Strolling Santiago de Compostela

View from our small third floor room with 5 bunk beds for a total of 10 persons in our room. Cozy…

 

We call Roots & Boots our home for two nights. It is in the old part of town, three levels of multiple rooms down narrow hallways with as many bunk beds as they can possibly put in each room.  We had two bathrooms for our floor, so we had to be patient or find an open bathroom on another floor…maybe.

We shared a room with sheep farmer from Portugal, college students waiting for housing and a grandfather/grandson pair (Sweden? ), as well as another silent partner that did not converse with us.
Randy is wearing his strolling attire today, so let’s start exploring.
Interesting, but I don’t think I’ll put these sculptures on my deck.

Thank you, Random Strolling Ladies, for following the photography Rule of Three and Odd Numbers.

She must be my relative since Pemble women are known to wear bright red attire.

Obviously, she draws the attention of old and young alike.

Sign reads:  Painter looking for work urgently – I’m hungry. 

You’re going strolling whether you want to, or not!

Beggar outside the coffee shop.

Neighborhood near our hostel.

We crossed through Alameda Park several times as it was between our hostel and the city center. The origin of the park goes back to the donation of the grounds to the city by the Counts of Altamira around the middle of the 16th century.

Harry Potter influence here?

We see many monuments amidst the garden area of the park.  Mirador da Alameda.  Translation: Viewpoint of Alameda

We are thrilled to meet up with Al, our Spanish friend that we met at the pilgrim meal in Fonfria just past O’Cebreiro. I sincerely hope he is doing well with his new job in South America.

These Italian pilgrims are all smiles and glad to be done with their journey.  We shared the trail frequently with them the past few days. A smile is comprehended in any language.

We attend the Pilgrim Mass and they did not swing “the thing.”( Botafumeiro) We are 0 for 2 on this, so if I ever return to the Camino experience again I will not be leaving until they do swing “the thing.”

Outside the church, I notice this beggar who is prepared for rain with an umbrella tucked behind her.  I’m guessing she is a Gypsy, which is a slang term for the Romani people that frequent European countries.  More to come on this topic in future blog posts.

These gypsies appear to be quite stern.  Is this an omen?

 

Camino de Santiago ~ Lucky Day #13

Or, maybe not so lucky for some…

Translation: Parents and students in defense of the nusa (neighborhood?) school. We see this as we leave the town of O Pedrouzo.  Destination ~ Santiago de Compostela!

The path leads us through wooded areas…

…and small farms

Small hay bundles

The path is now closer to the road.

One last photo opp before we enter the city.  Thank you, Random Pilgrim, for taking our picture! Liz and Bryon hiked at our pace so that we could arrive together.

Fence next to the Santiago Airport is full of crosses made from branches. Lavacolla is recognized today more for the name of the international airport than the place where medieval pilgrims came to wash lavar and purify themselves before entering the city.

We still see livestock and small farms.

Wizard of Oz?

Monte do Gozo (Mount Joy)  The monument commemorates the visit of Pope John Paul II.

There it is… Santiago! We can see it!

We pass by the ruins of an old church. Spooky…

 

City limits?

Here we go!

 

Ta-Dah!!  What?  Under construction?  Seriously?  Oh, well…

Might as well drink in the celebration…

Buen Camino! After 165 miles of hiking, we look forward to new adventures and challenges after a good nights sleep.  A bunk bed at Roots & Boots is calling my name… hmmm, wonder who our roommates will be tonight?

I have a feeling we won’t be the only ones counting sheep tonight!

 

Camino Fast Forward… to Pamplona

The end of Camino Day Three is becoming more challenging.  No beds to be found in Zubiri (Rats!) No beds to be found in Larrasoana (Double Rats!).

Not being able to bring a bed back to Joan, waiting at the Rabies Bridge, we collect her and locate a cafe with wireless capabilities.

Time to figure out what Plan B should look like.  Elizabeth, A.K.A. Guru of Travel, works the daylights out of Joan’s Ipad at a cafe in Zubiri and she and Joan team up to find enough beds in Pamplona, Spain. Fast forward, via taxi, about 12.5 miles.

