So, we are asked to show an edge of some kind. Late in the evening in Lerma, Spain, I just opened up to have a look at the evening light – and there he was!
Animals
El Camino – maybe some day…
Have you ever thought about walking the 1000 year old pilgrim paths, eighthundred + kilometres, from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain?
I am thinking about it, right now…
This summer we met many pilgrims on our Spanish journey, and what we learned from them, was peace of mind and reflecting thoughts of life… What am I doing here and where am I going – and Why? Pain of course…but as we happened to meet so many different pilgrims, we realized how many different reasons there are for their pilgrimage and the ultimate joy and satisfaction when arriving in Santiago. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walk one of these routes every year, and in a couple of posts I will try to convey something of what we learned about why they choose to go through this 800 – kilometre ordeal.
On our way to Astorga and the great cathedral, we stayed at this pilgrim albergue – our first one. At the entrance we were welcomed by Evilio, and immediately he set the mood: Contemplative and calm – Total Harmony.
Already the paw here told me something…
The stairs to our room…
…simple and clean
I loved the window sill – massive stone
Arya was only 14 months, but they were a radar pair, she and Evilio
Every morning we were awakened by the sound of the pilgims’ sticks. The earlier you are up, the earlier you will be at your goal for the day. First to the albergue gets a bed.
The Camino was just outside our window. And every evening there were new pilgrims lodging – and hopefully telling their story. Some did not want to talk much though. According to the old tradition, you should not talk during your journey. You should stay concentrated on your inner qualities.
Late in the evening, these two friends would come walking after a tour on the Camino. The yellow stone is the mark.
Keep your window open…
Vilnius – Lace Curtains and Glass Giants
Why do many of us love things with history, crafted things with ”life” inside – more than the newest of new? We know that we cannot stop development and the growing cities, but my heart aches when everything old is falling apart and being replaced with – what? Soulless machine made things, gigantic glass houses …and more.
As I was walking north, out of the restored Old Town Vilnius, the typical wooden houses appeared again – and I had been waiting for them. In Uzupis we saw some, but now their full glory hit me. Planted in lush gardens, they were also home to several cats and dogs.
All animals seemed well kept
I bet someone put food in this box every day – to help the cat
Chained dogs – they all were, but tail wagging and well fed. This one had a tin roofed cottage and a thick blanket inside
City dog – do you see the difference…?
All gardens were soaked in flowers…
The houses may be dilapidated, but the owners’ love of fruit and berries, flowers and details like colours and lace curtains…
…bring gracefulness and beauty to any worn down house. This is what life was in the old days. Now they are all living in the shadows of glass giants and heavy traffic. And, soon they will all be gone, the houses and their inhabitants, and all that is left will be some photos and maybe glimpses in old people’s memories.
WPC: Mirror
Mirror, mirror on the wall…Which is the best representation of them all?
This is a challenge where I think most people have many options in their archives – interesting…which ones do we choose?
In the header is a Bilbao photo from opposite the Guggenheim museum. There is this house mirroring a bridge with a red car passing. The other three photos I guess you have seen before – if you are following my blog.
For more of mirrors, click here.
Switzerland, the Fluela Pass in the early morning.
My beloved Mille…looking out for me, walking in the late evening.
Auckland harbour by the fish market.
Why This Garden is My Home!
This is…
…me, did you guess?
I usually start my day by poking around in the grass to see if there are some tasty things buried…
…and then, I go for the plum tree!
This year, mum says, there are
…there are always new plums falling from the tree!
You come and join me – there is enough for both of us!
Thursday Thoughts – A Yellow Anatomy
Yes, why yellow walls? Driving through the north of Spain, I recognized this almost saffron colour on a great many walls in the cities and villages.
Personally, I love this colour. Its warmth and connection to Africa and to the desert.
In Pamplona I found this enormous Lion on such a yellow wall – Impressive painting, and so in harmony with all that yellow. On a closer look, I found the painting even more impressive.
I still do not know why those walls are painted saffron yellow, but at least I have figured out what the colour is hiding…
…the anatomy of what once was.
The Winner Takes It All – Song of Roland
”I am watching your every step…”
Towards Pas de Rolande, where Charlemagne’s army was ambushed after the sacking of Pamplona – celebrated in the medieval poem, Song of Roland.
Along the road we met a herd of, what we believe was, Iberian wild goats. The gamey smell filled the air, and soon we saw them climbing the stony slopes up on our right side as well.
As they were rather close to the road, about 5-10 metres up, we could study them roaming the bushes, popping up a head every now and then.
We reached the rock formation in the gorge. According to legend, the gap once was created by Roland’s horse.
On my way back, alone, (my husband went back before me) the strong smell from the goats appeared again. And, I was lucky to witness this piece of wild life -love life!
The chase…
and…the mating
The fight when his foe challenges him
The loser turns back…
Then posing alone on the rock
”Well, I have seen it before…and in my younger days I would…
…win all of those fights…”
A Living Legend…
Legend has it that Santo Domingo, who lived around the year 1000, was honoured for his miracles … by keeping a live cock and hen in a golden cage in the church wall.
Santo Domingo de la Calzada
The story tells of a German pilgrim, who rejected a local girl’s love, but then she wrongly accused him of theft, and the pilgrim was hanged. Later his parents found him still alive in the gallows. The parents went to the local judge, who said: ”Nonsense, he is not more alive than the cooked rooster on my plate.” Then the rooster stood up and crowed.
Believe it or not – but they are still there…
…and so is the saint – but in another cage.
Silent Sunday
WPC: Fun
Great Fun! Fun watching them, fun playing volleyball, fun puppy love…
How I enjoyed this stay with Totti’s little ones! Thank you Michelle, for finally having Fun!
Leya 
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