Dear freinds, I have to appologize but my mobile is dead… at least until I can get to Logrono tomorrow hopefully. I am in Los Arcos after another long hard say from Puente de Reina, the weather has been very changeable with violent thunderstorms follow by bright sunshine…. typical April weather. Walking through the wonderful hills of the Rioja wine region, was really wonderful, even with or perhaps exactly because of the vibrant contrasts cast by the storms.
I stopped for a snack and to avoid a heavy shower in Villamayor de Monjarin and a younf man looked out of a small auberge and bekonned me in. With the smell of incense filling the room he started to ask what I’d like to eat, so we decided on a Bocadella (Typical white bread sandwich) and he filled it with tuna and eggs… delicious ;)
A very friendly guy, David Viclal Figuls was rushing around the small pleasing everyone with his friendly style. I noticed a book of Paulo?s “Like a flowing river” in his collection, and I asked him if had read other books by the same author, and he said he had and liked them very much. So I took his photo with the book in his hand and will send to Paula when my mobile is working again tomorrow. The absolute topper was that when I asked to pay the bill, he said give me what you think it was worth… I said no please tell me the regular price… he said no please give what you want as a donation for my Auberge… amazed at his wonderful trust and honesty, and given that he had made a fresh salad and supplied me with water, I put a somewhat higher amount (I believe) into his cash box. I said you are a truly nice human being… oh no he said humbly… please, you are God… (he meant it too…;) That’s customer service…;)
So with that story for the day I’ll say good night and please don’t worry when you don’t hear from me every single day, because sometimes there is no signal for hours on end, and the internet stations in the Auberges are allways occupied and time is short online. The mobile is ready for the junk yard… ;) Thanks for all your wonderful support, you travel with me all the way. Love, Paul
A special kiss for my wife and beloved daughter, don’t worry.
Love, Paul
PS: Paulo, I know that you understand the effect the Camino has on a person better than anyone, and I must admit, I did not expect the journey to quite as exhausting, both physically & mentally, as it is.
I’ll do my best to update as often as I am able. Thank you for your understanding.
Thank you too Paula and Supi for your marvellous web support… bear with me, we’ll get this right. I’ll try to get the mobile sorted in Logrono. Love, Paul
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Paul, i am so moved by the touching account of your camino. I will begin my camino on May 20th from Pamplona arriving from Barcelona by train. Your journal provides such insightful advice adding much to the promptings i have received through Grace and contemplation. I will keep reading your journal till the day i leave for the Camino.
Buen Camino!
Adele
Reading about Paul is like reading a new ‘Magus diary’ book in Paul’s style. Thank You for sharing all that.
I hope the journey will continue to give You the best benefits: in learning, connecting, recieving new knowledge, meeting new people etc.
All best,
L.L.
Paul, I hope the sun is shining but recently rain means freedom for me. People are always looking for shelter when it rains but I feel I have been sheltered enough. It is nice to feel the rain.
I read a passage from a book a couple of days ago and I think it is meant for you :)
“Just one step by one step, a man can go 10,000 miles. And who is saying to you that you should go continuously? You can take time; after 10 miles you can rest a day or 2 days, enjoy.”
Entendu sur le Journal ce matin
“L’argent est un ballon d’oxygene” un pecheur
C’est pas beau ca?
Heard on “Le Journal” (French TV news) this morning, a fisherman saying
“Money is a balloon of oxygen”
Isn’t that grand!
Hi mate. Perhaps you didn’t get my email yesterday if you phone had already broken. Hope you can pick this up when you are next able to log on. Just to let you know I called that chap from Germany but too late….he had already booked! Thanks though. Perhaps you should ask your techy man to divert your web enquiries to us? Anyway, am following your progress and envy your wonderful opportunity. Don’t forget if you need anything to let me know. could always courier you a spare phone to somewhere ahead if needed. Take plenty of pics, enjoy the scenes and don’t rush – enjoy this time! We are all with you in spirit.
x
Thank you, Paul, for your detailed news..
April weather we have in Cyprus now as well, cloudy and rain..
Take care from … God’s lightnings and trees..
LOVE,
Thelma.
Tuna and egg sandwich? Lucky you.
Hope the phone is repaired now.At least you know how it works.
Keep walking and enjoying the journey. :)
What a Wonderful story!
I wish you an uplifting & joyous day Paul – Enjoy*
Be proud of yourself – and take care!
Gracias Paul por su verdadero sacrificio porque es bastante duro el camino y sinembargo nos satisface contándonos todo.
Un beso y va demasíado rápido.