DE MUGE<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xcYQXleunTA/XZ9cQFAFepI/AAAAAAAAINs/dkshZV2VsuAK59060tAX9da229QwwaUMgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191010-WA0005-727805.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xcYQXleunTA/XZ9cQFAFepI/AAAAAAAAINs/dkshZV2VsuAK59060tAX9da229QwwaUMgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191010-WA0005-727805.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6746212198114491026" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gt2DwoRQi0A/XZ9cQt7FBUI/AAAAAAAAIN0/9xAS_9QG1M8hb0QyfPWIqpBm2RcRGDEqACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191010-WA0006-729963.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gt2DwoRQi0A/XZ9cQt7FBUI/AAAAAAAAIN0/9xAS_9QG1M8hb0QyfPWIqpBm2RcRGDEqACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191010-WA0006-729963.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6746212209099343170" /></a></p><div dir="auto">Sleeping in an Albergue with 8 other pilgrims is always a snoring contest. Although we were up early, we only got going past eight. We were in no hurry with 16km's to do. It turned out to be over 20.<div dir="auto"><br>On the Camino you will always find shoes and hiking boots left along the way. When you need to get to Santiago and your boots will not allow you, take them off and leave them behind. This was, however, a first for me (see first photo). I wonder what made the lady decide to get rid of them and just hang them on the tree?</div><div dir="auto"><br>The Camino is about letting go. The "way" was reminding me that we are all "work in progress". The work is not done until you have left "self" behind. In loosing oneself, is also the finding of the true self, the one that was made in the image of God. This remains a life long journey.</div><div dir="auto"><br>Today along the route Ansie and myself evaluated our move to Cape Town. It is now almost two years that we have been serving in our new congregation. We stayed in a lovely house in Eldoraigne with lots of memories. But we are still confident that we made the right choice.</div><div dir="auto"><br>Just after 14:00 and 29° in the sun, we arrived at Quinta da Burra where Paula met us and made us feel right at home. We have our own private room and dinner will be served at 19:00. She will pack us food for the road tomorrow. This is like a small retreat center, the love and peace is food for our soul.</div><div dir="auto"><br>We hope to leave at 07:00, with roughly only 16km to do but no water or shade on the route and the forecast is 30° with clear skies.</div><div dir="auto"><br><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto">Buen Camino/Bon Camino</div></div></div> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-49459440925718217692019-10-09T20:18:00.001+02:002019-10-09T20:18:31.306+02:00DAY 2 ALVERCA TO AZAMBUJA<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lwFR7EZUQlw/XZ4kd0EaMwI/AAAAAAAAIMw/dNH5IEWsVoIeyoZyHgqrPsVdP6wnjmgOgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191009-WA0015-711367.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lwFR7EZUQlw/XZ4kd0EaMwI/AAAAAAAAIMw/dNH5IEWsVoIeyoZyHgqrPsVdP6wnjmgOgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191009-WA0015-711367.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6745869386459525890" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pulFheGq938/XZ4keV4eabI/AAAAAAAAIM4/KYdO318hHS86bTWwSdu-J05gq-dMCwsAACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191009-WA0016-713772.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pulFheGq938/XZ4keV4eabI/AAAAAAAAIM4/KYdO318hHS86bTWwSdu-J05gq-dMCwsAACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191009-WA0016-713772.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6745869395536275890" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2kxtyXBqqhs/XZ4kewajqkI/AAAAAAAAINA/uhFd2VNnreMoVGLPlJH5vzq3uB56aUbDACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191009-WA0022-715718.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2kxtyXBqqhs/XZ4kewajqkI/AAAAAAAAINA/uhFd2VNnreMoVGLPlJH5vzq3uB56aUbDACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191009-WA0022-715718.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6745869402658548290" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nD_wKa_hgnM/XZ4kfUpfl9I/AAAAAAAAINI/ChEmdsLngYE76VbAzUiwP4Xamp9TQ9wjgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191009-WA0020-717382.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nD_wKa_hgnM/XZ4kfUpfl9I/AAAAAAAAINI/ChEmdsLngYE76VbAzUiwP4Xamp9TQ9wjgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191009-WA0020-717382.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6745869412384872402" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj5W5_GoPM0/XZ4kf4y-DAI/AAAAAAAAINQ/mu4_Fp6xeXo-xierix0scXU7WG2EOuP9ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191009-WA0023-718950.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj5W5_GoPM0/XZ4kf4y-DAI/AAAAAAAAINQ/mu4_Fp6xeXo-xierix0scXU7WG2EOuP9ACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191009-WA0023-718950.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6745869422088293378" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DQGRHHICtA/XZ4kgYsoExI/AAAAAAAAINY/xJr8U4uvnMkTGD3pikT7gsNo_ujnQpDWwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG-20191009-WA0017-720864.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2DQGRHHICtA/XZ4kgYsoExI/AAAAAAAAINY/xJr8U4uvnMkTGD3pikT7gsNo_ujnQpDWwCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG-20191009-WA0017-720864.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6745869430651622162" /></a></p><div dir="auto"><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature">The morning was cool and windy as we set off just before 08:00. The first few km's was not too bad, but the 22km's we walked was hot and dreary. The traffic got worse and at the end it was a long slog.</div><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto"><br>If the journey is not inward, where are you heading. This became my mantra for the day. On this inward journey consistency is the key.</div><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto"><br>We observed quite a number of people doing the Camino with day packs or just a bottle of water. They had a support vehicle which waited for them along the route with refreshment. Let's not judge another man's journey.</div><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto"><br>The challenge for us is to notice and enjoy the small things along the route. The bread and beer at 15 km's were sacramentel. We are still in a position to enjoy the simple things in life. <br><br>Tonight we sleep in an Albergue with 8 other pilgrims. Tomorrow will most probably be a short day with 16 km planned.