Walking The Ways In Galicia

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Camino Invierno – The Winter Way – Or as I like to call it El Camino Del Vino

Every Camino is special and unique providing an opportunity to explore, discover and enjoy.  This year I feel inspired to make a journey of “Walking The Ways In Galicia” taking part in learning more about the Camino and this vibrant, alive, and inviting land of Galicia. Each step along the way, every inspiring view, every moment being surrounded by nature and discovering historical monuments on the path motivate and touch in a truly personal way. Every new day is an adventure of the spirit, mind and body. A mystery that continues to unfold long after the camino journey has ended revealing the deep layers that the Camino touches in a way like no other – as everyone learns the camino never ends the adventure continues!

It was a fantastic beginning taking part in the Ribeira Sacra “Vino Bus” wine tour followed with staying in the historical Parador Monforte De Lemos.  Great to walk out of such an inspiring location to experience a new Camino and learn of the mysteries that pilgrims walking the Camino Invierno or Winter Way have enjoyed for centuries.  Incredible wine vineyards cultivated by the romans, beautiful historic monuments, and being surrounded by incredible scenery that was like a hug from nature.  Sharing in special times with new friends with Luisa and her wonderful Quinta Sacra River Cruises followed by a perfect sunset at Lucie and Kaj’s Cabo do Mundo Casa Rural a view that will take your breath away and leave you wanting to return for sure to soak up more of the beauty and peace of Ribeira Sacra. Following the yellow arrows has been a wonderful adventure of synchronicity along the camino and I am excited to keep an eye out for that beautiful yellow marker to see what lies next on this journey of discovery 🙂 Muchisimas Gracias!!!

 

Thank you to Stacy, Rocio Parador Monforte de Lemos; Maryfe Centro Do Viño Monforte De Lemos; Maria, Beatriz of Máis que Románico Visitas Personalizadas; Aida Asociación De Camiños A Santiago Pola Ribeira Sacra; Gerardo Monforte de Lemos tours; Luisa Quinta Sacra River Cruises; Lucie and Kaj Cabo do Mundo Casa Rural; Marcus and Maria Abaceria O Batuxo Restaurante; Kris Bodegas Via Romana; Fernando and Ana of Bodega Algueira; Bodegas Regina Viarum, Abadia da Cova Bodega, Camilo, Lola, Angeles; Antonio, Ana, Belen of Hostal Gonzalez in Silleda; Nuria, Chechu, Antonio, Sandra, Catalina, Javier for sharing the Feria de Galicia in Silleda and some of the special flavors and tastes of the wines and mariscos that make Galicia so delicious; Carlos and Maria of Fogar do Breogán, and my other camino friends for making my Walking The Ways In Galicia along the El Camino Del Vino so very special. It was a truly magical time enjoying so many incredible treasures and Galician experiences. You and Galicia have captured a very special piece of my heart and I am forever grateful 🙂

Corpus Christi – Lots of Celebrations In Galicia

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Flower Carpets Amaze & Delight

Many special ways to celebrate the festival of Corpus Christi some dating back to 1246, 13 17 and the 14th century in Spain. One that is incredibly beautiful, full of creativity and dedication by those who do the work of the impressive designs along with those who come to admire and worship. Something that you are sure to enjoy and delight in if you are enjoying your camino during this special time of year.

“Although the custom is very old of covering the route which the Corpus must take with aromatic herbs, the so-called flower carpets, which are often great works of art and beauty, appeared at a later date, and are now especially popular in Catalonia, Galicia and the Canary Islands. ” – http://www.gospain.org

History of the Billabong – Elizabeth Shares In The Camino

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The camino provides an opportunity for personal introspection and adventure. A getting to know yourself in a unique way and to discovering new friendships that make for fun bonding experiences all along the way.  Learning of other people’s cultures is truly one of the most special experiences on the journey and since the Camino is a melting pot of so many global pilgrims it is a delight to learn, discover and enjoy.  Thank you Elizabeth for sharing some of your history of Australia and learning the background to the story of the Billabong.

