Well, we made it to Spain! Our flights were uneventful and on time (well, a little late getting to Madrid, but nothing serious). Erin wandered out of the boarding gate area in Miami and was on her way to Miami University when we had to go fetch her (she now stays within a 3 foot radius of Pastor) and Mike snored on the plane. When we got to Madrid, we were pleased to find that all of our luggage arrived with us! But not all was well when some people found that their ATM cards weren´t working.
We met up with our guide and bus driver at the airport. Our guide has walked the trail we are going to walk around 22 times. But, she pointed out she still gets blisters. We got in our little bus and headed off for NorthWest Spain. Our drive (7+ hours) took us out of Madrid - mountainous and brown - through some flatlands and into Galicia - mountainous and green. Kathleen was sick on the way from the bendy road.
On the way we stopped in some no-name town and ate some of the most phenomenal ham and sausage you can imagine. We then continued on to Samos, to a monastary dating in its present form to the 12th century and an adjacent church dating to the 7th century with a 1,000 year old cypress outside of the church. Most importantly, we got the first 2 stamps in our pilgrim passport. We really are on the way now!
We then made it 10 minutes down the road to Sarria, our starting point. After checking into the hotel, we went for dinner (a 2 hour affair) in which we ate pasta, lamb, potatoes and cake. We´ve all been up forever and it is past 11:00 our time. We thought of you as liturgies were begining and hope all is well at home. I´m sorry there are no pictures, but the computer I´m using at the hotel doesn´t have a usb port to plug in and get them on for you - maybe the next town.
Tomorrow is when the real fun begins, we start to walk. We met some walkers today - an interesting lot all in all
Peace to all of you at home from the St. Mark Pilgrims!
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Glad you made it to Spain without event. Now let's see if you can make it to Compostela without event. We will be following with thoughts and prayers. Have the times of your life. Wish I were with you. God bless all of you and safe journey with minimum blisters.
ReplyDeleteJerry
ATM problem can be corrected by calling number on back of card. ATM cards work overseas but generally require a call before leaving to indicate where cards will be used and when. It's all about card thief protection
ReplyDeleteJerry
Glad you all arrived to Spain with no issues. We all said a prayer for you at church today and will continue to keep you in our thoughts/prayers daily. Be safe, teens be good!, and God bless you all. Karen S.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Hollie - So hope your card worked; big hugs, smooches, and lots of love - Mom & Dad
Woo Hoo! Been thinking about you all day and glad you made it with so few surprises!
ReplyDeleteHave a great trip and don't forget why you're there. Have fun and learn a little Spanish along the way!
Hollie's Aunt Pam
Glad you all had a smooth trip to Spain.
ReplyDeleteKathleen I was sorry to hear that you got sick, I can sympathize with this, I used to get sick all the time too.
Good luck tomorrow on your first let of the "real" pilgrimage. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. What an awesome experience.
I am so glad you all have made it to Spain and I truly look forward to hearing of your amazing and inspiring journeys through all the little towns and countrysides while getting closer to God and each other. You have been in my thoughts and prayers since I woke up yesterday morning and will stay there all this week.
ReplyDeleteAloha! Our prayers for a safe trip for all were answered.
ReplyDeleteErin, surely you know that the University of Miami is a downgrade from W&M!
Peace,
Sue and Everett from Kauai
For Chris S. :
ReplyDeleteUse your checking account card for the ATM...there's money there. ATM fees are $20 so minimize the number of times you hit the ATM!
Use your prepaid card for purchases whenever you can. It's much cheaper than cash! THe prepaid card also has a small limit on cash advances which is what was causing your issues today.
Mom & Dad
Glad to hear all is well with you and that there were no problems on the way over. We are praying for you all each day and think of you often. Pace yourselves!!
ReplyDeleteWe are enjoying reading each day. This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone involved. May God richly bless all of you.
ReplyDeleteYeah...Glad you made it and are keeping us posted. I was a little worried but knew God was watching over each and everyone of you. What an opportunity for all. Stay safe and enjoy
ReplyDeleteThanks for the updates it sure makes it easier with them being gone and we know what is going on. Thank you so much
Take Care and God Bless!!
Bedneys
I am so glad you all made it through the first day. I can't even imagine what it must be like. My prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteFor Mike and John Michael: We miss guys very much.
Love,
Mom and Lauren