</div><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto">Suseia!</div></div> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-42044164252647928942019-10-08T18:39:00.001+02:002019-10-08T18:39:59.979+02:00Day 1 Lisbon to Vila Franca de Xira<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7pgCN05JOQ/XZy74NO3WXI/AAAAAAAAIMQ/0XPJPLcTDBk6oDsesEVQrYvX82goALCUQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20191008_173206-799990.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V7pgCN05JOQ/XZy74NO3WXI/AAAAAAAAIMQ/0XPJPLcTDBk6oDsesEVQrYvX82goALCUQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20191008_173206-799990.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6745472916193237362" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEqNGRBYzfg/XZy74r6Io1I/AAAAAAAAIMY/PAt10pimtqQ-C6NqUzaa7SmOWQE0nQZfgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20191008_173127-701961.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEqNGRBYzfg/XZy74r6Io1I/AAAAAAAAIMY/PAt10pimtqQ-C6NqUzaa7SmOWQE0nQZfgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20191008_173127-701961.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6745472924427789138" /></a></p><div dir="auto"><div data-smartmail="gmail_signature" dir="auto">So we arrived in Lisbon with TAAG, the airlines from Angola. Their business model is simply to provide good value for money with no extra frills. We enjoyed our two flights and will make use of them again. (I would like to compare the legroom of the 777 we flew with, with other airlines. We were really comfortable!)<br></div><div class="gmail_quote" dir="auto"><div dir="auto"><div dir="auto"><br>Once in Lisbon we got our first stamp at the St Antonio church and set off to Alverca do Ribatejo. We planned to take the train for this first stage - time constraints and to get out of the busy city. <br><br>We arrived at Vila Franca to be met by the running of the bulls. This sport saddens me. The bulls are not hurt, but they are tormented until they are too tired to run. <br><br>When we later walked through the town, the arena reminded me of the Christians in 250 AD on which bulls like these were let loose on. For them there was no place to hide.</div><div dir="auto"><br>So tomorrow, hopefully by 08:00 the walk will start with a 20 km stretch to Azambuja. Today we enjoyed and relaxed. Tomorrow is a new day. <br>Ultreia!</div></div> </div></div> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-64679905568390707292019-10-07T06:54:00.001+02:002019-10-07T06:54:32.177+02:00PELGRIMSGEBED<div dir="auto"><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">Here God, U het U dienskneg Abraham uit Ur van die Galdeërs geroep en oor hom gewaak deur al sy swerftogte heen. U het die Hebreërs gelei toe hulle die woestyn oorgesteek het. Beskerm nou hierdie kinders van U, ter wille van hulle liefde vir U Naam, wyl hulle nou die pelgrimstog onderneem.</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">Wees hulle Reisgenoot onder weg,</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">hulle Gids by die kruispaaie,</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">hulle Krag wanneer hulle uitgeput is,</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">hulle Beskerming in gevaar,</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">hulle Beskutting op die weg,</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">hulle Skadu in die hitte,</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">hulle Lig in die donker,</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">hulle Troos in ongemak,</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">en die Inspirasie vir hulle voorneme;</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">sodat onder U begeleiding</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">hulle aan die einde van hulle pelgrimstog veilig mag arriveer en,</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">verryk deur genade en deugsaamheid,</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">mag terugkeer na hulle huis,</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">gevul met heling en ewige vreugde</span></div><div align="center" style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;font-size:23.76px;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm;text-align:center" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:'arial',sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">Amen</span></div><div style="font-family:arial,tahoma,helvetica,freesans,sans-serif;background-color:rgb(255,255,255);margin-bottom:0cm" dir="auto"><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">Uit die </span><span style="font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:51.25px">Codex Calixtinus </span><span style="color:rgb(119,17,0);font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:12pt;line-height:70.8288px"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codex_Calixtinus" style="text-decoration-line:none;color:rgb(119,17,0)">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codex_Calixtinus</a></span><br></div></div> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-36034236734352138482019-09-30T10:38:00.001+02:002019-09-30T10:45:19.169+02:00CAMINO DE FATIMA<div class="WordSection1" style="text-align: justify;">
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<!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter" /> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0" /> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0" /> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1" /> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2" /> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth" /> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight" /> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1" /> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2" /> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth" /> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0" /> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight" /> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0" /> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" /> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t" /> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="A group of people walking in front of a large building Description automatically generated" style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:.55pt;width:272.4pt;height:180.25pt;z-index:-251658240;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:page;mso-height-relative:page'> <v:imagedata src="cid:image001.jpg@01D5777B.1C5DCDD0" o:title="A group of people walking in front of a large building Description automatically generated" /> <w:wrap type="tight" anchorx="margin"/> </v:shape><![endif]--><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lyXfH9NhfT8/XZG-87_cqBI/AAAAAAAAILk/Mq2EofV-zpsVFL4cxL0cS9r0LApOxrJIACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/image003-791190.