Bicigrino – Otra Forma De Hacer El Camino

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So many wonderful ways to CAMINO!  Dating back to the 9th Century the Camino has a long and ancient history.  A past that has seen many changes. A merging of cultures, people,  and traditions. A true melting pot of ideas and customs.  The first pilgrims walked, came by horse, or were able to ride on a wagon with local farmers part of the way  as they traveled the camino trails from all over europe making their way to Spain.  Though some may feel that if you don’t walk the camino it isn’t the camino one learns that each way has its own challenges, lessons and pains. If pilgrimage is an experience a true journey of discovery then as long as one is exploring and expanding the boundaries of their own comfort zones and opening to new – a very special significance to the camino experience is unfolding.

Bicigrino provides a wonderful way to explore the Camino providing support and assistance in a variety of ways that allow for you to truly be open and free to experience and learn what the Camino has for you.

Wishing our friends at Bicigrino – Bo Camiño! For more information please visit: http://www.bicigrino.com

The Legend Of The Pilgrim Shadow

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La Leyenda de la Sombra del Peregrino

The legends, myths and unique history to the Camino de Santiago de Compostela are many. Just like an onion as you keep peeling more is revealed.  Each area, every route of the Camino, and every century layer upon layer you can keep discovering different aspects through its many stories, ancient architecture, the culture and traditions that surround the pilgrimage. It is a treasure hunt or journey that once begun will never end.  Its magic and mystery keeps drawing us back or deeper into the experience always increasing our desire to explore, discover and learn more of its hidden treasures.

One interesting myth and legend is that of the LEGEND OF THE PILGRIM SHADOW.    Throughout history people have shared this story and passed it down through the ages adding to its mystique that a shadow accompanies a pilgrim during the long journey to Santiago de Compostela.  That this presence can be felt especially during hard sections but there is only one place that a peregrino can meet this shadow and that is in Quintana Square just outside the Cathedral.

La sombra del peregrino en la plaza de la Quintana en Santiago d

The shadow reborn when night falls and the lighting of the square you can see at the base of the clock tower, next to the Holy Door.  For many images depict the shadow in medieval dress, hat and bread.  Though this expression of a more earthly pilgrim may be due to the reflection created by the night lighting of the basilica and its granite pillars.

Its origins are varied as some believe that it contains and reflects the soul of a pilgrim who stayed forever in the Cathedral.  Others say that they recall seeing a figure of a French pilgrim of the fifteenth century, Leonard du Revenant, the son of a nobleman of Paris, who suffered a sad fate.

The most widely believed version relates to the tragic path of a priest of the Cathedral, in love with a cloistered nun of the convent of San Paio, located across the square from A Quintana.  Legend says that the priest met her through a passageway that existed under the steps of the A Quintana plaza and that they connected the cathedral and the monastery and this is how they met.  Tradition of the story says that after awhile the priest tired of the situation proposed to his beloved and suggested that they escape together.  He waited for her in the square with medieval pilgrim clothing that would provide secrecy.  He waited patiently but she did not come.  Still, night after night, the lover – or shadow – went to wait in hopes that she would come to meet him – and so now he still waits.

Thank you to my Hungarian pilgrim friend Dora Ivanyi for sharing this inspiring story. Thank you to La Voz for your wonderful article that shares the history and tradition of this myth and legend: http://www.lavozdegalicia.es./noticia/santiago/2014/05/14/leyenda-sombra-peregrino/00031400080909048329358.htm

BEING In The Present Moment – Mindfulness Reflections – Valerie Johns

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The Camino has so many lessons it teaches no matter if it is your first experience or you continue to be drawn back again and again.  They say you may not get what you wanted or expecting but you always get what you need.  The simple act of walking can take on many different feelings and emotions.  A processing of  life experiences in preparation for new futures.  Living or BEING in the present moment is a special gift of  experiencing the camino captivated by nature and the beauty that surrounds us.  We may still find many times that our minds are full of all kinds of thoughts and it is a gift and blessing to return to feeling ourselves with our full undivided attention – our complete mindfulness – in the experience we are having. As we live more in the moment these incredible moments connect naturally together like water flowing over rocks in a beautiful stream.  The reflections of our distractions whether they be thoughts of the past or fears focusing on the future, or judgments of ourselves and others, BEING more mindful in the moment is something that Valerie Johns is passionate about sharing.  In her new blog  titled Jizo & Chibi. “Jizo is the Buddhist protector of women, children and travelers and Chibi means little one in Japanese.” – Valerie Johns

