Today I walked just 6 miles to Logroño. Sounds weird to say “just” 6 miles. 3 months ago that would have been a big walk! I met some new friends along the way and we chatted the whole time. So the walk was very easy today. I was able to check into the room early and then explore the city of about 120k. They have several big beautiful churches, one in the middle from the 14th century. I spent an hour in that one admiring the beauty (check out the pics on fb or insta) and then went back tonight for Pilgrims mass.
Observations about Catholic mass: it’s beautiful with the chanting and I love that communion is part of every service. But if you are not Catholic, it’s very insider, meaning I have no idea what they are saying and singing because it’s in Latin and everyone already knows it. And that’s in the US as well. There are no bulletins. But no matter where you’re from, if you’re Catholic you know the words. I can understand some of the speaking in Spanish so I could pick up when they were about to do the Lord’s Prayer and parts of the homily. But otherwise it feels a bit exclusive. And of course the whole – if you’re not Catholic you can’t take communion-thing. Makes me wonder how we, as a church, as United Methodists, have created the same insider language and behaviors. Food for thought.
Speaking of food…I had the most delicious tapas today w my friend Kristina. She’s from Albuquerque and is a singer songwriter that leads songwriting trips on the Camino! She is not going all the way to Santiago so I may only see her a few more days.
One of the tapas today was roasted peppers (not hot) with drizzled olive oil and salt. Sooo good. And codfish in a creamy sauce w cheese baked in a clam shell. And fried squid. All good!
I’ve officially entered the part of Spain where they use the “th” sound for “c” so Gracias become Grathias. It also happens to be the best area (Rioja) for wine, so my daughter, Parker tells me. She studied in Spain one semester and took a very rigorous class on wine. 😄
My knee is doing well. Swollen but not much pain as long as I take Ibuprofen and wear my brace.
The church visits today were good for my soul, as was good food, new friends and an easy walk.
Buen Camino.
What a lovely day. New friends, knee behaving and good food. Would love to see the churches. Those old churches are so beautiful. Blessings. 🙏🏻❤️
Wonderful to hear your update! I feel like I am being called to soak it in each time I read one of your posts. Praying for you every step of the way.
Dear Tina,
As I follow on your journey, I want you to know Teresa and I are both praying for you – praying for your good physical health (knees and feet), for the Lord to warm your heart and prepare you as you lead in your church and for Gene and your kids. You are so special.
As you talked about “just six miles) I am so envious as I can hardly walk a 1/2 mile without pain. Can I ask you to pray for me as I prepare for our journey to Ireland and Scotland in August? It’s a trip we have been planning on for several years and I’m scared I won’t be able to enjoy it given my hip pain. Thanks and Trek On!
Adding you to my list right now! Thank you for the prayers. Love y’all.
So pleased you are feeding your soul!!!!. As I think back to being a Catholic as a child, I feel like I missed out on growing a faith. I knew very little about the bible. Church really meant very little and did nothing for my heart or soul. Working outside Conroe and meeting amazing folks that really need help!
I’m so glad for the work you’re doing. Thanks for the comments. I appreciate hearing from you.
I have taken four trips to Spain but none to the area you are in. I have wanted to and so love hearing about each town. Spanish tapas are one of my favorite things about Spain.
Glad you had a relatively easy day. The churches in Europe I find very inspiring. They were built at a time when they didn’t have all the equipment we do to cut, carry, and stack the materials. They were worked on often through multiple generations so the workers often didn’t see the completed product. But faith pushed them forward to built monuments to their God. I also often think about the all the prayers that have been lifted up there. What a treat to see and experience them in all the ancient towns and villages you are seeing. Prayers.