Today I had my first day on the Camino. It started with Mass at the Cathedral. It was a great comfort, despite the Mass being said in Spanish. While I couldn’t follow the words what was clear to me is those in attendance we praying for souls, their own, others here, others passed and even I felt included. I had my pack with me. After Mass random locals and other Peregrinos came up to me and wished me a Buen Camino. That’s one of the magical/spiritual aspects of this journey- the positive connection you instantly make total strangers. It reaffirms for me the goodness in people. The title of this entry is for my dear friend John who arranged to have a votive candle lit each day at the Cathedral de Santiago to help me on my journey. John has helped me with my faith in many ways for many years- I need the help. John’s faith makes him one of the richest people I know. Each morning I say “thank you Johnny V” out loud. It makes me feel good and is a small way to honor him. A funny thing happened today unlike yesterday. I suddenly started seeing those comforting arrows and Camino signs marking the way that I had missed yesterday. Maybe it’s like Peter Parker and his Spidey Sense- me and my Camino sense waking up. Not much to relate about today’s journey (except the pictures below) other than my compromised health made the trek more difficult. I hope I am stronger tomorrow. Well, there was the unintended baptism I took- still drying out from that. Use your imagination on that one.

Where I started

Where today’s journey ended

Moorish influence