You can read more about Valerie in and article by Elephant Journal – Dedicated To The Mindful Life you will enjoy many of Valerie’s reflections that will inspire.  Have fun reading Valerie’s current blog article titled Just Sit, Just Do Yoga, Just Know Yourself and find out how she has found mindfulness, a way to meet her “groundlessness” and more. Thank you Valerie for sharing your reflections and insights.

To read Valerie’s blog and for more information please visit: http://www.jizoandchibi.com

For Elephant Journal’s article on Valerie please visit: http://www.elephantjournal.com/2014/05/just-sit-just-do-yoga-just-know-yourself-valerie-johns/#idc-cover

Locks of LOVE in Santiago

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Modern Camino Trends Could It Become A New Tradition?

Candados, in spanish, or Locks that were popular in Paris and other european cities have been making their way to Santiago de Compostela.  Having noticed this in 2011 and seeing it continue one reflects on the traditions, symbols, their origin and beginnings.  We are all familiar with the yellow arrow or “flecha’s” which have helped pilgrims along the french way that were the idea and creation of the Pastor of O’Cebreiro Elías Valiña in the laste 1970’s and 1980’s and has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the camino.  Other important symbols are the shell or “concha”, the wood “bastones” or walking sticks, the natural gords, the act of leaving a stone or the creation small stone pyramids that dot the camino made by the pilgrims passing by and some adding to what was created by others, as well as, the large stone markers that help to encourage as they mark the kilometers remaining. All have their different beginnings, history and unique stories that are a part of the camino and stir a different yet collective feeling in all of us.

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Are these LOCKS OF LOVE symbols and signs that will continue to make their mark in Santiago de Compostela as a sign of peregrinos having completed their journey and their LOVE FOR THE CAMINO. Or will they be a passing phase to be remembered by those who made the gesture.  Special and unique to their own personal experience like leaving the stone at Cruz de Faro near Foncebdón as a sign of leaving your burdens behind. All symbols are special and have a personal meaning to those who participate in the gesture. A ritual with lasting significance to those who share in the experience keeping the memory of the reflection before, during and after their camino journey. Only time will tell what symbols remain and what new ones will share some space in time and in the hearts of pilgrims as they make their way to Santiago and what they will take back with them in their hearts as they return home with the memories of this life transforming and empowering adventure. Bo Camiño!

Via De La Plata – Springtime In The Camino

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The sun is shining all over Galicia making its springtime Camino Call to all who will answer.  Nothing better than exploring another part of this magical land and meeting pilgrim friends along the way.  It was perfect timing to make a new adventure to Ourense to discover a little of the Via De La Plata – The Silver Way where the trail is marked by beautiful stone with ancient camino symbols that helped to guide us and add a little mystery and intrigue as we walked the way.

The streets were alive with music and festival fun before heading out onto the trail.  The local people of the area so very kind and generous with their time making all feel welcome and at home. Incredible nature views of open pasture land with flowers encouraging your every step, rolling hills with rivers below where you can still walk across ancient bridges that have marked the time of many a pilgrim. After a wonderful day in the camino you can find yourself in one of the quaint small villages to enjoy reflecting on the day with a glass of wine and menu del dia.

A very special thank you to my Via De La Plata Pilgrim Friends – Dora who in making her 5th camino shared some time along the way and introduced me to her pilgrim friends Tony, Bernard, Monty, Elizabeth, Beate, Angelika, Jorge, Liz, Deb, Karl and the rest of the Via de la Plata peregrinos – Muchisimas Gracias! This camino inspired a new journey for me of Walking The Ways In Galicia as I will explore a little of all the Camino’s as they make their way into Galicia. HASTA PROXIMA VEZ!!!