We end day three with a stay in a hotel near the Camino route about three miles from the city center. Day four begins with a leisurely three mile walk to the historic city center, which is quite easy compared to the previous days.
It appears other tourists are eager to greet us, ignoring the poor homeless man.

While passing a city park I observe that kids are kids the world around, complete with moms overseeing their activities and sharing a conversation.

After a little bit of wandering and asking directions, we find our place of lodging  (above and on the left) and are early enough to get five beds.  This albergue opens at 1:00 p.m. daily and will fill up by 2:30 p.m. today. Finding beds has become a race in itself due to the number of people walking and biking the Camino this time of year.

A little background on our lodging tonight:

Another way of re-purposing, which is a trend these days.

Posters advertise bull fights, but no running of the bulls… that’s O.K.

Now, which street do they run the bulls?  Could be any of these or all of these.

Quite narrow and I would surely be trampled!

We tour the massive Pamplona Cathedral, mostly dating from the 15th century.

Randy visits with the French monk that we met the day before while on the path.

Do I see a clothesline through these enormous pillars?  Adrenaline rush.

My day is complete.  Boom!

The guy in the red t-shirt seems to be training for the running of the bulls!

Time to locate a meal for these starving pilgrims and Menu del dia is a favorite.

Yum!?

Traditional paella is on the menu… why not?

Home, sweet home, for tonight.  Our tummies are full and it’s time to call it a day.  Tomorrow includes another Fast Forward, as scheduled in our original Plan A.

This creepy doll is across the street from our albergue… watching us as we sleep.

Sweet dreams…?

 

 

 

Rural-sourcing… a new trend?

Great schools in our small rural communities prepare our children for life after high school whether that be entering the work force, military or furthering their education.  A strong sense of family, community and work ethic are valued in our daily lives. Participation in several kinds of extracurricular activities, as well as opportunities to be involved in the arts round out the experience.  Many also hold part-time jobs at local businesses and farms.
And then they leave… only to return for the holidays.  But why?

Jobs that can support a family and are fulfilling as a career force them to seek employment in larger cities. The link below discusses a possible new trend to bring high tech jobs to small towns and rural areas like ours:  Rural-sourcing…

http://www.omaha.com/article/20130314/MONEY/703149926/1697

Southwest Minnesota and Eastern South Dakota are wonderful places to raise a family so this is an interesting concept to provide economic opportunities to rural areas.
Just a thought…

You don’t choose your life… you live it.

~The Way

Another phase of my life goes by… taking a career break from traditional portraiture.

This has been in the planning stages for the past 4 months and I was going to wait until mid October to announce my future plans, but I guess now is as good a time as any.

It’s been 16 years of growth and transformation, starting with 35mm and medium format film, darkroom processing and now the digital age with Lightroom and Photoshop. It is time to move on, so I will be closing the traditional portrait studio as of October 15, 2013.  All sessions scheduled up to that point will go on as planned and the current website will be up until May 1, 2014 to facilitate senior orders.  After that, I’ll start working on a new website reflecting the art of both Randy and myself.  The studio will then be transformed into Randy’s painting studio and workshop.  It’s his turn now.

I still love photography and hope to continue learning and exploring new, unusual techniques and push for a more and more creative style. Maybe even try an impressionistic painting style of photography.  I also plan to continue showing art work in galleries, promote the arts,  and hope to find time to put together other products using images.  (Greeting card line?)  I may ask to borrow some of your kids if I get an idea for some prairie photography because, after all, southwest Minnesota/Eastern South Dakota is a great place to raise children and that is a theme near and dear to my heart.

I will not be twiddling my thumbs and eating bonbons by the truck load, as I move into this phase of my life.  I’ll need to complete this year’s photo orders, try to be Randy’s farm hand/gopher, occasionally Granny Nanny (Grandkid #2 is expected in March 2014), clean/organize/paint inside the house and sheds (long overdue), continue involvement with community and art organizations, garden and go back to the classroom environment as a substitute teacher – look out, G-D!

