Day 36 June 24 leaving Spain

Thank you all for your wishes of safe return. It means a lot to feel your presence.  It rains here now . I sit and drink a coffee, have some watermelon, cheese, tomato on bread and prepare myself for the day ahead. No watermelon on the bread. Just to clarify. Listen to the voices of little children at the next table singing in Spanish, counting in English . 

I have grown accustomed. Humble empowerment. Yes. That is what I take with me.  As life rushes in. Today I hear from home. A friend has been at a friend's side as she passes, another's mother must move to a memory care unit, another friend has a best friend just diagnosed. And Connor has a birthday celebration, Natalie beams at her dance recital, and Hazel has learned to ride a pedal bike!  

We have met so many people and embraced life with them.  I recall the line from the Muppets:" strangers are friends you have not yet met."  

We have deepened our relationship with each other.  And with our own selves.  How will this manifest off the Camino?  Off the cushion? Off the yoga mat?  There are similarities here. Very much so. 

And we have come to know the country of Spain and its varied geography, people, foods, and yes : wine and hotel rooms!!

My boots and I have become old friends.

So the challenge is to keep moving and feel the stillness . 

Homeward bound!  Ahhhh. 

Day 35 June 23 Santiago to Madrid

P6 hour train ride landed us at Charmaetin Station where we caught the Metro to Barajas where we have our Hotel BarJas Best Western reserved.

The train was full of peregrinos resuming or starting lives off the Camino. Our last conversation was with a Brazilian woman who completed the Camino with her brother with the mission of helping him kick the alcohol habit. She gave him the Camino as a gift. She was encouraged. 

At the train station. 

Tomorrow we fly home. British airlines. Madrid- London-Seattle.

So excited to have Sonya and Hazel pick us up. 

What will it be like to be home? 

The raspberries are ripe!