DAY 6 - Fátima Detour

Disappointment turned a welcoming surprise. Fatima reminded me of Matthew 21:12-13 Jesus at the Temple turning over tables having turned a place of worship into a den of thieves. I felt nothing spiritual here. I went in to Our Lady of the Rosary in Fatima to pray the rosary. After one decade I had to leave due to the distractions - people talking, children, adults alike - even talking on the phone. No respect or sacredness. Outside was just a big plaza with a museum on one side, the “offering” opposite where people would bring their candles they bought either next to the offeratory or at one of the many shops just outside the grounds. Then opposite Our Lady of the Rosary was a mega church which can hold up to 10,000 people. Then a path for people to walk on their knees toward the offertory. I ordered an Uber after 45-60 minutes to check out a castle. He was Brazilian and the 1st Uber driver who spoke English having lived in Las Vegas for 2 years prior to moving to Portugal. He became my tour guide for the afternoon taking me by the actual town of Fatima, before it was moved to where the apparitions took place, castel de Ourem, Castel de Almoural, ancient aqueducts, and eventually Tomar. He stopped and let me tour each place and was very excited to be able to show me around. I was equally excited. As we entered Tomar, I kept a lookout for Camino signs so I hopefully don’t get lost along The Way again tomorrow. I’ve been watching Nick Living Life on YouTube as he walked the Portuguese route 10 months ago. He has some great video footage if you want to check it out.Baca selengkapnya