Then, in my spare time, I’ll learn Spanish, how to knit/crochet, bike/hike or maybe even jog, work on songs with Randy (maybe my sister will dust off her accordion and we can hit the nursing home circuit!), read the books I haven’t had time to read and travel / hike anywhere I can, as well as visit friends and relatives.  Yep, lots to do.

Don’t worry, I’ll still blog about whatever trail I’m on or something that wanders through my mind and conjure up some “thought for the day” to amuse myself and the world from time to time.  Hey, I may even bring back “Photo Friday” with educational topics.

Thank you to all who have been on this journey with me…  It’s been a good ride.

“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.”

~ Title quote by James Michener

Our backpacks are ready to make their last trek of this trip, and we see the ever impressive Aqueduct as we leave the hostal.  We saunter to the Segovia, Spain bus station, drinking in the sights before we head to Madrid so we can fly back home to cold, wintry Minnesota.

We pass by the butcher shop with its unique (to us) featured products.  What is that large white item in the window?  Pig stomachs? Brains appear to be on the lower shelf.

Last chance for shopping.
We’ve learned that completing challenges in life can be an empowering experience.

Last chance for a group photo before we go our separate ways.

I look out the bus window to see this trio sharing a good laugh.

Could it be the sight of Randy and his “harem” of women getting on the bus that is tickling their funny bones?

We’ve been living out of backpacks for about 2 1/2 weeks now and the comfortable feeling of home is calling our names.  This whole Camino experience has had a surreal feel to it and I often had to remind myself that it wasn’t a dream.  The Camino has been a unique experience in that we not only visited Spain, but also visited with people from all over the world, joining us in the communal mission of reaching Santiago on the Way of St. James. Gives a United Nations feel to the Camino.  Plus, the side trip to Segovia was just icing on the cake.

Walking the Camino de Santiago may be the hardest thing I’ve ever done ( Even childbirth didn’t take this long).  Would I do it again?

In a heartbeat.

Cathedral of Segovia

The massive Cathedral of Segovia was built between 1525-1577 except for the dome, built around 1630.

The Cathedral: Located in the Plaza Mayor, this beautiful Cathedral looms over Segovia’s historic center. It was built in a Renaissance Gothic style in the 16th century following the destruction of the previous Roman cathedral. It has a museum which has the first printed book in Spain from 1472. This Cathedral is acclaimed for both its size and beauty, designed by Juan Gil de Hontañón, it has 3 naves with adjoining chapels on each side.   http://www.euroresidentes.com/euroresiuk/guides-spain/guide-to-segovia.htm

Gruesome, life-size sculpture of the crucified Christ. Makes one think…

Iglesia San Millan

Now that it’s daylight we can start exploring Segovia. Where to go, what to do?
Wonder what Jane has noticed up in the air so high? Bird, plane, superhero?

Birds nesting on the top of a building near our hostal.

Aperture 5.0 ~ Shutter 1/125 ~ ISO 200

The aqueducts are an obvious sightseeing tour, but I think we’ll start with this old church.

Iglesia San Millan is a Roman Catholic parish church built between 1111 and 1124.  Its architecture is Romanesque and Mozarabic.  Patterned closely on the cathedral of Jaca in Aragon, San Millan is noted for its pre-Romanesque mozaric tower and porticoes with abundant Romanesque figurative carvings.  Inside, there are three naves and three apses.  ~Wikipedia

It is located between the bus station and aqueduct outside the old city, just off Avenida de Fernandez Ladreda.  It is open daily 10-2 and 4:30 -7:30.  Free of charge.  The price is right so let’s check it out.

Aperture 5.0 ~ Shutter 1/60 ~ ISO 200

Aperture 3.0 ~ Shutter 1/25 ~ ISO 3200

Aperture 3.0 ~ Shutter 1/15 ~ ISO 1600

Cold and damp feeling inside the old structure so we don’t linger and meditate.

