April 3, 2017
This day would become one of my favorites! I feel like I say that a lot but this day was special.
The hike was amazing, the weather was perfect. The company was even better. This was Dariush’s last day of hiking (got a job back home and had to leave) so we tried to take advantage of the time we had with him.
(The gang! Stephanie, Dariush, Michel and myself)
On the way to Belorado I was invited to recite the movie “The Way” ( a movie in Netflix about the Camino) You see I watched like 16 times (in a month) before leaving so I knew it like the back of my hand. Michel helped fill in the gaps and yelled at me whenever I forgot a scene, ha! It took us about 1.5 hours to recite the whole movie. It was so fun. Apparently Michel and Dariush did this a lot when they hiked together- their friendship was so cute 💜
(Dariush died for a minute 😂)
We decided to stay at a Donation based albergue which was the best decision. It was basic, no wifi or anything but the people who ran it were so lovely. And they gave a wonderful recommendation for dinner.
But before dinner we went to mass.
(Inside the Cathedral!)
We had NO idea what was in store for us. Basically after the normal mass we, the pilgrims, were invited into a separate chapel area for a blessing. Usually the priest says a couple words and then it’s over but not this time. We were handed prayers written in our own language and were instructed to read them. Then we each took turns reading one of the prayers aloud in our own language. Then the priest sang a song in Spanish and asked us to sing a song in our own language. Of course I blanked. So 3 South Koreans sang a song title “I love you” ( I think?!) Malcolm saved my ass by singing “Amazing Grace” and of course it almost brought me to tears. That man has a beautiful voice. I was grateful he sang a song in English so I didn’t have to torture anyone with my singing, hah! Stephanie from Canada sang “oh Canada” in French. She has a beautiful voice as well. Michel got out of having to sing a song too, haha!
The priest then asked us our names and gave us a unique blessing, placing his hands around our head. He then went to hangout at our albergue. I swear this guy is a Saint, or will be! He was so, so kind.
We then went to go have ourselves a feast. It was about 8:30 by this point, we had planned to eat closer to 7:30. So we were starving. The meal was incredible. I actually was able to drink wine again!! And it was incredibly delicious. Picture of the food below.
The real treat was the music, again. We were the only people in the restaurant and Malcolm brought his guitar so he played many songs including “County Roads.” That song is near and dear to me because my Dad would always play it when I was a kid.
The family who ran the restaurant joined in on the music sesh. The son had a nice guitar and played a song. It was such a beautiful night full of love and music. I can’t get enough of how much people celebrate life here. At every opportunity it’s a celebration!
This day helped me realize the importance of being present and how even the most simple moments can transform into something life changing. Something as simple as mass or a good meal resulted in a night I would never forget!
Walked up a hill and got to see an epic view of the city!
The best dinner so far in my opinion.
Mainly because of this desert! Mmmmm
-Ashley
El Camino Chronicles 