I Went to Church Today!

Those that know me well, know that is something I don’t do, but this church is special. It’s a small baroque style church where my friend John plays the organ. Of course the service is all in Spanish, and when I got over my inappropriate inner giggle at the tiny priest sitting behind the altar and only being able to see his head peeping over the top, I pulled myself together and sat still in the congregation and listened. Stephen”s haunting and beautiful singing echoed off the walls and I had to pinch myself again at my good fortune to be able to do all this.

I took the moment, contemplating the way my life has turned around and I can’t even recognize the workaholic and obsessive person I used to be. I’ve shed most of my belongings, I live on a very meagre income, but I’ve never felt more fulfilled. Friendships and family are now the most important things in my life. Tears welled in my eyes as a sense of gratitude took over. There is something special about this place. Santiago has my heart.

I was swept away in deep contemplation, but suddenly I realized it was over and John was playing the Australian National anthem🤣😂

I lit a candle for Meg again and also one for Ally, both friends from school who have remained besties. We have shared so much over the years and I love that we turn into 15 year olds again when we get together. The most special thing about our friendship is that we have supported each other through some really tough times

Well that’s enough emotion for today! I wandered down to Pilgrim House, chatted a while with Faith and used their internet, but needing coffee, I ended up after that at a cafe around the corner. I must have been in here too often lately because the music is starting to annoy me…a constant roll of Air Supply, Whitney, Christopher Cross, Phil Collin’s and Joan Armitrading taking me down memory lane. One thing I love about Santiago is that they NEVER rush you out of restaurants and cafes. They consider it rude and that food and socialising is a pleasure to be enjoyed and not rushed. You have to ask for the bill. So refreshing.

Im missing Patti who has gone to Italy for a bit, but I seem to be busy each day. I did a heap of mundane things yesterday like laundry and cleaning. Today I plan to charge up my computer and finish plans for my “group” trip that is coming up. I’ve organized a small group to come on a holiday with me, starting in Seville and making our way up to Galicia, so I have a few last minute things to organize. I also plan to get back into writing my next book. Funnily, I’ve had heaps of time to do this but I have been too busy🤣😂

So nothing much to write about today. However, I’m surprised by how emotional I feel about this trip. I guess it’s because I thought my trips to Spain were over and I was, for a while, contemplating my vulnerability and destiny. I want to thank EVERYONE for their support through my “camino of a different kind”. I know I can’t stop saying this but I cannot forget or repay your kindness. I was overwhelmed by the Camino community who came together with such a force. It really did get me through and I thank you all again from deep in my heart, and the messages and videos you sent me lifted my spirits immeasurably. For Dan Mullins to carry my Ganesh all the way along the Camino and dedicate his walk to me, meant the world. I’m sitting here crying writing this, overcome with emotion and gratitude, so thankful for my beautiful friends. I’m so lucky and I think of this every day.

Going home now. Will check in again soon. Oh, and I also had a drink with Kevin and Mika last night as they were in town. Mika is so photogenic