lebuchanan15

[lebuchanan15]

Have 4 km to go and am in dire need to stop. I see a sign for a bar 100 meters off the main road called A Paixon comer y cantar", two others that I have seen over the past week decided to go find it as well. It is so darn hot and I need to get my right shoe off. We all arrived at Paxion - I ordered a limon beer & it was just what I needed along with a huge glass of water. I took shoes off and put on my flip flops. My big toe is oozing. Looks gross. There is no way I can get my shoe back on. Spoke to the owner & she showed us a back road to take that was close to the river & has more shade & the best part it's only 2.5 km. She said follow the "Black Arrows". As I was leaving, I joked and said "Taxi please". The owner who spoke really good English said to me, my husband is actually going into town momentarily he can give you a left. I thanked them & took the ride. I was dropped off right in the middle of town a block from the main church and park square. So I am in Arzua and OMG - when I came around the corner into the square near the church, there are so many Pilgrims - it is over whelming the amount of people (thousands not just hundreds as we were expecting). All the cafes are full. Tina had texted me earlier stating that she had found an Albergue and had reserved me a bed. I got myself situated & contacted her to find out where exactly she and Norbert ended up. They found beds at the 3rd location. They are only two blocks away from where I was. I was able to quickly find it - got checked in and located which dorm they where able reserve me a bed. Started to unpack and I realized I did not have my walking sticks. I quickly looked up the bar's details and called. They said yes they have them. I told the owner that I would take a taxi back to get them. She said that is not necessary to come back out there as they would be back in town within 20 minutes, so I explained where I am and sure enough about 20 minutes later I saw the husband pull up. I thanked him profusely!! He wished me good luck and away he went. Once again a Camino Angel. So grateful for their kindness today.

[lebuchanan15]

Briefly saw the Neitherland couple as well today. I catch a picture of them holding hands as they continued walking. Just so sweet and so much in love. They seem to be thoroughly enjoying this journey together. Really struggling today. Feet are hurting and when i do see other pilgrims, I am just walking too slow to keep up for any period of time. One step at a time . . . one step at a time . . .

[lebuchanan15]

[lebuchanan15]

Looking for my yellow arrows & symbols to guide my way.

[lebuchanan15]

I saw the French couple again and was able to get a picture of them with the sunrise behind them. I met a gal from Ashland, Oregon. I did not catch her name. We both stopped at a Cafe for morning coffee. She was able to get served straight away, I on the other hand had to wait a bit. No rush today. When I carried on, I once again saw the French couple stopped on someone's steps having their morning coffee.

[lebuchanan15]

TUESDAY, JUNE 20th, 2017 - today the journey from Sobrado dos Monxes to Arzua was painful (approximately 22 km). Was up at 5:30 am & ready to go by 6 - realized I had forgotten to fill up my water bottles, I went to do so. When I came out with my full bottles, the Monastery doors had been opened & the 8-10 people waiting were all gone. I placed my backpack on and walked over to the cafe that I had been at the afternoon before to connect to wifi but since it was closed and they had metal roll down doors, I could was unable to connect. Barry called me briefly on my cell phone to quickly catch up. It is pretty dark - had to use my headlamp again. Can see the moon and a very bright star to the left of it. Tried to take a picture but it did not come out so well. The day started out well. However, within 10 km I was hurting - had to stop to put bandages on my feet & my big toe is starting to really hurt. Shoes feeling too small today and feet are really swelling. Briefly saw the French couple again. Nice to see their familiar faces. Was able to capture a pic of them with the sunset behind them.