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6742380071255582738" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lyXfH9NhfT8/XZG-87_cqBI/AAAAAAAAILk/Mq2EofV-zpsVFL4cxL0cS9r0LApOxrJIACK4BGAYYCw/s320/image003-791190.jpg" /></a><span lang="EN-ZA">"A pilgrimage is a journey or search of moral or spiritual significance. Typically, it is a journey to a shrine or other location of importance to a person's beliefs and faith, although sometimes it can be a metaphorical journey into someone's own beliefs. Many religions attach spiritual importance to particular places: the place of birth or death of founders or saints, or to the place of their "calling" or spiritual awakening, or of their connection (visual or verbal) with the divine, to locations where miracles were performed or witnessed, or locations where a deity is said to live or be "housed," or any site that is seen to have special spiritual powers. Such sites may be commemorated with shrines or temples that devotees are encouraged to visit for their own spiritual benefit: to be healed or have questions answered or to achieve some other spiritual benefit."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">This pilgrimage that we are now again undertaking, is done in the belief that the journey is more important than the destination. This time we will be walking from Lisbon to Fatima, starting on Tuesday 8 October. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">Why are we doing it again? As said on the previous occasion:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">To celebrate life!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">To meet new people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">To recover from a hectic year.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA">We hope that this pilgrimage will be a spiritual journey into ourselves and into God. We hope to encounter God in a wonderful new way. If He dwells in us, why then go on a pilgrimage? It is in the crossing of boundaries, our own but also physical boundaries that God is experienced in new ways. So, we hope to return with new passion and new vigor. There is so much more to discover and experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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"Ultreia, Suseia, Deus adjuva nos" Onwards, upwards, God with us!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-29962223957781468002016-07-25T09:40:00.000+02:002016-07-25T09:41:00.500+02:00DAY 11 ALPRIATE<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODtbsrJgt4E/V5XCjQgDeOI/AAAAAAAAFhI/t4QcvA_1J7ckPwrqC-RznEOq1MpiHQghwCK4B/s1600/2016-07-25%2B09.38.46-760501.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODtbsrJgt4E/V5XCjQgDeOI/AAAAAAAAFhI/t4QcvA_1J7ckPwrqC-RznEOq1MpiHQghwCK4B/s320/2016-07-25%2B09.38.46-760501.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6311164363810240738" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lg5EiqnFZvs/V5XCj7jnjSI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/h6U9chU9byw7pnlBCW_94WPKeC2hT7KggCK4B/s1600/2016-07-25%2B09.37.59-762754.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lg5EiqnFZvs/V5XCj7jnjSI/AAAAAAAAFhQ/h6U9chU9byw7pnlBCW_94WPKeC2hT7KggCK4B/s320/2016-07-25%2B09.37.59-762754.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6311164375367912738" /></a></p><p dir="ltr">Today is St James Day. <br> <a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/spain/santiago-apostle">http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/spain/santiago-apostle</a> <br> It is also the official opening of the Alberge Alpriate. I will leave today for Santarem and Tomar before I start my journey back home. This is most probably the last blog post.</p> <p dir="ltr">Yesterday when having coffee at Maria's cafe, she invited me again to come and have supper. "We want to thank you for serving here without getting paid and on your time." What can I say? "Thank you", sometimes sounds so meaningless, fortunately when there is a language barrier "thank you" still has meaning.</p> <p dir="ltr">Again, no pilgrims arrived. I accept it as part of my journey. Solitude is sometimes the most important part of our journey. It is not solitude that makes us depressed, it is loneliness. If you, however, are not used to solitude, which is part of the inward journey, you will most often feel lonely when by yourself. Silence-meditation is the school of solitude and the road away from loneliness.</p> <p dir="ltr">This does not mean that I did not experience loneliness. There were times that I missed my family. The challenge is to embrace both solitude and loneliness. The more you venture inwards, the more the balance is restored.</p> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-87057925673816152402016-07-24T11:29:00.001+02:002016-07-24T18:32:23.881+02:00DAY 10 ALPRIATE<div dir="ltr">
It happened again, no pilgrims! </div>
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After cleaning I walked to the supermarket - fruit, wine and salmon. The rest of the day was spent reading, walking and talking to Jose in the wheelchair. At 19:00 I made the salmon with a tomato salad and bread on the side. I watched a movie on my phone and went to bed. As I said before, nothing glamorous about working in an Albergue.</div>
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There was an article in yesterdays' newspaper, "Beeld", that describes the camino very well and is worth the read.</div>
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Here the shootings in Europe are big news and constantly on TV. Africa does not exist and many people do not know whát South Africa is but conclude that it must be in the southern part of Africa. We met a number of people who lived in Angola or South Africa many years ago. No one has any intention of going to South Africa.</div>
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What I read about South Africa (the politics and violence) upsets me and angers me. Let me not make any comments about the leadership in SA. Let me, however, add, what I pick up on Facebook about the church (NG Kerk), saddens me. Looking from the outside, the church looks desperate. On the one hand it is the fight (it does not look like a debate, let alone a dialog) about gay people in the church and on the other hand all the "marketing" to get people to the Sunday sermon.</div>
