Tabarah - Stop


I walked a couple of kms out of town with Neil to say goodbye before he went on and I went back. My last yellow arrow of the trip gave me a very clear message.  

GRATITUDE

Even having spent such a short time (in Camino terms) with Neil something resonates with me of the power of the pilgrim process.  The simple act of walking step after step for long periods of time places you in a vulnerable and attentive space.  A space that I think facilitates listening.

Maybe there's nothing more important for us bods socialised by western concepts of success, knowledge and conquest. Providing spaces to listen to life. Letting life teach us. Listening more, controlling less.

The photo below shows Neil setting off on a huge double stage.  For him now it's an issue of time and distance.  My heart goes with him as does my gratitude for the opportunity to spend this time with him doing something that has become so important and foundational to him and his life journey. Its part of mine now.

Gracias amigo. Bon Camino




Footnote - Salamanca

After leaving Neil I decided to go to Salamanca on the way to Madrid. A beautiful city and extraordinary dome on the church. 

Decide to go get a glass of wine and some tapas. I ask waiter for a rio tinto. She looks puzzled and says she doesn't sell them.  With head down I left the bar.  As I walked out I realized I'd asked for a mining company rather than a glass of wine.  Didn't have courage to return.


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