It has been a while since my last post and so much had changed since then. Rachel and I are on the last bus to Zaragoza. Tomorrow we will start our pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. From all the cars, trains, planes and busses I’ve managed to effectively waste a significant quantity of fuel to get here. From tomorrow until the third week of May, I will do no more to contribute to that consumption. We will be traveling from Zaragoza by foot. The ‘plan’ is to continue North to Logroño where we will meet up with the French route.
Over the last week we had the privilege to meet a wise man, who prepared us immensely for our journey. His name was Josep ‘Canario’ Martín from Tenerife. He woke up early every morning to juggle in the park everywhere he traveled. Some of the advice he gave us has already saved up. I’ll make a short list of some of the things I’ve learned for the Camino/Traveling.

1) Always carry a small jar of olive oil and buy bread from the bakery, not the store.

An easy thing to carry while walking is a baguette, so when you leave the city in the morning stop by the bakery. The bread will be fresh and last until you’re ready for lunch. If you’re unable to bring other foods, olive oil on the bread will give you the extract energy you may need to make it to the next town. It is also wonderful for your skin and tastes wonderful here.

2) Always keep a sharp eye on your bag.

I don’t think this one needs a ton of explaining, just a bit of practice. Be attentive to your surroundings, and remember that there are crazy people in this world – especially in hostels.

3) Never to forget family.

It’s rare that you see a man in his early 40’s who loves his mother as much as Josep did. He reminded me the importance of family. Last year my family got a lot smaller with the loss of my uncle. It was incredibly difficult for all of us to lose a man who loved us that much. As we got to know Josep he took on the role of an uncle/brother for Rachel and me. He gave us his mother’s number, since his is always changing during his travels. He said if we ever can make it, we would be welcomed openly by his family in Tenerife.

4) “No plan, no prison”, making plans adds unneeded baggage.

Take everyday minute by minute. For a couple days Josep discussed coming with us on the Camino. This was an exciting idea for us, and we knew that having a guide would change the trip for us. After a few days though, we realized that it would be better for Rachel and I to just walk together. When I told him this, instead of getting hurt or upset, he gave me a hug and said no worries. We decided to stay in Barcelona an extra day to say goodbye to the man who became a brother to me. I will be forever greatful for what he taught me.

5) Always ask for help at the church first.

Once entering a city, head straight towards to church. Don’t stop to ask people or the police where to stay, ask the local priest. We were told that once explaining we are pilgrims, the priest will know people who can help, and put us in contact. From there they will likely know another person in the next town to stay in.

These 5 simple things have already made the greatest difference in my life. He taught us so much more about love, happiness, spirituality, and peace. I will be forever greatful for Tío / Hermano Josep, the Canario.

José –
 
We have spent the last 24 hours mostly around the hostel getting to know the people here. One man we have spent most of our time with, Jose a kind man in his 40’s from Tenerife, is here on a vacation. During the summers he travels Europe selling clothing and cooking at music festivals.  He knows the Barcelona well and has walked the Camino twice. He took me on a small tour around the gothic quarters yesterday. Today he bought us some fresh herbs to take with us and taught us to cook a couole local dishes. He also gave Rachel a beautiful handmade sweater from his friend in Peru.  We all planned a trip up to a park overlooking the city today, but the rain is holding us back currently. There will be plenty days walking in the rain to come. We may go tomorrow instead, and go to the circus store to get Rachel a hula hoop today. All is well.

The New Yorker

I was sitting on the terrace on the roof of our hostel this morning when an American woman walked over and introduced herself. She loudly asked where I am from, and explained that she is from New York. She seemed uncertain as to what she was doing in Barcelona. She seemed uneasy so I prodded her a bit to open up. She is an English teacher in Istanbul, but fled to Barcelona yesterday leaving behind her fiance, job, and cat. She left because yesterday there was a suicide car bombing that killed 5 people where she lived. She seemed lost and terrified. May the force that brings us together be with that woman. I pray that she will find peace, and be free of her fear.

Fear –
Yesterday I asked José how he is so ‘tranquilo’ during all of his travels. We has been sitting on the terrace talking when a couple Romanian men came up and talked for a while. They carried a presence that gave me goosebumbs. After they left I asked how José could be so comfortable traveling with so many ‘personas locas’ in the world. He explained that fear is pointless, it is a waste of time and energy. We must fight the good fight, we have to carry on and push through the fear if we want to have peace. ‘Tranquilo sin miedo’.
Tranquil without fear.

Day 2 Barcelona March 17
Today has been a little bit strange. We made it to our hospital yesterday and checked in at 1 p.m. we slept until about 10, went across the street and got some food and fell back asleep. After about 20 hours of sleep we managed to wake up today. Rachel has been sick and not feeling well since the plane, so I went to the pharmacy to buy her some anti-nausea. She is starting to feel better now, which is a great relief.
I have found it surprisingly easy to communicate with people here, most people have patients with my grammatical errors and seems to be able to understand me fairly well. It’s hard to believe that I’m nearly halfway across the world from my home. The business of life in Olympia still infiltrates my thoughts.  Currently I’m sitting in the back of the University of Barcelona in their impressive garden filled with a variety of flowers and trees.  The birds chirp and play while the multitude of feral cats watched fiercely. This is one of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever had a chance to see all the trees in flowers are so foreign to me. There is a strange tranquility here. Many of the people here same fairly quiet and reserve, I wonder what’s going on in their heads. I wonder about their daily lives.

I was messaged a blessing earlier by the pastor who baptized me as a child..
“May God, who knows our path
and the places where we rest,
be with you in your waiting,
be your good news for sharing,
and lead you in the way
that is everlasting.”

Blessings pilgrims.