The monastery in ruins

Seek and Ye Shall Find, Ask and it Will be Provided

June 16, 2014

Quick update as I’m tired. We are currently in Itero de la Vega. We had to climb up out of a deep valley, 1080 ml high at a 12% grade- though at some points it felt closer to 25%. And then we descended back down 380ml at 18% grade.
So thankful for the breeze blowing and the dark rain clouds covering us from the bright sun.

Last night we stayed in San Anton Albergue, which is housed in the ruins of of an ancient crumbling monastery. No electricity, no warm water and yes it was cold at night in spite of the two horse blankets I slept under.

But I wouldn’t have it any other way. This place is beautiful. Under the full moon, it was gorgeous.

Oh…and a Japanese TV station showed up to interview those of us staying at the Albergue. The documentary is being produced to commemorate the 10th yr anniversary of their relationship with The Way- or something along this line. Anyway, the Japanese show had selected 10 Albergues to document in this series which will air only in Japan. They were selected based on their historical ties to the Camino. So since there were only three of us staying the night, Abby, myself and a very interesting woman from Lutherania and the both of them quickly headed to the bedroom, that left me standing there to be questioned.
The donativo hosts were making dinner and I was asked by them to help out and as I was slicing cucumbers for the salad, the camera was zooming in on close- ups of my hands all the while I am being questioned about the Camino. Thank goodness I have been able to process my thoughts during the long hours of walking the many miles of the Camino. I was able to answer all the questions fluidly ( Abby and the Lutherania woman confirmed this as they could hear everything on the other side of the wall division) much to the satisfaction of the interviewer.
Nothing like being filmed looking like a real pilgrim, decked out in a multitude of different mix matched clothes, with no make-up on and my hair sticking up in all directions due to it drying funny. A 20 minute interview…whew!

And then we were filmed eating. All of us were told to ignore the camera and act natural. While we did the best we could. The subject of why Abby and I didn’t drink alcohol came up as other religions allowed consumption. On film, I explain that we are member of a The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints…which drew blank looks until I said “Mormon” and that was understood.

Who knows how much will be kept and cut, but keep your eye out in Japan for my debut. After the Japanese film crew left, we all cheered and toasted them leaving. We had a great conversation which we enjoyed before going to bed.

What a great day and evening. We knew we were meant to stay when we arrived there at 10:30 am ( by this time we had already walked out 10 miles). I am so glad we listened to our heart and to our feet. A great relaxing day, filled with interesting conversation amongst this small group.

And these are the rich blessings that the Camino provides.