Albergues, Travelers, and Toes - Camino Ignaciano 2018

I am leaving the Albergue Albas in Logroño in a few minutes.

I will be walking to the ESTACION TREN—- that’s train station here, to take it to the next small village of Alcanadre. 

I found that it is possible on this stretch to use the tren. 

Last night was my first night in an Albergue and it felt wonderful to sleep in a room with about forty people, half of them snoring—at least.  I know I will miss this comaraderie as I cross paths with Camino Santiago. There will be fewer Albergues along the way since I am traveling a newly developing Camino. 

In the Albergue last night, some fond memories of Camino de Santiago. Hearing the many languages as people’s hearts overflow with sharing, a Ukulele plays gently at the fingers of a Peregrino from Illinois. He never leaves home without it. 

There is an earthly aroma and no botafumeiro as we all arrive from days in the hot sun. I wonder if it is me or the man from Vezelay, France who is cycling the Way. He is in the bunk above me. Can’t speak a word of English so we have struggled to communicate. Somehow we are still smiling. He wished me well, being sure to say goodbye this morning. Godrün, from Sweden, I hope I spelled her name correctly, I attempted several times to pronounce it correctly to no avail, she came to give me a hug as she started out this morning. We talked yesterday. She said she walks slowly because of a disability and I saw evidence of that this morning as she prepared to leave. She made a friend yesterday who chose to walk at her pace to companion her. She had reserved a bed here and there were no more beds available, so he was looking for a place to sleep. She was waiting for him to arrive for dinner. 

Since I am taking the Tren, I don’t have to leave so early. Some were out the door at 4:00 am. I am taking my time and watching the others scurrying around to walk in the cooler part of the day. 

Last night I dreamt about staying in an Albergue and that all of our belongings were put in the vacant house next door. Actually Albergues are extraordinarily safe. People tend to respect each other and their belongings. Everything is left next to your bunk and all areas are shared. Of course there is prudence in keeping certain items on one’s person at all times. 

Still taking antibiotics and ibuprofen. You know how much I love that!!! I was really concerned about the infection and so I have to take the meds. I did go to the Pharmacy and they suggested antidotes for both of the meds. So I feel a little better about it. 

This is an amazing experience and I will always treasure it. 

It seems that the most difficult terrain is now behind me. There are still ups and downs to come and I think that will be the most difficult for my foot. 

I will see a doctor when I have completed the meds to get an opinion about whether or not it is wise to walk. 

I really miss the walking and may find a way to do short parts of it. That’s what I'm doing cautiously now. Some out of necessity and some out of curiosity about the beautiful places I am privileged to visit. 

Much love to all of you. I wish you could be here with me.

Awareness of Divinity, Sacred Presence, Filled with Awe - Camino Ignaciano 2018

Leaving the bus station, two young women helped to orient me to the street map.  We shared many things in a few minutes of walking. 

Irene insisted on giving me her phone number in case I needed anything during my one day here in Logroño.  

Before we went our separate ways I told them that I like to have pictures of my angels. As I prepared to take the photo they stopped a woman walking toward us.  Taking my phone they handed it to her and said to me, “ You are our angel. We must all three be in the photo.”  Putting me in the center the picture is an awesome threesome. 

I wandered into the great Cathedral.  Santa Maria de le Redondo. 

Mass was being prepared so I stayed.  Have become very good with finding the Mass prayers in the IBreviary app, I can follow everything now.  I can actually make out enough Spanish to sync with the English I am reading.  Note: I wonder how many of these folks think I am playing games on my IPhone during Mass?

Powerful feelings here.  Tonight first Albergue.  I feel like I am, in a way, just beginning as a Pilgrim.  Still can’t walk. But ok to do Camino in this unique way.  

I have met so many angels.   I know I keep saying that.  It is because it is so.  During Mass at the sign of peace. I held several hands saying “Pax Christi".   When a woman reached across the isle with a warm smile to hold my hand, I wept.  

