Four Pilgrims in Espanha

The days pass quickly when one is with good friends on the road to unknown places.  

The miles (or should I say kilometers) go by effortlessly as the conversation and laughs are never at a loss.

We made plans to head north in Portugal and cross the border into Espanha for a few days.  R and I had not ever been to Spain together except for a plane change on a trip years ago, so this was definitely new territory for us.  O & M had only been to central Spain in years past.  

As we arrived at the border, I was disappointed that we weren't going to get a new stamp in our passports.  We did learn that crossing the northern border of Portugal into Spain meant a time change - one hour ahead.  The signs on the highway immediately were difficult to understand as none of us speak or understand Spanish.  

As we found our way to our first stop, our hotel in Vigo, Espanha, we realized the road signs (IF we could even find them) were hard to follow.  Finally with the help of a police escort, we arrived at our hotel.  

Vigo  Espanha

Finding our way...

Vigo

Vigo

Vigo

Vigo

Vigo - A large industrial city

Food staples in Espanha also!

Dinner???  Not so much!

Two confused tourists having a hard time reading the menu!  (Welcome to my world!)

Two happy tourists watching two confused tourists!

After dinner, a walk and a night spent in Vigo, we continued our journey which took us inland to Santiago, Spain.  Santiago de Compostela is a destination for many tourists and "pilgrims".  (You may have heard about the horrific train wreck in Spain about one month ago in which the train was traveling twice the speed it should have been going, killing many people.  This train was on its way into Santiago as it was to be a special festival time for many to come on this pilgrimage or journey into the city.  Three days mourning was declared in the city.)   

Santiago  Espanha

Santiago

Lost???  ......  Never!!!

Some of the many Cathedral steeples in Santiago

The Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela borders the main plaza of the old city.  Legend has it that the remains of the apostle James were brought to Galicia, the western region of Spain above Portugal, for burial in the site of Santiago de Compostela, by a shepherd guided by a star who was watching his flocks at night.  Then to honor St. James, the cathedral was built on the spot where his remains were said to have been found.  Legend also tells us that St. James found his way to the Iberian Peninsula and had preached concerning the missionary activities and final resting places of the apostles of Jesus. 

Cathedral Santiago de Compostela

Cathedral Santiago de Compostela - packed with people

Ornate golden altar

Saint James

Saint James' bones

One could even walk up into and behind the altar and "embrace the Apostle"

St. James

Embracing the "apostle O"???

Side chapel inside the Cathedral (notice the shell symbol at top right)

St. James

Side chapel inside the Cathedral

Cathedral Santiago de Compostela

I noticed as we walked in this amazing city of Medieval cathedrals (12 in all),  a scallop shell symbol on the sidewalks, on doors and posts, and also around the necks of many.  A little research explained that the symbolism is associated with James, the apostle, the son of Zebedee, a fisherman of Galilee and brother of John.  He was one of the apostles closest to Jesus, being present with Peter and John at the Transfiguration and again at the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus prayed. 

Legend tells of his mission to Spain and burial which then became one of the great pilgrimages established by the 11^th century and is next to importance to Jerusalem and Rome. 

In art James appears as a pilgrim wearing a broad brimmed hat and cloak.  From his staff or shoulder hangs the wallet or water gourd of the pilgrim.  The scallop shell appears on his hat or cloak. 

Today in Spain the shell marks the path to reassure participants that they are have not taken a wrong turn.  Local residents decorate their houses and gardens with shells.  

Several of the 12 cathedrals in Santiago...

Scallop shells

While we stood in the large square looking up at the cathedral and admiring its incredible size and beauty, many around us were not only tourists, but many were "pilgrims" that had made a journey by way of driving, riding bicycles and most by walking, as they carried a staff to identify with the pilgrimage of James.  We were very curious as to what those who had just traveled many kilometers by foot were thinking and feeling.  

Pilgrims in the cathedral square

Hikers

Bicyclists

Commercialism in the square (trinket booth)

Four young men sharing with O & R

R and O began to ask various ones around us.  A group of four young men were especially interesting to engage in conversation with.  Each one and had walked many kilometers and each began their journey in completely different places, one in particular had walked over 1000 kilometers in with this place as his destination.  Each spoke English well and seemed glad to share some of their experience.  It was very interesting that none of them knew each other before this journey they had each taken.  They met and became friends along the way.  They had come from Italy, Spain and France.  

All those we saw, observed and talked to were here because they were seeking something.  Each one seeking something bigger than themselves?
Seeking peace?
Seeking themselves? 
Seeking accomplishment?
Seeking relationship?
Seeking God?

We are four pilgrims on a life long journey seeking to know our Lord and Savior in a new, better and personal way.  We talked to four pilgrims on their own journey.  

"Ask and it will be given to you;
SEEK and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.  
For everyone who asks receives;
he who SEEKS finds; 
and to him who knocks,
the door will be opened." 