[lebuchanan15]

The sucofocus and numbers on the sanctuary floor were interesting (See pics). The priest confirmed that the sucofocus have people in them and explained that the numbers on the floor represent a person who is buried under the floor. If the number is matched up with the master barrel book, we would know exactly who was buried there, they date back to the 1100s. The three of us (Tina, Norbert & I) went to the 7 p.m. Mass. It was not what I was expecting but it was enjoyable. A lot of music, singing and scripture readings to instrumental music in the background - It lasted approximately 45 minutes. When I arrived back to the Monetary earlier in the day, I had purchased a bag of ice for my knee. Since the pilgrim's kitchen did not have a freezer, I had given my ice to one of the priest to hold it for me until the evening. So, just prior to bed time, I tried to locate my bag of ice for my leg - but could not find the correct priest / bishop to get it. The one I did find, he could not locate it and was unable to reach the correct priest via telephone. Oh well, by the time I got back to the dormitory, the lights were already out. Using the light from the hallway, I tried to quietly get myself organized for tomorrow and ready for bed. Good night.

[lebuchanan15]

Finally able to capture the evening bells!

[lebuchanan15]

Waiting for the evening bells to ring and children playing in the courtyard of the Monastery compound.

[lebuchanan15]

PICS - Part 2 - Tina was nice enough to take a panoramic of the ceiling for me (her laying on the marble table).

[lebuchanan15]

The Monastery closes to the public from 1:45 to 4:30 pm - so we chose to stay inside to eat, explore the grounds & rest. Okay this was definitely the right place to stay today & tonight for me. I am just fascinated with the history. My pictures do not show and do the premises justice. The detail work is just incredible. All I can say is WOW!!!! Monastery was first established in 1100s and the final bit was finished being built in 1710ish when the church had lot of money. It is currently being run by 17 parishioners and they are trying to just maintain the current conditions of the premises with renting out rooms & selling their products (one was a jar of what. looks like peanut butter but I know it is not - I think its actually a cheese spread). Tina and I spent some time exploring the Monastery - just amazing - I know my pictures do not show the detail - there is so much of it. I am seriously in awe. So thankful to have the opportunity & that I was able to experience this. PICS - Part 1

[lebuchanan15]

Checked in at 12 p.m. (Husband & wife, Martine & Jean Louis from the Netherlands checked in at the same time as us). Picked a bed near a window and electrical outlet, set it up, took a shower, then ran to the Pharmacy to get supplies for my feet & to the market for food. Tina & Norbert were just starting to prepare lunch when I returned with fresh mushrooms & lettuce for a salad. I watched my socks & hung them up. Then put my ice bag on my knee as it is aching & elevated it. Forgot to take pic of our lunch. Tina & Norbert seem to enjoy cooking.

[lebuchanan15]

I arrived at the Monastery at 11:30 a.m. but they do not open until 12 p.m. All of a sudden I see Tina and Norbert. I don't know where they came from, I never saw them pass me. They must have taken a different route than me. They said that they had been there about 20-30 minutes. So excited to be here - can't wait to see the Monastery up close & personal. While waiting I decided to have something cold to drink - coffee Nescafé Frappelatte. Oh my - it hit the spot!!! Cold and tasty. Nice to see Tina & Norbert again along with other Pilgrims that I have seen on & off over the pass few weeks. Norbert such a jokester covering his face. Our view of Monastery compound from cafe while waiting (see pic).

[lebuchanan15]

Frogs in the lake.

[lebuchanan15]

Then back to the main road, walked through Guitiza, and then came to the lake just outside Sobrado. I took a quick break at the lake to enjoy hearing the frogs croaking. The lilly pads were blooming. Took some pics and video and actually saw one of the frogs.

[lebuchanan15]

[lebuchanan15]

I wanted to get off the pavement so, I took an alternative route around the city of O Meson. I had such a good time, speaking to the locals. I saw a woman washing her clothes outside, I called her over to take a photo (selfie). She was so funny and appreciative that I wanted a picture with her. I then got a picture of her doing her morning chore. We laughed about having similar hats. I continued down the path and came to another village, where a farmer was trying to move his cows from the barn to a pasture down the way. I had to stop to stay out of the way, the cows and young bull was looking at me intently. I attempted to take a video when one got away and I could hear the wife yelling at the cow and her husband. It was pretty funny to me. Not so much to them. (Of course I missed capturing it on video - that's okay it is etched in my head.) I waited and then followed them down the path. I came across another farmer with a full wheelbarrow of fresh hay.