The Angels are working overtime.  I didn’t know this was the Feast day of the Archangels: Michael, Gabrielle, Raphael; and, of course. I added Ari’El.  What an honor to be here on this day.   

Recorded part of the Regina Coeli that we sang at the end of Mass. 

Today I am in inner turmoil, a good turmoil.  I am moved to tears, filled with the overwhelming love and care of this Sacred Universe that holds each of us in gentle care.  

At the Communion I felt a huge inner shift. I no longer have to fight to be who I am.  I know what Divine Mystery has called me to do with my life.  I don’t have to fight any more.  In fact, I don’t think I ever did.  I just didn’t know how to make the breaks and the creative changes that I needed to embrace.  All I want is what I am called to do and be.  I'm simply am who I am.  

I have met many angels and they have returned the blessing. Awareness of Divinity, Sacred Presence, filled with awe.   I am deepening my awareness of the permeation of being ONE WITH THE SACRED.  

Thank you, Camino de les Autobus!  Mañana, Tren.

Alda to Laguardia - Camino Ignaciano 2018

Virginia has returned to Alda to take me to LaGuardia. It was an adventure taking the back roads and always being turned around. Signs are very confusing because of the way the roads curl around the mountains 

The mountain villages are challenging. Often you feel like you are going the wrong way and you aren’t. Other times you feel you are going the wrong way and you are!

We stopped many times when the only person around could be found.  I'm beginning to “write with an accent”.  A couple of times now I have asked to have a church opened to see inside and I was taken to the house of the person who held the key for the month.  No matter what they were doing or where they were going, they made time to show us around with great joy and pride. 

When we arrived in LaGuardia, Virginia wanted to get me checked in so that I didn’t have to carry my backpack putting so much weight on a foot I am not supposed to be using. She has carried my pack and not allowed me to.  She has a medical background with two PHDs in Neuroscience.  After checking in to a room with a balcony directly across from the walled city, we looked around LaGuardia. 

Because I am on antibiotics, Virginia brought me yogurt to help replace good flora that is destroyed along with the bad.   

www.toledomonumental.com/sanjuandelosreyes.html

We visited the tourist office to get a map for her to follow home. I picked up a map of the small city and information about the Cathedral Santa Maria de les Reyes and Mass time at San Jaun in the chapel of Our Lady.  

It was time for Virginia to start back. We stopped for a tapas- afternoon snack- and a drink.  

She had wine.  Being on medication, I had juice.  

Not being able to enjoy the wine when in La Rioja wine country is the second disappointing fact after not being able to walk and having to constantly find a way to the next village/town. 

www.laguardia-alava.com/index.php/en/the-cheerful-clock

I picked up a couple of tapas to have with my meds tonight.  Wasn’t hungry for supper.  Not getting enough exercise to warrant much food.  Better when I am alone, I choose to eat less.   I dropped the tapas at my room and went to watch the Dancing Clock in the Plaza. 

The clock gonged and performed at 4 minutes to eight.  Mass began at eight.  I attended and love to hear the singing.  After Mass I requested the confirmation stamp from San Juan but the priest did not have it with him.  It was at his”casa.”   

Although this has been a unique Camino, I have still managed to get verification all along the way. 

TRUST, TRUST, TRUST - Camino Ignaciano 2018

Okay, I think it’s time to let you know what’s going on for this Camino. 

It is nothing like my expectations.

Today I am going to Àaria and San Roman. I am right on schedule following the guide. Doing each day and each spiritual exercise. The difference is I have not walked. 

My first day in Loyola, I stubbed my foot on the stairs coming back to my room after Mass on the Chapel of Ignatius Conversion. My foot became very red and hot. The young woman in reception at Aruppè Hotel suggested I go to the Health Center. I have never had anything like this happen before. 

Sitting on the bench in front of the Health Center were the tour directors of the group that I had joined to learn about Ignatius and his life in his family home which is now the Spiritual Center.  When I showed them my foot they became alarmed and helped tremendously by staying with me to provide translations. It was time for their tour to leave and the woman was glad that I was stepping into the doctors office before leaving me.