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I do not see a drive by churches to get people involved in community life. I do not see I drive to be a witness of a loving God who cares about people (please take in mind this is my deduction from Facebook). I see churches who are kidnapped by the same individualism that drives the economy and politics. It is a numbers game!</div>
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I have learnt on the camino that it does not matter whether you serve one person or ten, you serve them all as if it is Christ Himself you are serving. </div>
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(Maybe I am just depressed and miss my family. Kyrie Eleison!)</div>
Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-87557068756019377032016-07-23T11:51:00.001+02:002016-07-23T14:31:59.802+02:00DAY 9 ALPRIATE<div dir="ltr">
Fabrizio walked in at about 18:30. He is a professional photographer from Rome. I do not know why, but we almost immediately start to talk about religion. "I was Catholic, babtised, first confession and left it behind."</div>
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The conversation is one of those where you feel as if it can go on all night. From the moment he walked in, through dinner and when he woke up this morning we talked. Religion, faith, photography, politics (he tried to explain to me how the Catholic church, state, mafia and free masons are all intertwined in Italy - "That is why we are crazy!")</div>
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One thing I noticed on the Camino is how people are willing to listen to one another. One of the things we discussed is his reason for walking the Camino: "I am busy with an inward journey, I need to get rid of anger and pain." He is actually taking time out to do something about achieving real growth in his life.</div>
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How we (as Christians) have become almost obsessed with quick fixes. "Just confess your sins, Jesus is the answer!" Is this really a Biblical model for healing? Did Jesus not spend 3 years with his disciples and then another 40 days? Did God not decide we should spend 9 months in the womb and then another 9 months before we can start to try and walk? </div>
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Healing, being whole, takes time. Benedict realised this as well. In his rule, he describes how monks who erred should be treated. This takes time. As Chittirster comment; we do not want to be healed, we just want to feel better.</div>
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(I had to ask about his tattoo - same answer as all the others, difficult period in my life, decided to take action, this is to remind me.)</div>
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When Fabrizio left this morning, he said: "You must read the meditations of Marcus Aurelius. You really gave me a lot to think about."</div>
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Buen Camino Fabrizio! </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1dIQzdK-io/V5ND0EUwP3I/AAAAAAAAFgw/tAr5wAVp9h0-AW7AuEuoB0O0AnAacX_ggCLcB/s1600/2016-07-23%2B12.12.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X1dIQzdK-io/V5ND0EUwP3I/AAAAAAAAFgw/tAr5wAVp9h0-AW7AuEuoB0O0AnAacX_ggCLcB/s320/2016-07-23%2B12.12.34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-12201394788856206032016-07-22T11:30:00.001+02:002016-07-22T11:30:18.231+02:00DAY 8 ALPRIATE<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDI3Kcz_y4Q/V5Hnq-XIxYI/AAAAAAAAFgk/q_vCA8ID4Z0v3-KjsUYRqUaYOFko2_UzQCK4B/s1600/2016-07-22%2B11.28.34-718232.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cDI3Kcz_y4Q/V5Hnq-XIxYI/AAAAAAAAFgk/q_vCA8ID4Z0v3-KjsUYRqUaYOFko2_UzQCK4B/s320/2016-07-22%2B11.28.34-718232.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6310079278403339650" /></a></p><p dir="ltr">Yesterday not a single pilgrim! It was like the story Jesus told: A man made a pot of pasta for at least four people. He left the front door open. He opened a bottle of Portuguese wine. He later sat down, sipped the wine and ate in silence. By 20:00 he realised no one was coming. He left the pot on the stove and corked the bottle of wine. He could not go into the street to call the strangers because the Albergues are strictly only for pilgrims and the neighbors had dinner already.</p> <p dir="ltr">One has to be very realistic to volunteer to work at an Albergue. You must be willing to clean toilets, wash floors and welcome strangers. You must not be afraid of living in community and willing to sacrifice privacy. You must be able to embrace silence and solitude. And you must be rooted! There is nothing glamorous to this work, people are not going to write nice comments in the comments book and you will not know if you made a difference. But that is what serving is about. It is sacrificial and because the God I worship is a sacrificial God, I will do all of this because it is of Him and for Him.</p> <p dir="ltr">Yesterday afternoon I was sitting outside when Jose in the wheelchair arrives. He greets me with a shake of the hand (and so does Manual when he arrives). We start talking (Google translate!) He has been living in this village for thirty years. He has been in the wheelchair for the past 20 years. He worked in construction, amongst others, for three years in France and can also speak French.</p> <p dir="ltr">How easily did they accept me as part of their community, this in spite of the language barrier? </p> <p dir="ltr">Community! <br> This is the one thing that is lying heavily on my heart the past few weeks. For St Benedict (The Rule of Benedict) everything stand or fall with the community, community grounded in God and built on love, respect and silence. This is the spirituality of Benedict. </p> <p dir="ltr">O, how far do I still need to journey....<br> </p> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-87189609233992405102016-07-21T11:58:00.001+02:002016-07-21T11:58:04.772+02:00DAY 7 ALPRIATE<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ8bR7qtozc/V5CcrasXa6I/AAAAAAAAFgU/xlx5CPIgJNYrWxgWN2nXAvFmsT6IS1onACK4B/s1600/2016-07-21%2B11.54.03-784773.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eQ8bR7qtozc/V5CcrasXa6I/AAAAAAAAFgU/xlx5CPIgJNYrWxgWN2nXAvFmsT6IS1onACK4B/s320/2016-07-21%2B11.54.03-784773.