WOW! I have a lot today!
The best way to sum up today, I rocked my Camino!
OK, let's catch up from last night. In summation one drunk french guy was making an inappropriately excessive amount of noise. A young lady from the bottom of the bunk went out and asked them politely to quiet down in respect for the peregrinos already in bed. He very disrespectful told her that quiet time did not start until 10 p.m. and proceeded to go "LALALALA!!!" to further emphasize his point. Apparently something about that triggered something in me because I did not climb down off the top of the bunk rather I jumped off the top of the bunk, hopping into my pants as I hopped down the hallway ready to confront them in the kitchen. Of course when they saw another man they stopped being intimidating and immediately got quiet I looked around for the young lady and she had already left. And her again just entering our room as I turned into the hallway in a rather loud voice III proclaimed to her that they were intimidating her and that was not something I would stand for! Young ladies already nervous enough do not need feel intimidated by their fellow peregrinos. The drunk Frenchman then proceeded to attempt to intimidate people further by attempting to play his guitar both in the hostel and in the courtyard. Currently my voice was loud enough that it was not only heard by the entire Hostal but half the village in the other Hostal in it. I asked Jasmin if she was being annoying on purpose and then promised him that I would dismantle his guitar using his head if he did not stop his antics. His fellow Frenchman quickly ushered him to bed at that point and the problem ceased. This morning apparently all eyes were on me for fear of further confrontation. Once I was dressed I got the attention of one of the French men and explained to him that young female peregrinos are already scared enough walking alone, they should be able to count on their fellow peregrinos and not be afraid of them. He agreed with me and agreed that a sincere apology was owed to the young lady. I witnessed a very sincere apology be delivered, to the other young lady from my room, but the apology was very sincere. The offended young lady was informed and felt better that the Peregrinos felt bad for their behavior enough to apologize... Camino back on baby!
This was a very of feeling for me, part of me really really wanted to see what kind of punishment the new me could deal out, the other party of me was screaming that Peregrinos don't act this way. Something guided the Peregrino side of me and this ended very pleasantly...
Ooh, but word spread apparently cause it read the morning buzz on the Camino. Somehow, as stories go, it got embellished and I kept having to disarm it with facts as we wandered they the morning pilgrim train.
So, I wrap up THAT little adventure with internal pride, I didn't let bullies rule, but my head and heart diffused the situation and returned normalcy to the Camino... Whew! Godzilla apparently went back to sea.
WOW!
So, now onto today! I JUST ROCKED MY CAMINO! My party departed a good 15 minutes ahead of me (I told then to go on, I would catch up). When ready, I blew out of the village, in the pitch dark and fog. I excited town and took the trail up the hill. I don't know if Camino Ray was right or not, but I really didn't have fear, i was just busting out that hill. At least one critter scurried away in the fig (learned someone else saw a fox). I started passing people, summited and was descending when I caught up with my group.... And passed them " baños in the next village! "... I kept up this incredible energy the full 20km into Burgos, probably leaving my group to wonder if they should just let me go on.
Walked along almost 6km of Riverside parkway into Burgos, as I got closer I started hearing " don't you want somebody to love, don't you need somebody to love... " playing rather loudly from somewhere down the path... The pace got faster and I started singing, the poles might have been dancing as well!
I just into Burgos, the had some kinda road walk and at the finish they had a DJ and music... I just stood there soaking it all in, I was dreading the city's energy, but this energy was satisfying.
After checking into our hotel (spoil time!). Double bed in Burgos €55, Peregrino rate! Very nice room, we actually have soap and towels, a rare commodity for Peregrinos!
We later did the Burgos cathedral tour... OK, this place long ago stopped being a place of worship and became a religious place of opulence and later a museum... Do not get me wrong, it is just friggen AWESOME inside, but it is a religious museum, I really don't see how Raj worship can be conducted there anymore. There were displays showing how out has grown over the centuries, just amazing, every cardinal had to outdo the previous one and build yet another chapel and burial tomb for themselves. The artwork is phenomenal and blows the mind, the overload on the brain is not to be forgotten either.
Also, today my little girl Lee is moving out back at home. My little girl is all grown up, I am so proud of her. She is going to do great!
Today was like Wednesday, before sickness rippled thru the Camino, I HAVE MY CAMINO ON!!! I even had tapas for dinner and churros con chocolate for dessert!
Tomorrow morning, were depart Burgos and start our approach to the Meseta, the upper plains and the party of the Camino where the mind gets its workout. There is something inside me, it showed itself last night, it is going to be interesting to see how that develops, if it does.
Rocking the Camino!
Buen Camino!
Kevin
Dude - how wonderful that you stepped in to remind a fellow Peregrino that "we" are all in this together and mutual respect is something very much appreciated. Don't beat yourself up about getting angry - anger is just another emotion that is part of each and every one of us. Understanding how to move from one feeling to another is maybe a goal worth thinking about - the Meseta will give you plenty of time for that. You are such a caring individual and you have such a strong desire for wanting everyone to care for each other in the same manner. You just being you sends that message loud and clear. Congrats and understanding on your daughter taking another step in her life. I remember when the first daughter mover to NYC and then her sister followed her the next year. People would ask me, "why did you let them go to NYC, aren't you scared something will happen to them?" No, I know they know how to take care of themselves and the thing that is going to happen to them is life, their life. My job is to be encouraging and supportive of their dreams. Boom. You are doing great - one step at a time.
ReplyDeleteBuen Camino. Ross. And Kathleen sends her support as well.
That is so much in one day! WOW! You are doing such a great job at this. And you would have done the same thing at home if that had happened. You are a very caring and loving husband. You are truly my best friend and always will be. That is so great to hear that you got your Camino back on. And Lee will do great on her own. She lives close by, which will help. I am so proud of you and your accomplishments. I love you so much, honey. I miss you terribly. But I know that this was something that you had to do and will get through this lonely time. Thank goodness that we are able to talk and/or chat with each other daily. And I love it when we can skype:) I can't wait to hear about your next adventure tomorrow.
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