I saw the doctor. He examined my foot and determined that it was not broken. He had his assistant bandage my foot so that I wouldn’t bend the one that was so inflamed. He told me I should not walk for seven days and to take 600ml of Ibuprofen 3x a day for the inflammation.

I wondered how I would do a Camino without walking.

I asked if it was infected and he said he didn’t think so but that the ibuprofen should take care of the inflammation if I didn’t use it for seven days.

I have been taking the bus to each destination and it is a very different kind of Camino. It IS a Camino though. I have met so many angels who have help me and one who gave me her entire day to be sure I would be OK.  I met her at the bus stop in Loyola. When she saw the picture of my foot she became very concerned that I wasn’t taking an antibiotic. She called her sister and her father who are medical people. By now we had traveled to Legazpi. They suggested I go back to Zumarraga Clinic because they strongly felt that I needed an antibiotic.

This woman took me on the bus back to the clinic in Zumarraga and would not leave me alone. She didn’t speak a word of English, yet we communicated deeply all day. When I met her that morning, she was on her way to a festival, all dressed in white with lacework.

Saw the doctor there and they did prescribe an antibiotic and felt strongly that I needed it. Telling me that I could not walk for seven days.  The woman took me to the pharmacy to be sure i got the prescription and that I would understand what I was to do with the medication.  

I suggested that she leave me now and go to the Festival which was close to where we were. I told her that I could get back to Legazpi and my hotel without her help. She refused. She took me back to Legazpi to where I was staying at Mauleon hotel. By this time it was after 4 o’clock and we were hungry. We had not eaten all day.  We stopped for lunch at Kateri which is on the Pilgrims recommended list. Finally she would leave knowing that she had given me the complete bus route for the next day to Oñati and Aranztatu.

That was Saturday. I went to evening Mass at Assumption Of Our Lady and received my Credential stamp.

I did get to Aranztatu on Sunday and went to the poteria to receive my stamp from one of the Franciscan Monks.

This morning the Innkeeper drove me to Oñati to get the bus to Asarte transfer to Vitoria transfer to Araia and then walk to San Ramon.

I thought I would need to walk a few kilometers to where I am staying in San Ramon. When the bus driver stopped the bus on the highway and told me to get off and walk around to the left to San Roman, I felt a little nervous about getting out on the highway in the middle of nowhere. 

Well, so much for my not trusting. 

Every step of this journey and all of the bus/train rides have been wondrously guided. What am I thinking?  I looked around and didn’t see any sign that indicated San Roman. I started to walk in the direction that the driver pointed. I realized that there was a gas station in the opposite direction. It seemed prudent to verify the direction I would walk since I am not supposed to be walking and didn’t see a sign indicating San Roman was in this direction, I thought it best to save some steps.

I approached the gas station and saw the sign above the pumps: SAN ROMAN.

No, this couldn’t be possible. I am ready to walk 3 km to the place where I am staying. TRUST, TRUST, TRUST. it is right next to me. My lodging is right next to me. I mean, I am literally walking passed it while reading the sign across the street in disbelief.

I go inside and a big smile says, CAROLINA? My big smile answers, YES!

Monserrat Monastery Zen Garden - Camino Ignaciano 2018

There is always too much to record. This morning though, I went to Laudes, morning Prayer. I saw the man I met in the garden yesterday. At breakfast I saw him again. He sat next to me. I know I’ve seen him here before. Last year when I was here. I asked if he spoke English. A little bit. We talked. I learned that he’s not a monk like I thought he might be. He lives nearby in a small town about 20 km away. He has close friendships here with the monks tight bonds. He comes to study with about four of them, learning theology. He likes that they are forward thinking.

Monastic Garden Entrance

I know I surprised him in the garden yesterday. We did not speak of that. I have the sense that what happens in the garden is very private and no one speaks about the sacred secrets of the garden.