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6309715347659778978" /></a></p><p dir="ltr">So yesterday morning at the supermarket, the security card immediately started following me the moment I entered the shop. I had a backpack, cap, sunglasses and slops on. I was wondering if he thought here comes trouble. However, he was inexperienced. The moment he started looking at the salad prices behind me, I looked at him. He knew I knew he was following me. I ignored him, but somehow I enjoyed this little game.</p> <p dir="ltr">Every day I look forward to see who will be my guests for the night. Tonight two women from the Netherlands arrived. I spoke Afrikaans to them. They plan a six week pilgrimage to Santiago but also Finistere and part of the coastal route in Spain. I do not know how old they are, but for their age, they look in good form.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple from Chechoslovakia is on a delayed honeymoon! But as with the two Dutch ladies, no guidebook! I sold the last book to the Dutch ladies. I let the couple take photos of two of the maps in my guidebook. You cannot walk the Camino with a GPS neither with a map and compass. It will get you there, but you will walk along highways all the way with little sleeping facilities or water. </p> <p dir="ltr">What is interesting is how we became so dependant on technology. In spite of telling Ludovit where the supermarket is (500m down the road), he switched on the GPS. They are back within minutes. "What now?" "No, the GPS says there is only a small shop in the next town." I walk them down the road, around the corner and show them the supermarket.</p> <p dir="ltr">Is this what technology is doing to our relationships? The thing(person) you trust most, you will listen to! How sad that our lives (relationships) should be so influenced by something that is supposed to make our lives more comfortable. We have become so dependant on our mobile phones and social networks. We want to tell the world where we are, but we cannot tell the person next to us how we feel to be where we are.</p> <p dir="ltr">Technology is robbing us of not only our relationships, but one of the key elements of a relationship - emotions. Because we are loosing the ability to really communicate our emotions, we are loosing our relationships. </p> <p dir="ltr">Make time to fast from your device, spend that time in silence or connecting with the (P)person who is with you. This is what makes this journey so exciting and rewarding.<br> </p> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-70295777453676464762016-07-20T11:03:00.001+02:002016-07-20T12:00:52.589+02:00DAY 6 ALPRIATE<div class="mobile-photo">
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Yesterday was a quiet day. Karla took her time to get going. Once a week a volunteer comes to give the Albergue a spring clean. I had some extra time and yet I could not settle into my meditation. My mind was really like a monkey, jumping from one thought to the other. I have learned over time to accept this as part of my spiritual discipline.</div>
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After I had breakfast and coffee, I walked to the next town to get to an ATM and do some shopping. I sat down for a beer and had a look at my feet. It was a bit shocking to see how hard my soles have become.</div>
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Gergely from Hungary was first to arrive. He also ran out of water and therefore first stopped at the bar to refuel. He booked in and fell asleep. Peter and his son Jack, from Scotland arrived before seven.</div>
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Peter is taking strain. I look at his backpack. "What do you have in there?" "Everything!" answers Jack, who is 18. "We come from the high mountains of Scotland and must always be prepared." Peter adds: "Stove, jacket, rain gear!" I tried to lift their pack. My response: "You need to get rid of a lot of stuff otherwise you will not make it and definitely not have fun." (At the airport the bags weighed 20 and 15 kg. Then they added another 8kg of water when they started in Lisbon. Take note - 11kg should be the max, for a woman even less - 9 kg)</div>
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Jack has just finished school. He and his father is doing the adventure together before he leaves home. "He's getting old," says Jack. "He's been helping the old man today, he carried the heavy backpack most of the day" replies Peter. I smile, their journey has just begun. They will get rid of a lot of things over the next 600km.</div>
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Then I think of my own son who suddenly became a man and I am proud but hope that we will also be able to do this together one day.</div>
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Gergely returns after he went for supper. This is a retreat for him, an inner journey. He is worried about Ansie returning to SA. He asks me directly if I have marital problems. "No, we had a wonderful Camino, but she had to go back to work." He is thankful to hear this and I appreciate a stranger's brief concern. He's off to bed early.</div>
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Just before Peter and Jack went for supper I gathered from them that they do not have a map or guidebook. I wondered how this can be, they have everything in their packs to help them survive for five days, but no map. I wonder how many people go through life that way; so much unnecessary stuff they carry with them without knowing where they are going. When things become more important...</div>
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They buy a guidebook and we sit and talk until 23:00 about the Camino. Again, I give as much information and advice as possible. When they get to the next town they will send all the unnecessary stuff back home by post.</div>
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How little do we really need!</div>
Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-5297247880859373362016-07-19T10:59:00.001+02:002016-07-19T17:06:26.617+02:00DAY 5 ALPRIATE<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYVBan2g_vY/V43r8zbT41I/AAAAAAAAFfA/rTR-sLV3DjQlYolHD2x5VpnkCgBA3p4uACK4B/s1600/2016-07-19%2B09.05.49-770661.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6308958082845369170" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYVBan2g_vY/V43r8zbT41I/AAAAAAAAFfA/rTR-sLV3DjQlYolHD2x5VpnkCgBA3p4uACK4B/s320/2016-07-19%2B09.05.49-770661.jpg" /></a></div>
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I wake up everymorning wondering what will this day bring and who will I meet.</div>
