We haven't yet gotten a sense of the physical ruggedness of this walk, yet ours is nonetheless unique as we set the stage for aspects of pilgrimage by exploring meaningful sites in side trips off the path.
We visited the octagonal church of Eunate near Murazabel, built together by Muslims, Christians, and Jews in the mid 1100s, before Spain's religions became viciously divided. And later we were privileged to personally meet and learn from monks who currently live and labor and sing and pray in the ancient Cisterican Monasterio de Oliva.
These special experiences, along with walking sections of the Camino will lead us individually towards whatever this is all about. Some of us will figure it out as we go.
Tonight, however, we are what might be called "pampered pilgrims" because we're staying in a rather nice, comfortable, gentle hotel after a day of getting to know each other and being transported to these amazing places. Tomorrow - ready to walk!