I also know that I’m very privileged to even be in the garden. He was very warm and friendly. Struggling with his English and communicating well. His name is James. Before he left, he came to me to embrace me and to say about my upcoming Pilgrimage, “May the mountain be good to you.”

I am deeply moved by the difference in the people who surround me

here. No one has tried to put fear in my heart. Instead they encourage and wish me well. They know that the mountain has secrets for those who would seek them. Today I have been thinking about the Psalms. The Psalmist sings of the mountains. They talk about how the mountains are sacred places, the home of the gods, for the Hebrews, the one true God.

I’ve been thinking about Jesus., my brother and life teacher. Many times he went to the mountains to pray, to teach, to model, to be with all that is HOLY. The HOLY he knew on the sacred mountain he called Abba.

Abba, Amma, I seek you and your gentle teaching on the mountain. Angels surround me, protect me first from myself and my limiting thoughts. Micha’El and Ari’El defend and fill me with a heart of courage.

Reflection

Dear Angels and Ancestors, thank you for inviting me to this unique and special Montserrat mountain. Thank you for these priceless moments in this sacred space where your feet have walked before mine. I feel your presence and I hear your voice is the song of the plants. Thank you for letting them sing to me and for the technology that makes it possible. Amen

Meal Time Chaos - Camino Ignaciano 2018

random photo for attention

Let’s talk food.

Last night I thought it strange that after our first course of soup we were served all vegetables. Then I thought it must be a carryover from “meatless” Friday’s. Well, I was right and I was wrong.

There was a large platter with cauliflower and potatoes, a smaller platter with onion rings. I took a couple because although I enjoy onion rings I don’t usually eat onion rings. Ramona decided I didn’t take enough so she piled three more pieces on my plate AND offered me fresh lemon to squeeze on them.

I thought this odd. I have had them with ketchup but never fresh lemon. I decided to try it. Not bad.

When I was cutting my last piece, I marveled at how easily the onions were cutting and not pulling out of their breading as they often do.

Then it dawned!

We weren’t eating a vegetarian meal. I didn’t just finish onion rings. I had just completed my last piece of Calamari.

Very definitely good with lemon.

******

There must be a different cook in the monastery kitchen. The food has been outstanding. For lunch today, we ate rabbit that was cooked in an exquisite sauce that I simply had to clean my plate with a piece of bread. So much for watching calories.

I am glad they don’t do big desserts. Usually fresh fruit and sometimes a form of yogurt.

random photo by Soupstock

The fun comes with the organized chaos. When one arrives here, along with your room key, you are handed the guidelines that include expectations at meals.

We all help with the serving, the cleanup and the setting tables for the next meal.

Just imagine this: there are 30 people eating and 25 get up to help because you feel like you aren’t doing your part if you don’t help. After all, it is in the guidelines.

I find it particularly hilarious when we are setting the tables for next meal. I don’t understand a word of Catalan, the local language. When the Monk is giving instructions, I don’t have a clue. I help in every way I can. When he checks the numbers and decides we will need two more place settings, Someone hurries to get the dishes from the kitchen. Right behind them is someone getting the forks and spoons and yes, we will need soup spoons and of course we will need knives, and someone getting the glasses-always a large and a small-wine, you know, small plates for desert. I don’t understand one word. People hold up forks and call out the Catalan word for me to learn. Is GANIVET a fork or a knife?

I know they all think I am either stupid, under educated or come from a deprived family. In Europe necessity and proximity require several languages. It is not uncommon to have fluency in at least three. They look at me and keep asking “only English?” As if that reality is subject to instant change.

Better add another place setting. Just received a call that a friend is coming for dinner and the entire procession begins again with the bumping and juggling through the single doorway. It is absolutely hilarious. Mostly because everyone takes this task so seriously. I have all I can do to not laugh out loud.