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The village is so small that I start to get to know the routine of the people living around the square. The old man in his electric scooter had a stroke. He has a distinct sounding horn attached to the handlebars. He blows his horn in the morning to tell his friends he is ready for the day's conversation. They will move around the square to stay in the shade all day long.</div>
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Yesterday, after I had supper they called me over. They were outside having soup and bread, do I want some? I explained that I have eaten already.</div>
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When I was a young boy, we stayed in Cameron steet no 7, Georginia. There was a small shopping centre in our neigborhood. Mr Zachanowich, a Jew, was the pharmacist. The greengrocers were Portugues, the Greek had the cafee. I never knew their surnames. The were just the Portugues and the Greek.</div>
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The Portugeus family lived in 5 Ave just around the corner from the cafe and butcher (whom I cannot recall at all). They had a big vine growing in their driveway that almost functioned as a carport. The Portugeus women always had an apron on over her clothes. It seemed as if the whole family worked there, but Mrs Greengrocer always looked content.</div>
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These memories came flooding back the past few days. Maria Jose working in the cafe bar wears that same apron (I am sure it must be the same one as Mrs Greengrocer used to wear!). Maria Jose always looks content and she is always serving the customers with content.</div>
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Last night I went to eat at the cafe. Maria asks me if I would like fish, beef or pork chops. I decided on the pork. She brings me the bottle of wine that I did not finish the other night! The food is prepared fresh, therefor only the three choices, the potatoes are peeled and sliced to make the chips (no chip looks the same) and the food is served on platters so that you can dish up yourself.</div>
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I write Maria a note on Google translate: "Thank you for the food. It reminds me of my mother's home cooking, I enjoy it." When I want to pay, she says I must wait a few minutes. I quickly go and check if the German girl who arrived at the albergue, is ok.</div>
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I went back to the cafe, but before I can show her the Google note, Maria passes me a handwritten note that someone translated for her: "When you want to eat more elaborate things - rabbit, chicken??, etc tell me in advance. Dinner today I offer you. I am sorry to be so but what ?? get way to talk with you." I want to pay, but she insists that I do not pay. I show her my note. She is grateful, I hug her and tell her the Wednesday I will come for the rabbit!</div>
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Back at the albergue Karla is studying the guide book that she bought from me on my recommendation (We sell guidebooks because firts time pilgrims think they can walk with Google maps or good luck).</div>
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She is 18 and still in school. She looks 15. "Your parents are ok with you walking the Camino by yourself?" Her mother walked the Camino and suggested she also does it. She wants to see Portugal and chose this route. She does rock climbing as a sport.</div>
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I am amazed at this young girl. So much guts and determination, but I am also a bit worried about her. Last night I got the impression that she did not want to go and sleep. I tried to give her as much advice on the camino as possible. I explained how the guidebook works, how to read the maps and at the end to just enjoy it. This morning she only left at eight, as if she could not get going. I wished her a Buen Camino and she was off.</div>
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And now a new day begins. The man in the scooter is calling his friends. What will the day bring?</div>
Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-91855169694598751832016-07-18T11:00:00.001+02:002016-07-18T20:14:26.739+02:00DAY 4 ALPRIATE<div class="mobile-photo">
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(My wife complains about my spelling. Take note English is my second language and spelling my third)</div>
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The pilgrims left early this morning, which gave me time to wander off to Vialonga, about two km' from here.</div>
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I passed an old church which was falling apart, but with a door and new door lock. This puzzled me. When the band stops playing and the priest's motivational speech had dried up, there is nothing more to do or say, you may just as well lock the door. Or as Yann Martel puts it: "Only song needs to soar in a church; anything fancier is human arrogance disguised as faith." (The high mountains of Portugal)</div>
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The easiest way to ask a person about their life is to ask about their tattoos. I have not yet met a person who was unwilling to speak about their lives written in symbols and words on their bodies.</div>
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In Barcelos I met Yorck(?) from East Germany. His body was covered in tattoos. On his arm, he had a quote from Stephen King: "A black man walked into the desert and a gunslinger followed." He explained that the book had a profound influence on his life. That evening we talked about East Germany under Soviet rule and the similarities with Apartheid South Africa. (He returned home the following day. After three days his feet were blood blistered.)</div>
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In Sintra I asked our waitress about the tattoo on her arm. If I understood the Hindi translation correctly, it means "godly". She could not explain in English what it meant to her. I understood it from my perspective, as St Augustine puts it: "God became man so that man can become god again." (See Ps 8)</div>
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After a quiet day, two girls from Italy arrived at about 17:30. I immediately noticed all Francescas tattoos, not to mention all the other symbols. On her head: "Wisdom is inside". The one that gets my attention, however, is on the inside of her arm: "And if I only could, I'd make a deal with god, And I'd get him to swap our places" She got the tattoo during a bad stage in her life.</div>
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They asked me if I needed anything from the shop. Although I insisted that I am fine, they brought me a watermelon. They then went for ice cream, "Are you sure we cannot get you an ice cream?"</div>