What will our next Segovia adventure involve?  My crystal ball shows a Gypsy…

If a look could last a lifetime…

May you never forget what is worth remembering, nor ever remember what is best forgotten. ~Irish blessing

Fancier than my ceiling.

Any closer to the communion ware and I will probably be reprimanded by a nun.

Yes, I am a spy. I peer through the gap behind the ornate altar to survey the crowd at the next Mass.

St. James may feel that this is his better side so I’d better post this, too.

Close up of the rope equipment that stayed idle during this Mass.

The ever present seashell. Enough time in here.  Let’s go outside.

Street artists are working for tips in the cathedral plaza.

So much detail to observe.

As a place of pilgrimage. People that through 2 centuries. It became a symbol of the brotherhood of vertebador (walkers?). Something about awareness in Europe.  Joan may have to help out with this one.

These boots are made for walkin’. All together these pairs of boots have walked at least a thousand plus miles.  Probably over two thousand miles if you consider training miles.

Last chance for a photo opp in front of the church before we head for the train station.  Ready or not, Segovia, Spain, here we come!

A Lutheran Goes to Pilgrim’s Mass

This post is for all my Catholic friends ~ Yes, I went to Mass and I sat quite still, for me, other than shivering in the frigid cold, hard pew.  We Lutherans have it so easy with getting in and out of church after less than an hour of sitting in a padded pew. We find other ways to suffer, I guess.

Eye above the altar in the Santiago Cathedral.

Pilgrim’s Mass is held in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela each day at noon for pilgrims.

This nun has the most beautiful voice.  No organ accompaniment and just the pure sound of her God-given talent.  No organ accompaniment since it is during the Lenten season.

Will they swing the thing?

Pilgrims who received the compostela the day before have their countries of origin and the starting point of their pilgrimage announced at the Mass.  As usual, we are a day late and a dollar short since we received our compostela 2 days ago.

The highlight of the Mass is the synchronization of the “hymn to Santiago” with the swinging of the huge Botafumeiro, the famous thurible kept in the cathedral.  Incense is burned in this swinging metal container, or incensory. As the last chords die away, the multitude of pilgrims crowd forward to reach the spiritual highlight of the Mass, the rite of holy communion.  ~Wikipedia

Will they swing it?  I don’t see the large gold container they swing in the movie, just that black bag hanging from that thick rope.  Oh, never mind… I see it now.  

The rite of Holy Communion has commenced so it looks like we are witnessing a regular Mass as the one token Catholic in our group participates.  We are disappointed that they didn’t swing the thing. Shouldn’t have taken showers.  We must smell way too good.

Click on the link below to see what we didn’t see.  We are sitting on this side, so I’ll just have to imagine what it would have been like.

Pilgrim’s Mass link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUxSdgKnYkQ  

After Mass we walk around and stand in line to see the tomb.

The crypt shows the substructure of the 9th-century church. This was the final destination of the pilgrims. The crypt houses the relics of Saint James and two of his disciples : Saint Theodorus and Saint Athanasius. The silver reliquary (by José Losada, 1886) was put in the crypt at the end of the 19th century, after authentication of the relics by Pope Leo XIII in 1884.

In the course of time, the burial place of the saint had been almost forgotten. Because of regular Dutch and English incursions, the relics had been transferred in 1589 from their place under the main altar to a safer place. They were rediscovered in January 1879. ~Wikipedia

Oops! Just noticed this sign.

We tour the cathedral and the line takes us behind the altar.  Peeking over the shoulder of the statue, I see the next mass has already started and a clear view of the thing they swing.

These little electric offering candles even have fake wax dripping.  No tickets?

St. James, the Moor slayer.

How do you score the exit doorway of  the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela for your ultimate begging location?  Smart to laminate the sign due to the frequency of rainy weather, too. I gave her money, but it must not have been enough to earn a pose including eye contact for pictures.

Leaving the church we are still disappointed they didn’t swing the thing. By the way, the thing is called a  Botafumeiro.  The thing is a lot easier to say.