Today’s quote is a poem by Shel Silverstein.
I woke up this morning to a comment from a reader (whom I do not know) about my post from yesterday (Fatima & Mother’e Day) and how he appreciated how transparent I was with my experience and emotions. His words were very kind but he was completely shocked that someone would share such intimate information publicly and referred to my writing as brave and strong. I understand that as a human species we don’t want to be vulnerable. It’s uncomfortable. But how are we ever going to connect and grow if we don’t show our true selves…no masks.
I love the community that is growing around this blog and I appreciate every single reader. You’ve given me a space to share important events happening in my life and the emotional highs and lows that accompany such occasions. Thank you. And I hope that my transparency, will pass the torch for others to be vulnerable as well. 🙏 We could all use a little more authenticity these days.
Now, back to regular programming.
Today’s walk (and brief taxi ride) was amazing! The day started out with breakfast in the kitchen of the hostel in Tomar and many pilgrims from all over the world were eager to start the day! I was having so much fun I forgot to take a photo. Darn it!
After a quick bowl of cereal, I walked out the door to a very chilly, overcast morning…but that didn’t matter because I was back on the trail again after a rest day/day trip to Fátima.
The trail quickly exited the town and headed off to a nature path that was absolutely gorgeous. With twists and turns around a river and up and down some fairly steep hills. But just before I got off the road and onto the gravel, I had a lovely dog join my Camino for about a quarter of a mile. So cute. 🐾❤️
It was a wonderful and enjoyable morning. The birds were chirping and a few bullfrogs were bellowing out some beautiful tunes. I even got a spider web in the face at one point. Nature was very much alive and awake this morning. It was brilliant.
Along the way I was passed by a guy named Mark. He is a SUPER fast hiker. He is originally from North Carolina but permanently moved to Melbourne, Australia in the 80s. When I asked why. He said, “a woman, why else.” Haha!
I saw Mark again at the first cafe on the trail. He told me he is hiking with another guy named Mark who is from Wales. They met a few years ago on the Camino Frances and have walked a few Caminos together and he went to visit him in Wales once. Another Camino friendship. After he shared his story, in walked the other Mark. The one from Wales. This can get confusing so I just call them Marky Mark.
They are really nice guys (probably in their 60s but I have no idea and I hope I’m not offending them if they read this). Australian Mark was a teacher and Wales Mark was a nurse. Both retired.
Australian Mark was eager to hike so he left as soon as he drank his coffee. Wales Mark and I took our time. I left first but he caught up to me later down the road and we ended up walking and talking…and taking a cab to our hostel since we were all booked into the same place. But before he caught up to me, I had a fun encounter with a couple of pups. I would love to have a dog but my lifestyle isn’t conducive at the moment so I cherish all of these special encounters. Especially when we get to play fetch with a milk carton.
I booked this particular Albergue in advance because of the unique stamp the owner puts in the Pilgrim Passports so I had to arrive today for me reservation which is why I needed the taxi. My foot was acting up again and Mark was a little overheated from the sun, so we found a restaurant and I asked the owner to help us call a taxi. I’m not even going to risk getting any more blisters. From here on out, short distances only.
Check out the awesome video of Albergaria Pinheiros owner, Carlos, as he melts wax into the passport. He is a legend on the Camino. What a fantastic keepsake of the Camino.
Carlos also gave me a heart shaped key charm for my necklace and said it would help me find love. How he knew I didn’t already have love in my life, I don’t know. Maybe he is an old sage. Ha!
After we received our beautiful stamp and we were assigned to our rooms…he gave me a room to myself! Happiness does not begin to explain what I’m feeling about this gift. Marky Mark and I took turns showering and then gathered all of our laundry together to take to the laundry service just below the hostel. We dropped it off at 3 pm and she said to come pick it up at 5 pm. It arrived neatly folded and smelled amazing! Since I’ve only been able to do hand washing except once, I threw every piece of clothing I had in there but the undergarments I was wearing and the dress I brought for such an occasion.
It really is the little things in life, like washing machine clean laundry, that bring so much joy.
Later Marky Mark and I went to the one restaurant in town that was open and ate a pilgrim meal…chicken, veal and pork with rice, salad, fries and wine…and shared stories about our lives, countries, etc. It was a fun evening getting to know some new pilgrims and at the end of the night…I suckered them into taking a traffic mirror selfie! Win for Em. The art on Thr side of our hostile is of a Knight of Templar.
Goodnight and much love from Portugal! 🇵🇹
Scenes from Day 11
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My friend Bob knows how much I love a good traffic mirror selfie…so he made my day by sending me one of him at The J (the gym in KC). It must be so the fast walkers don’t collide.