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They ask me what I do during the day. I explain my ritual: Get up with the first pilgrims and see them off, wait for the last one to leave, shower, have breakfast, clean the albergue, study the rule of St Benedict, meditate, go for coffee and wifi, go to the supermarket (depending on time, walk around), have a beer, make a sandwich for lunch, get everything ready for the first pilgrims to arrive at 14:00, read. Supper is either self-prepared or at Maria Jose at the bar.</div>
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I miss my wife and children. I watch the neighbors across from the albergue light a fire for a late Sunday braai. I long for our family fellowship around our braai. But, it is also good to be here. The journey inwards is not over yet.</div>
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"Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands.." Isaiah 49:16</div>
Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-29234426182482606322016-07-17T10:42:00.001+02:002016-07-17T10:42:49.265+02:00DAY 3 IN ALPRIATE<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hk3S5yZfXrE/V4tFCVkZdsI/AAAAAAAAFeM/Thc_q7dj9hMoHC1wvxABbVhM9peVoCQrQCK4B/s1600/2016-07-17%2B10.21.34-769266.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hk3S5yZfXrE/V4tFCVkZdsI/AAAAAAAAFeM/Thc_q7dj9hMoHC1wvxABbVhM9peVoCQrQCK4B/s320/2016-07-17%2B10.21.34-769266.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6308211609514374850" /></a></p><p dir="ltr">It was 17:00 with temperatures in the high therties when Rebecca stumbled through the door. It was clear, she was in a bad state. I let her sit down, take off her back pack and gave her cold apple juice. She got lost and ran out of water. Two local men on bicycles gave her water and told her about the albergue. They were born in this house which is now an albergue.</p> <p dir="ltr">Rebecca is a student who camr for the adventure. "I did not expect so much adventure on my first day!" She is overwelmed. She finds a bed and go to lay down.</p> <p dir="ltr">Then Mario and Pedro arrive. "Is the New Zealand girl ok?" They explained that they found her exausted along the way and gave her water. They often find pilgrims on this part of the way in distress. They look at the house and explain what it looked like when they lived here. No more chickens in the back yard!</p> <p dir="ltr">Rebecca hears their voices and comes down to thank them. She hugs them. "Come for a drink with us." They return later with their parents. The parents are also shown the house. They are taking Rebecca to the supermarket and then for dinner at their house.</p> <p dir="ltr">Pedro gives me his number. "If you need anything, ask for the Pacheco's, everybody knows us. Phone me if you need help. If the albergue is full, there is place in my father's house. If you need a place to sleep, just let us know."</p> <p dir="ltr">As a volunteer you do not get paid. Food is basic (no Banting!). Your luxury is your own private room. I prefer to sleep in the little lounge area, it is cooler there. Why do I do this.....</p> <p dir="ltr">I was thinking briefly about the expenses. What could I have bought with what this is costing me? A new car, which is definitely not my mindset, or some other fancy gadget that I do not need. (I just love Yann Martel's explenation of a car: "This tiny habitation on wheels,... is a pathetic admission that human life is no more than this: an attempt to feel at home while racing towards oblivion.")</p> <p dir="ltr">On the camino Ansie and I often discussed the fact that an experience is of more worth to us than possessions. It is possible to live simple and experience more. It is strange, the more you serve others, the more you are served. The more you care for others the more you are cared for.</p> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-9986321683950165912016-07-16T12:40:00.001+02:002016-07-16T12:40:50.790+02:00ALPRIATE DAY 2<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GrIHTkp-voo/V4oPMxIkeiI/AAAAAAAAFds/xsMVuncoD6Yr5iSHHaitWzf20m1rCsULQCK4B/s1600/2016-07-16%2B12.33.49-750791.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GrIHTkp-voo/V4oPMxIkeiI/AAAAAAAAFds/xsMVuncoD6Yr5iSHHaitWzf20m1rCsULQCK4B/s320/2016-07-16%2B12.33.49-750791.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6307870940107930146" /></a></p><p dir="ltr">The albergue only opens daily at 14:00 but yesterday with the heat the first pilgrim was there at 13:00. I let him in and made him feel at home. The last two arrived at 19:00!</p> <p dir="ltr">Yesterday was a complete different mood in the albergue. Everybody, now five pilgrims, were friendly, but kept to themselves. Except for the German couple. She is struggling, for obvious reasons, but they are enjoying and taking their time. This morning they only left at 08:30. I watched them as it took some more time for them to start walking.</p> <p dir="ltr">Inside I started my own morning ritual when I saw the couple left their toothbrushes in the bathroom. Tough luck, I thought, but then grabbed it and started running to see if I could find them. I did catch up with them, handed them the brushes and wished them a buen camino.</p> <p dir="ltr">After cleaning the albergue, I came for coffee. Maria Jose is friendly and kindhearted. Last night, with the Germans in the kitchen, I came to eat at her bar. I ordered red wine with my meal, but forgot that a carafe of wine in Portugues is a bottle of wine. She brings me the bottle that she just opened. I explained that I did not mean for a bottle. "No problem, you can come and finish it tomorrow", she replies. "But what if I finish it now?!" "No problem", she again replied. This is my kind of place!</p> <p dir="ltr">I contemplate on the Rule of St Benedict. Community is so important to him. I experience something of community in this hamlet. The other point that Benedict makes (I suspect Merton picked it up from Benedict); all of life is spiritual, whether you are praying or serving, literally from the kitchen, it is all filled with the presence of Christ. Maria Jose's service is filled with a Benedictine spirituality.</p> <p dir="ltr">Here in the square, the baker stops twice a day with his bread truck with a distinct blowing of the horn. The truck is opened and you can buy bread and pastries, fresh from the bakery.</p> <p dir="ltr">Just another day in paradise.</p> <p dir="ltr">(Ansie is safely back at home.)