Camino Treasure Hunt

Viana, Spain
At the first light of day, pilgrims silently exit from doorways and file out of Los Arcos in a steady stream. Sometimes it feels like a treasure hunt as we look for clues guiding us to our destination. From crude hand painted yellow arrows to beautiful brass scallop shells or cement monuments with the Camino symbol, the signs provide reassurance that we are on the right path. Sometimes just following a group of pilgrims will do, but every now and then it can lead you astray. Best to trust in God but verify the route. We had some hastily procured items from a bakery for breakfast, not bad for a quick start. But when you get your Fitbit buzz (10,000 steps or about 3.5 miles to the uninitiated) before finding your morning café con leche, motivation takes on a new meaning. Enroute to Viana we passed a church with possibly Templar origins. The religious or spiritual aspect of the Camino varies from pilgrim to pilgrim. Last night we attended a pilgrims mass at the Iglesia de Santa Maria de Los Arcos, a different experience for a Baptist and a life long Lutheran. As the service began, the lights of the main altar were turned on, revealing a dazzling, incredibly ornate display of gold carvings and sculptures. Quite the contrast from the simple prayer service we witnessed in an open field conducted by a Jewish couple earlier. We all connect with God in different ways, or perhaps not at all. On an interesting note, Spain had significant Jewish and Moorish populations before they were forced to convert and later expelled. Evidence exists in the carvings of some of the churches to indicate they were made by these craftsmen, as they do not read from left to right Christian style, but rather right to left. If we could work together back then... Czytaj więcej