Even though I am taking an entire day off, I can tell my energy levels are still low. I’m going to do a quick post of pictures and mostly let them speak for themselves. That’s one good thing about the Camino; more often than not you don’t need words. That’s a good thing because about half the time when I try to record something I get choked up. Also, the last few days it has been WINDY. I’ve shot some great video but the audio track is ruined. We’re headed into mountain country again so the wind should be blocked by trees. We are on the Mesa of Spain now and it is peppered with huge wind power generators. They don’t put those where it’s not windy. Some of the smaller people on the trek have complained that they almost get blown over; yes, it’s that windy. I’ve tried to cover the microphone or hide behind barriers but the wind has been pervasive. So, for a break, I’m going to just post pics and let you figure it out. LOL. OK, I might throw in a comment or two.
4 Comments
antonialeivas
Beautful Joe. I must say that my favorite photo was of the rottie. Did it make you think of Miss Molly? She was the best dog any person could ask for. You gave Jus and I such a gift with that girl.
Linda
Mostly my comment is: I have enjoyed the other 2 comments!!!!! Love You
ran3dy
Thank you for your effort, Joe. Really interesting pictures of church iconography. Agreed it can be a little creepy, but the semiotics is fascinating. The principles are in use all around us today, just at a different level because most people are now literate. The gargoyle is supposed to be reassuring that evil is deflected, and no evil can enter these holy grounds. The skull and crossbones is the momento mori (latin for “remember death”, or “remember your mortality”). Above the skull it said “ETERNITAS” (eternity) and probably something else before that, so it is the usual reminder about the transient nature of earthly life and goods — don’t get too attached. This was especially helpful(?) during phases of the Black Death. Modern commercial interests are good at suppressing such reminders because they are not good for consumer spending. Anything you might learn and share about this cool gothic history would be appreciated.
I love the visual poetry of “Walking into Fall” and it makes me homesick for the beautiful Hudson Valley in New York. However, I’m not sure it is worth shoveling snow and giving up the Mexican food.
Regarding feelings, thoughts, and emotions in general, it sounds like you are right on target, experiencing agonies and ecstasies that are integral to a “Camino”, a spirtual walk, which is just a metaphor for a spiritual journey, or a path of personal growth. I benefit vicariously as you share, and I thank you for doing so. I believe others feel the same.
All the best —
JoeLUNA
The cathedral is huge and amazing. WHAT is the cause of your sense of evil there? There must be history associated with that place. (Where’s your friend who posted about the Sephardic jews and the brick well/bath place, he probably knows!).
The stone skull and crossbones… what the heck is that doing there? I couldn’t quite read the inscription. Interesting to me that the bones were anatomically correct femurs. That was someone who’s seen human bones. Not something that most of us can say these days.
When I look at your landscape pictures I’m immediately reminded of college in Virginia. I’ve been trying to figure out why. I think it’s because youre on a walking path, and seeing all these fall leaves on the ground, I think only in college did I see that. At other times in my life I was too busy working to walk on a lot of paths with leaves on them (usually was driving somewhere instead of walking). Graduate school was in Memphis and the trees are different. Southern California obviously nothing like that. Weird that leaves can launch me back 30 years like that (HOW is it 30 years already?).
I’m surprised how much you’re on foot paths. It really is a just a walk, through a huge amount of area with not much there. I somehow thought you’d be on bigger paths and more often near big roads. You really need those arrows to find your way. It doesnt seem at all obvious, like there’s a yellow brick road or anything. I guess that’s what I was expecting, Spain’s version of the yellow brick road. You’re kind of just having to find your way.
Thanks for the pictures…
Joe Luna