I know I caused looks and stares when I did something that wasn’t being done. I carried the full container with forks out to the tables to avoid the repetitive single marching file. I did it again with the container with all of the glasses in it. Then it caught on and now when I go to fetch a drawer of forks or knives. They are already out on the tables and there isn’t much for me to do. That’s when my ‘administrator’ kicks in and inspects all of the tables to be sure that nothing was overlooked.

I haven’t shared the complete picture. While 20 if us are setting the tables the last ten are standing in the middle of the room talking which requires acrobatic skills to get around them. This happens every meal. Oh, I almost forgot, those 10. All have someone they want to talk to. Often that someone is the Monk. Now imagine the center of the room that we are trying to pass through to accomplish our task. It really is hilarious. Tonight, I finally handed the last four GANIVETS to the person blocking my way to the table. My big smile as she looked at me questioning was all the instructions required. Knives made it to the table.

THE LESSON FROM HOLY CHAOS?

Share the work with a smile. More hands make lighter work. You don’t need to know the language if you keep a twinkle in your eye.

If you aren’t into setting the table- MOVE

At a Deeper Level - Camino of Ignatius 2018

Montserrat's Magic Stones - photo by Amaroq Explorers

This morning I was surprised by a pigeon flying to my window sill, seeing me and changing her mind.  There are no screens and I wonder if one will eventually fly in???  I resisted the thought to encourage her with bread crumbs.  The Monks might not invite me back. Too warm to keep the windows closed.   

Laudes, morning  Prayer was good.  I am finally relaxing into the routine and was able to follow the flow of the prayer this morning.  Language deficiency is debilitating. 

This is routine reporting.  What I really want to share is how I am experiencing at a deeper level.  

It is difficult for the part of me that longs for inclusion to be sitting here without the language ability to speak, participate or understand what is happening around me.  This is about every level of being here. 

At Mass I was able to follow more closely.  I got that we were celebrating the Feast of the Holy Cross. my senses delighted on the bright red vestments and the solemnity and aroma of the incensing of the main altar and all the people.  

Here’s the deeper side of this entry.  At Mass, or any prayer, I sit in a huge Basilica watching a large group of men doing their thing. Here’s the rub for me; I want to be here. I know that I have been here many times before, however, as an insider, not a spectator. 

Sometimes I wonder if this lifetime is to learn the lessons that come with exclusion and the fight to be part of what I feel called to, of what I love?

Then I struggle with that because there is so much I no longer can swallow about the childhood teachings that I was spoon fed with good intentions and love. A really difficult gig.   Feels like the rest of my life literally will be about sorting this out.  

I ask myself how I can imagine it different, inclusive, something uplifting and affirming for everyone.   I know I want the Beloved Community NOW!  Why not?  Don’t you?  

I ask myself, “How can I live my life differently to help make this happen?

If we think it is impossible it will be. We create our reality by what we dream and know in our hearts IS possible.  

A valued friend on FB expressed his envy at my go at a second Camino.  I suggested we turn the energy of envy into a group experience of Camino in a small group venture.  It is easier done together.  Let’s do it.  Not just talk about it.  We can do it in EUROPE or USA.  There are wonderful paths to explore and discover what we are being called to all over the planet.  This isn’t new.  We need to rediscover the blessing or re-connection with our marvelous planet Earth. 

Time to take a breath.  Whew!

Come on.  Join me. It might not be easy.  It isn’t easy for me.  It is amazingly difficult and wondrous.  Amen!

Invite me to come and share experience and stories firsthand. I would love to come visit you/ your group and simply answer your questions from what I experience combined with your experience. A good place to start a conversation that has the potential to make a difference, to create something new.  

I think about the power of those who have gone before us and made an impact by following the challenge of their hearts.   

Wonder and Awe - Camino of Ignatius 2018

Group of 80 something’s have “adopted” me. Speak only Catalan. Use English word “look” when they want me to come with them. This caused much confusion until I caught on. Now I’ve got it.

