Taste of Santiago de Compostela
For the longest time, I kept an article from Walkers’ World “If You Go…” dated year 2004.
That year would have been the best time to go because of the Porta Santa or Gate of Pardon opens during Holy Year when the festival of July 25 falls on a Sunday for the pilgrims to pass through. Going through the door, your sins would be forgiven. With all the sins I accumulated over the years, I don’t think I would fit in that door.
Again I missed out year 2010 and the next time it will open is year 2021. Another 8 years to go and doing the math, I might as well give you how old I will be then. Nah.
One of the reasons I joined the 2012 pilgrimage was because of Santiago de Compostela.
My best friend spoke constantly about Compostela and asked me when I am going so I can bring pictures and tell her stories. By the time I went, she has left the earth. Jan lived vicariously about the stories of my travels.
I was sad going there because Jan was in my mind. Bo-ho-ho. Woe is me. And I heard her say in my head “shut up and enjoy yourself.” So I did.
It was a long walk before we reached the plaza of the main Cathedral, it was breath-taking. Compostela is the third most important church after Rome and Jerusalem in Christendom. I can die now having visited all three.
The legend says that this is the place where St. James remained and died. The Church has not validated or agreed to this, but hey, if it helps humanity regardless of race and creed, let the sleeping dog lie.
We attended the Pilgrim’s Mass where the giant incense burner is lit, pulled up and pushed in an upswing, just like a pendulum. The smell of incense filling my lungs, the choir singing in the background, the soft-spoken prayers, mesmerized by the swinging of the incense burner, suddenly in my mind, there she is. Jan is hanging on to the rope of the burner and swinging along with it.
I was laughing, quietly, my mind is so weird. Did I really see her?
Finally, I signed up with Walkers’ World to do the walk at Santiago de Compostela this October and I am looking forward to my next annual pilgrimage.
WOW…what a great story! The message from the rope-the air, was beautiful…I take my first Camino step June 1st, I’m excited….to expect the un-expected?
Jim-bo, By the time I get there, you will be somewhere in Africa. Please do tell us the un-expected. Did you notice that you are one of recipients of the Award?
I will share my life with you & the world when I finish, you know everyone has a different experience on the walk but I feel is is all the same if you know what I mean. No, I did not know about the award…you are too kind, thanks!
It was a long list of names: http://theseeker57.wordpress.com/2013/03/24/breaking-the-rules/
The world is waiting for the one giant step for mankind. You are welcome.
Glad you enjoyed yourself and bet it was breathtaking. 🙂
I did and it was. Good night.
I would’ve be a bit surprised to learn that she was indeed there! Fantastic! 🙂
Thanks, TK. With Jan everything is possible. 😀
And sometimes, beyond those, too! 🙂
Now, now, this can be scarry. BOO.
Naw. If it weren’t for all my friends “from there” encouraging me as much as they do, I don’t think I’d have as many thankful moments! A scent, a thought, a sight, even memories … It’s nice to get that much support! 🙂
Exactomundo. Yah, friends do encourage the living. We are so lucky TK. 😀
Oh yeah!! [high five!]. 🙂
As I’m learning we are powerful beings and if one is open to learning and seeing more than their mind can comprehend…why not see Jan. And don’t you know she was having a good time swinging on the rope! 🙂
Good Morning, Pam. We do indeed learn as we stumble along the way. Our brain is so fascinating. Yah, why not. Jan has a funny way of making her presence known, swing time! Thanks.
Thanks for the link.
Oh I can’t wait to hear about your trip in October. I am so jealous that you will be doing this. I agree..that doorway may not be wide enough for me.
You too? Can’t be since you are a lover of nature.
Hey..I went to college…
No doubt you are a very educated person with all that knowledge I read in your post as well as a lover of nature. I stand corrected.
Silly..you took that one the wrong way..college means crazy party time!
See that’s what happens when I grew up just pure studying, straight laced. I missed out on all those party times. Jealous.
Evening my dearest, Perpetua! I’m back and looking forward to reading your posts. Yes…I think maybe you did see her! Hugs Paula xx
A big welcome back {{{Paula}}} hug. All rested I hope. MIssed your footprints in my site. Hope there will be stories to tell in your site. I’ll come over for tea this weekend. Perpetua.
Hahaha! I missed you! Night for now. xxx
If the rope was very thin then maybe only imagination but then there are zero gravity situations and weight has no influence on cord strength 🙂
Mr. John…I never thought of that. 😛