Matthew 7.7-8

A Visit to Galp

In the US, we complain about gas prices on a daily basis.  Prices go up and down constantly, and we ask  'When will they go back down?  Will they ever go down?'  It is on the daily news in the US, how much prices have risen each day, week, month and year.   

Here, gas prices are not on the news and people don't talk about it.  It is simply the price that it is.  And if you are going to fill up with gasoline in Portugal, you better come with a pocket full of euros!  

We have been very grateful to be borrowing a car while we are here.  We have filled it up with gas twice.  We don't drive around to compare prices, we simply fill up near our apartment.  Gas stations are not on every corner as they are in the US and there are no phone apps to help us find the cheapest price of the day.   (Now granted, the large store I shop for groceries does give you a discount for gas as you use their card, much like we have at home with our local Ralph's grocery and Shell gas stations.) 

Not only did I see the difference in gas prices, but as you go inside to pay for you can purchase a bar of European chocolate for a significantly lower price than US M&M's.  Or how about enjoying a fresh cup of coffee, personally made for you and served in a glass cup that is as good as from any barista in the US?  (instead of that extra large coffee to go from the carafe of coffee made sometime very early that morning and long past its prime!) If you are a bit hungry, along with your coffee you can devour a freshly baked pastry, and avoid the prepackaged "six pack" of mini donuts shipped in from a far away factory.  If your car needs a wash, instead of sitting inside and washing the suds, you pay the machine, and step out of the car while it is being scrubbed. Hey, what a convenient time for that coffee and pastry!  And to avoid that unpleasant gas smell on your hands, light plastic gloves are provided at each gas pump so the smell doesn't drive away with you as you head down the road. It is interesting to notice these differences in the everyday tasks of life here in Portugal.

Price conversions:  Gas = $5.36 per gallon US
Diesel = $6.43 per gallon US

Breakfast for approximately $1.65 US

Salt is inexpensive, wine is inexpensive and so is bread, BUT gasoline, not so much!!!  Smaller cars are definitely more popular, but whatever you drive, it needs gas!  Who knew stopping for gas could be a destination??

Sardinhas - um verão para churrasco

=  Sardines - a summer BBQ

Friends, a drive to a quinta (a house with land/farm, in this case, a family summer home), a hot grill and lots of sardines!!!  What else is needed for a great day?

We all met at the church in Massama in order to carpool to the quinta near the town of Ericeira.  We arrived, opened the doors and windows that had been locked up since the last time the house was used, and let the breeze come in the house.  (It was to be 100 degrees in Lisbon, and this was a wonderful place to be as the sea breeze was cool and comfortable.)  We  unpacked the food we each brought and everyone began working on a task to prepare for the meal that was to be shared.

Arriving at the quinta

The view to the sea - beautiful!  And a very nice cool sea breeze!

The charcoal was placed in the grill and the fire started.  The table was set with food and tables and chairs set up outside overlooking the valley to the sea.  The meat (pork, sausages and chicken) and finally the sardines were grilled to perfection by E.  Nearly two hours after arriving, we were ready to ask God's blessing over this feast and begin eating.  

Opening up the house, and yes, the Christmas tree has been up for over 3 years!

Boiled potatoes always served with sardines!

Preparing the sardines for the grill

E, the grill master!

Too much fun!!!

Blessing for the meal and day together

Time to eat!  I began with enjoying chicken, not quite sure of the sardines as I had never before tasted them.  OK, I agreed to give the sardines a try, but just one!  To my surprise, it was good and not as "fishy" as I had anticipated.  I normally enjoy a more mild fish to eat, but I tried it.  E and I were sitting next to me and were enjoying their sardines so much, I decided to give another a try.  It was right off the grill and very hot.  It was better than the first.  Hmmm, who would have thought I would eat sardines!!!  (Now Randy did not eat any, it was alluded to that I am a "true" Ataide, Randy? maybe not!)  

No shortage of food shared

Here come the sardines hot off the grill

E showing me that "real" Portuguese simply eat sardines, head, tail and bones on bread!!

O enjoying his sardines

I did it!  

I did leave the head, tail and bones behind

Coffee finishes the meal

The afternoon was spent with a group of people who enjoy being together.  This is a group of believers who love the Lord and love each other.  They all have stories of sadness and tragedy, but all come together with Jesus as their common bond, strength and encouragement.   They share food.  They share their lives and hearts.  They share their laughter.  R and I were honored to be a part of the day and to share the sardines with them.  We are learning that an important part of any time together is the "journey".  It doesn't matter how long it takes to get there, driving or walking, or how long it takes before we sit down to eat, the joy is in the time spent together.  

I remain very frustrated that I cannot speak the language, but did realize that I am understanding more and more as I gave an answer (in English) to a question asked in Portuguese without even thinking about it.  Those around me commented right away that I really do understand.  

On Sunday this group all gathered once again to be encouraged in their faith and spend more time together.  The service was warm as the choruses were sung and prayers were offered.  J shared a message of encouragement.  

It was a busy weekend, but one that will remain in my mind and heart.  Yes, even the sardines that I tasted!