Saturday, November 7, 2009

Meeting The Locals

One of the little pleasures of the Camino, and an oppotrunity to take a break from walking, was when I had a chance to meet the locals.

It wasn't always possible when passing through the cities, as it seems cities all over the world, even in the timeless medieval cities of Spain, people are busy. But it was a joy when we went through Viana and they were celebrating their Patron Saint with a fiesta, complete with parades and a traditional running of the bulls. We could not stop long enough to enjoy a whole day of festivities, but did have lunch at a sidewalk cafe right in the heart of the activities.

In the rural countryside, in the small villages and tiny hamlets, where they live at a more leisurely pace, there were many days when I had an opportunity to talk to local folk, on their farms, in their gardens, or just relaxing in the sun by the side of the road.
I found that they have a great respect for Pilgrims and are warm and friendly, curious about foriegners and open to conversation.
It was a small part of my day that I remember often. One of those little gifts of the Camino that is still very much alive; that I can turn around in my mind, hold up and enjoy; and savor them as special moments in a never ending journey.

I wish you peace, love and laughter
Rita

PS-click on photos to enlarge
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18 comments:

  1. Betsy Banks AdamsNovember 7, 2009 at 9:46 AM

    Hi Rita, I love that last picture of you and that man. I'm sure that 'meeting the locals' had to have been one of the highlights of your journey..

    Now that you have reflected back on your experience, what's next for you???? What new journeys has God placed in your heart????

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  2. AnonymousNovember 7, 2009 at 10:24 AM

    Lovely picture. You and the old man. I just love it. :)

    (kaj.jensen@me.com on FaceBook)

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  3. RitaNovember 7, 2009 at 11:50 AM

    Hi Betsy
    Yes he was a special jolly "character" that I enjoyed some good conversation with.
    As far as what's next?? I am still gleaning lots of lessons and savoring special moents from my journey on the Camino.
    Maybe there is still more for me to learn from it before rushing to move on to other things.
    Hugs
    Rita

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  4. RitaNovember 7, 2009 at 11:52 AM

    Hi kaj
    Thanks for stopping by. The old man was quite a guy!! We lingered a little longer at that stop just to enjoy his lively company.
    Hugs
    Rita

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  5. Wanda.....November 7, 2009 at 2:09 PM

    I love the walls of the buildings and their balconies, plus the stoned paths and sidewalks seem so clean and debris free. The locals seem very warm in spirit.

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  6. The Solitary WalkerNovember 7, 2009 at 2:31 PM

    Hey, I loved that bottom pic too - it's just so wonderful. One of those magical shots which just appear out of nowhere.

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  7. The Solitary WalkerNovember 7, 2009 at 2:34 PM

    In fact, I also really liked all the other pics too! Lovely...

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  8. BarbNovember 7, 2009 at 2:43 PM

    That last picture says it all, Rita. It is the same with any grand adventure - meeting special people along the way makes the memory even sweeter. Are you doing any hiking now that you're back?

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  9. RitaNovember 7, 2009 at 4:53 PM

    Hi Wanda
    The architecture is stunning, and some of it very ancient. Always changing from one area of Spain to the next. It always made for nice interesting scenery while walking, with something different each day.
    Hugs
    Rita

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  10. RitaNovember 7, 2009 at 4:56 PM

    Hi Solitary
    Thanks!! The guy's personality comes through in the photo. Every time I look at it, it makes me smile. He himself had something "magical" about him. He was quite the charmer!!
    Hugs
    Rita

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  11. RitaNovember 7, 2009 at 4:59 PM

    Barb, Yes, meeting people is always a highlight of my travels.
    As for hiking, I've only been doing some long walks near home, or in a beautiful park nearby. But I hope to go to the mountains real soon, before the snow flies.
    Hugs
    Rita

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  12. Ruthie ReddenNovember 9, 2009 at 8:02 AM

    Hi Rita, well done you on the journey so far, how fascinating. The "stolen child" book is fab, i couldn't put it down, a book to get lost in. HAve a good week *ruthie*

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  13. RitaNovember 9, 2009 at 9:17 AM

    Hi Ruthie
    I am glad you said "so far" because the journey IS continuing.
    The book is definitely on my list of must reads
    Hugs
    Rita

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  14. BangsariNovember 18, 2009 at 10:19 PM

    aha. potonya keren-keren. jadi mupeng. hehehe

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  15. Ron BloomquistNovember 19, 2009 at 1:32 PM

    I spotted this today. You might check it out:

    http://www.urbansketchers.com/2009/11/santiago-de-compostela.html

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  16. Rebrites@yahoo.comNovember 27, 2009 at 1:16 PM

    I love your blog! So many beautiful photos, and thoughtful text, too.

    Rebekah de Moratinos

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  17. The Solitary WalkerNovember 28, 2009 at 2:44 PM

    Rita - do you mind if I paste your bottom pic on one of my blog posts sometime? I like it so much, and I feel it captures the essence of the Camino so well.

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  18. AnonymousNovember 28, 2009 at 4:21 PM

    Hello Rita!
    It,s Tximeleta (Ana) from Nájera.
    You seem to be a nice person.
    If you ever come back to the Camino,and you pass near Nájera, here is my email adress, for anything you need : postanirea@gmail.com.
    Saludos! Cheers!

    ReplyDelete

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