Vilanova de Arousa to Ames

The storm blew through overnight and well into late morning. I had the metal shades down and the window opened a bit to get some air. That made the shades and the door bang a little. And the toilet had an incessant drip. I miss my bed, my fan, my pillow.

Talking to other pilgrims about the choices they were making regarding the storm, I decided to get the late bus that heads to Santiago, leaving at 6:00 pm. The other morning options were still during the storm. So I hung out at the hotel mostly all day, hanging out with 1 group that had a 2:00 taxi to Padron and then another group that arrived via taxi from Armenteira. Then at 5:00 I headed out to walk the mile or so to the farmacia where the hotel receptionist told me the bus stopped. No, no bus comes here. I’d been nervous all day that something about the bus wouldn’t work out. The hotel receptionist said he’d get me a taxi if I want. So I trudged back the mile or so and he got me a taxi, arrived about 5 minutes later. A 40 minute pretty drive to my country guest house.

As I trudged, several spanish speakers called out what sounded like encouragement. One lady was leaning over her fence. I said Ola. She replied in Spanish asking how I was. Very well thank you. I’m not sure but I think she said “God loves you very much”. I accept!

Inner journey: I tried to positive-think myself out of anxiety about the bus, but something wasn’t right. I double checked with the receptionist about the location. I double checked the time on the app. I did know I had options and one way or another it would work out. I got to enjoy the company of a number of great women while I waited and I got a little walking in. Plus I received all those blessings. In retrospect, I could have been better served with attitude of “something is not quite right, and I’ll keep on this path because there is something here for me.” That’s what I did anyway, just holding onto the anxiety.Read more