</p> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-7549693988703729472016-07-15T13:14:00.001+02:002016-07-15T13:14:18.750+02:00ALBERGUE DE ALPRIATE - DAY 1<p dir="ltr">We had a wonderful time of rest in Porto, Sintra and Lisbon after walking the Camino. Yesterday I started my first day as a hospitalero, or volunteer host, at this small new albergue. The albergue is just 20 km outside of Lisbon, which makes it an ideal first stop for pilgrims starting out on their first day of walking.<br></p> <p dir="ltr">Yesterday was the handing over procedure from the lady who is in charge of the non-private albergues in Portugal.</p> <p dir="ltr">5 Pilgrims were welcomed. We have sleeping space for ten with a small kitchen and bathroom. Last night, four of us went for supper at the bar next door. We had good discussions around the table with the Italian lady understanding very little and the guy from Belgium (68) speaking non stop.</p> <p dir="ltr">At the end of the night they want to know what work I am doing and were supprised to find out I am a Protestant "priest". I was still sitting outside waiting for the night to cool (21:30 - 28°), when two of the pilgrims came and sat with me. They want to talk to the "priest". It was a good conversation where we spoke about the difference between religion and spirituality.</p> <p dir="ltr">Relgion is form, spirituality is function. I encouraged them to let the journey awaken them to the mystery of the presence of God.</p> <p dir="ltr">This morning, with all the pilgrims gone, it was time for cleaning and washing. After meditation I went for coffee just to hear about the tragedy in France. Is this what religion does to you?</p> <p dir="ltr">I am now awaiting the arrival of the new pilgrims for the day. Who will I meet today whom I can serve with a willing heart?</p> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-27684832412348425382016-07-08T12:47:00.001+02:002016-07-08T12:47:25.796+02:00DAY 16 SANTIAGO<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ChDAb6vMkUU/V3-EvqQD3-I/AAAAAAAAFc0/w6cWw326khU7p0fnQXq1uSmJWYpp6WRmgCK4B/s1600/2016-07-08%2B11.38.04-745797.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ChDAb6vMkUU/V3-EvqQD3-I/AAAAAAAAFc0/w6cWw326khU7p0fnQXq1uSmJWYpp6WRmgCK4B/s320/2016-07-08%2B11.38.04-745797.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6304903957672353762" /></a></p><p dir="ltr">The previous night was again one of little sleep and lots of snaring. Before 05:00 I went for a shower. We were off by 06:00 and reached Santiago by 12:30.</p> <p dir="ltr">To describe the feeling as a sense of achievement distracts from the inner experience. We therefore did not enter the cathedral, we went to get our Compostelas, the certificate in Latin stating that we completed the pilgrimage.</p> <p dir="ltr">Then it was time to look for accomodation, no easy task. "Do you have a reservation? Sorry sir, we are full."</p> <p dir="ltr">A woman stops us and asks if we are looking for a room. The way she is dressed, let me immediately respond: No! Ansie can't hear, and asks if she knows where we can stay. The lady explains about an apartment just around the corner. After further looking around, we decided to take her up on her offer.</p> <p dir="ltr">She has a beautiful two bedroom apartment and rents out the one room on a daily basis. We can use the apartment as we please. What a joy!</p> <p dir="ltr">At 17:00 we were meeting Cristian and Theresa, two pilgrims whom we met on the way. We went for sangria and said our goodbyes. After supper we walked past the cathedral. The Santiago orchestra was performing at 20:00. This was a fitting end to our pilgrimage, Chaikovski's Hungerian Dance.</p> <p dir="ltr">This morning we went back to the cathedral. First, we went to the crib where the remains of St James are kept. I was thankful for our pilgrimage. The relics of St James reminded me again of this long tradition of faith we find ourselves in. </p> <p dir="ltr">So again, the question is not did we achieve what we hoped for? The question is; did God achieve that which He planned for us? In faith, I would like to answer, yes! It was sufficient.</p> <p dir="ltr">"...all these are nothing less than tools for the cultivation of virtues; but as for us, they make us blush for shame at being so slothful, so unobservant, so negligent." (Rule of St Benedict)</p> <p dir="ltr">Johan van den Heever</p> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2214167932634423012.post-64088616142162683782016-07-06T19:42:00.001+02:002016-07-06T19:42:11.769+02:00DAY 15 CALDAS DE REIS - PADRÓN<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gqLMuoxOdbI/V31C9AwIQNI/AAAAAAAAFcg/Z8vgv-CdlSUuv5OhPwLk_fLyi1NLoFjFQCK4B/s1600/2016-07-06%2B19.03.40-731770.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gqLMuoxOdbI/V31C9AwIQNI/AAAAAAAAFcg/Z8vgv-CdlSUuv5OhPwLk_fLyi1NLoFjFQCK4B/s320/2016-07-06%2B19.03.40-731770.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6304268669329883346" /></a></p><p dir="ltr">Last night we attended a part of the Eucharist in one of the churches. The singing was beautiful. We slept well!</p> <p dir="ltr">The morning started late. We only left by about 08:00 after yogurt and a banana. We stopped for a quick coffee and were on our way. The road took us again through beautiful vineyards, forests with rivers and small villages. We arrived at about 14:00.</p> <p dir="ltr">Just before Padrón we stopped for a beer. We met two ladies from America. They walk roughly 10km's a day and stay in hotels with spa's. "Life is too short to miss out on a good massage, or even a bad one." She exclaimed. I told her I will not judge her. "And neither will I judge you", she answered. We laughed at these two as we walked away. Is there not a better way to enjoy a holiday in Portugal?</p> <p dir="ltr">We meet so many (professional) people on the way. I wonder if they are searching for something deeper in life?</p> <p dir="ltr">I asked Ansie this morning if she is afraid of dying? No, she said. St Benedict says we should always keep death in our sight. Death is part of life. When you acknowledge this fact, you will start to live. The energy wasted on the fear, is turned into a life force where you can focus on the Giver of Life.</p> <p dir="ltr">Padrón is the city where St James preached the gospel of peace for the first time. Here the brother of Christ proclaimed life in Christ and here they brought his body after his martyrdom. The value of the myth is that it binds us to an ancient tradition of faith and Christ himself.</p> <p dir="ltr">May we return, afresh to live from this faith that is love and life. God be with us.</p> <p dir="ltr">Tomorrow it is Santiago!</p> Johan se geskribbelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15411295860936364432noreply@blogger.com0