Signs Are All Around Us – Happy Mother’s Day

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Signs and symbols are all around us. What symbols are significant to you and hold a special place in your heart as tokens along the treasure hunt of life. As we journey making our own unique path different messages mark the way and like Hansel and Gretel the bread crumbs that catch our attention and guide us are truly personal, equally significant and life transforming.

An awareness for life, love and the beauty of nature that surrounds us enveloping our being if we allow it the space and freedom to grow if we can relax and let go. A true sense of surrender and release. These are moments that one can relish in, strive for, and find more peace as these times are transformed into minutes, hours, where we experience bliss.

The camino seems to naturally bring this out in each person in a very personal way. No two camino’s are the same. Even for those of us whose journey has led to living in Galicia on the camino always brings new meaning and significance to each day. Just like the camino a purpose unfolds, grows, and provides just what you need but in many ways not what you expected. It shows that the power of pilgrimage flows when each spirit opens, connects and reflects allowing each persons spirituality to develop and flourish. A true mustard seed planted, watered, and blossoming in its own time and in its own unique way.

The signs and symbols are many and some show themselves in the form of angels that are all around us in all different forms. In nature, in animals and in our family and friends. They stand strong like the cross a symbol of strength, challenge, support, and direction guiding us in the days, hours, months, the seasons of the year marking key points of time on this journey. All symbols and signs help guide us in the direction of our true source the all encompassing, all knowing and all loving universal essence that provides life. Have fun looking for your special signs and symbols that inspire you on your Camino Journey!

Sending lots of love and  a very special and Happy Mother’s Day Wishes to my Mother and Father who have been loving examples and signs – true symbols of love in my life! A very special thank you to you, my family, and friends who have supported me on this pilgrimage journey. Wishing all the Mother’s and Father’s out there a very blessed and Happy Mother’s Day! I love and Miss You All!!! Bo Camiño!

Galicia Captures The Hearts Of Many

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Galicia – Ancient, rustic, and filled with traditions. Traditions and customs – a true melting pot of incredible cultures. From the Celts, Vikings, Romans, and Moors – Galicia has witnessed first hand a real blending of ideas, customs, trade, and rituals of survival in this very distinct area that has a history unique to pilgrimage. Galicia truly has something for everyone.

If you love beaches of all types, mountains made for hiking and discovery, rivers and streams that cover almost every area with their magical vibrations and beautiful natural settings then you might find yourself falling in love with Galicia. You may loose yourself in the sounds of streams as the water cascades over the rocks joined in concert, a perfect melody, by the birds singing their happy little songs for you. All you need do is open your eyes and ears more to soak in the healing harmony of Galicia’s incredible nature that wants to envelop you in a big warm welcoming hug. You may find yourself remembering an overwelming sense of magic, a desire for discovery, a feeling of true happiness that takes you back to your childhood innocence and joy.

The landscape of Galicia is truly amazing. Scenery you never get tired of looking at. It’s natural – rustic – and in many ways seeminly untouched or changed for thousands of years. You can still vision ancient pilgrims walking the stone paths meeting local farmers of the middle ages as they passed through the small villages greeted by the country animals and people with the traditional Buen Camino or Bo Camiño as they say in the ancient language of Galicia known as gallego that is still spoken here today. In addition to the incredible scenery, the gastronomy, wine, history, and culture might be part of the magic allure that draws so many from around the world to experience their own personal pilgrimage of discovery. Those that come are forever touched and changed. Sometimes in ways that are hard to describe or even to put into words but so powerful that it remains forever inside you and draws many of us to stay to discover more and others to return again and again.

From rolling hills to beautiful mountain ranges with peaks that rise some 2,000 meters or 6,600 feet. Pasture land that goes for miles and miles. Hills and valleys that are dotted like a picture post card or peaceful painting with sheep, goats, cows, and horses all surrounded by rich green trees and forests that you know hold the magic, the secrets of ancient myths and legends of this mysterious land. Flowers of all colors, shapes and sizes welcome you no matter where you are. But green is the color of Galicia with its abundant shades that many say it is like Ireland’s 40 shades of green. For me there are more than 40 fantastic reasons that I and so many from around the world love Galicia. Bo Camiño!