Nuria

I race Nuria (she is an Oblate of this Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat) to the fifth floor where our rooms are in the Monastery’s guest wing. I take the stairs and she ascends on the lift. We meet at the top and sometimes I arrive first. She laughs and enjoys the race. Now she challenges me regularly and I am not invited to “ascend “ in the lift with her. The race continues and I welcome the five flights of stairs as preparation for my trek in the mountains next week.

There is much we can share without language. And there is so much that I miss because of the language barrier. In a group I am lost , often invisible. One on one we do very well, especially with the miracle of Google Translate.

Today my spiritual companion, a monk I met over a year ago during my first stay here at the Monastery . We have continued to Skype once a month as spiritual companions.

This pilgrimage is a result of his suggestion that I do the Thirty Day Spiritual Practices of Saint Ignatius.

He returned this morning from his work in Barcelona. I was glad to see him at Mass. In the afternoon we met (1800 hr.=6:00 pm) to begin my spiritual preparation for the Camino. He is gentle, firm, wise and deeply insightful. He supports me AND he challenges me.

Vespers is at 6:45 pm followed by the evening meal at 7:55 pm. We

finish at 9:00 and go to our rooms.

The most peaceful times of the day are early morning and late evening. Throughout the day there is a constant stream of visitors from all over the world. My window overlooks the Plaza in front of the Basilica. I watch them approach and see on each face the wonder and awe that I experience every time I come here.

From Barcelona to Montserrat - Camino of Ignatius 2018

Landed in Barcelona around 8:00am. Claimed luggage and repacked so that I could carry everything. Took the Aerobus to Plaza Catalunya and using a street map and a few inquiries along the way—-located Father Jose Louis office at the Jesuit University.

He was more helpful than I could have imagined. In just a few moments he made arrangements for the first few days of the Camino. He reserved my train ticket to Loyola for Sep 20 AND he accompanied me to a store to get a sim card. I am truly grateful for all the time he spent helping get my phone working. I feel the need to learn Spanish.

We parted with a two-cheek kiss. As I made my way down the steps to the subway, I realized the absence of my walking stick. Argh! I must have left it in his office. Not going back. Headed to Montserrat.

Subway system difficult to understand. Over bought a pass that I thought would get me all the way to Montserrat, however, it only got me to the first transfer point. There is special pricing to get up the mountain. I took the train to the cable car arriving around 3:00. First stop was the basilica to be in the presence of the Divine Feminine.

Checked in with the monastery pottier at 3:35. Have a place to rest, pray and meals. All good.

In the twilight a storm rolled in. The thunder cracked through and bounced emphatically off the stark bare stone spires. Power failed. Microphones, Internet, ATM, and more needed time to restore after the storms.

***The light and the dark. Today I was blessed with many angels of help, protection and kindness. One of them- actually two of them- after the fact I realized they were working together. While an older man offered assistance with the train ticketing purchase, the younger attempted to swipe my luggage. Later in the day I thought to check my credit card. The older man removed it from the ticket machine. I wondered if he switched cards on me. Thanks for protective angels. All is well.

A Decisive Step - Camino of Ignatius 2018

On Tuesday, September 11, I took a decisive step in my journey to walk Camino of Ignatius. I looked at to the dreams I had the past week. They were filled with wonder, challenge, and thought-provoking symbols.

I blindly selected two cards from the Damanhur oracle deck. The cards were two that I have never chosen. They were PATH and RICHES. I always marvel at these synchronicities. They remind me again and again of the wisdom of our universe. I don’t believe these things are accidents. Somehow, it always feels connected for me.

There has been significant hurricane activity in the Atlantic. I was glad to fly to Washington Dulles airport and then to Barcelona Spain before the hurricanes got any closer to the Eastern shore.

During the transatlantic flight, I took some beautiful pictures of clouds beneath us and the fiery red hues of sunset. Some of the shapes made me wonder if the angels have been stirring the clouds into meringue peaks

As I go through the pictures I feel like Heaven is below holding me and above embracing me; a very fine place to be.