Day 29- Katarina’s Calling

In yesterday’s posting Day 28, I mentioned her briefly below the indulgent picture of myself. The innkeeper, Katarina, is someone special. She embodies the concepts of purpose and caring I mentioned before. My friend Dominique, the woman from France and I were both staying in Katarina’s inn. Katarina’s kindness, caring and generosity of spirit struck us both. We talked about how much joy Katarina seemed to have in the service of others. Yes she charges for the rooms, but she refused to take any money for doing my laundry. She refused to take any money for taking me to her barber friend and bringing me back to the inn. She took time to talk and joke with us. She enjoyed our company. Katarina also maintains a museum connected to her inn storing both the first electric generator in Montamarta which serviced as far as 20 miles around as well as a grain processing operation. She maintains the museum for free. She receives no support from anyone, including the government. She gave all the guests a tour of the museum at 7:00 (no way you could turn down that invitation). She took great pride in describing all the old equipment, showing us the different processes. Katarina’s purpose is caring for others and you can see in her face and eyes the joy she derives in caring for others. Katarina is about as Camino as you can get. I hope her spirit will live with me for a long time and I will be a better person for it.

Yet another cold, damp and chilly day so I just kept on moving not stopping to rest and I ate while I walked (kind of like eating on my bike). I did venture a bit off course to visit 2 old churches. I experienced them as best I could from outside- still powerful. I passed by some ruins of an huge old castle.