And so it begins. All 26 of them arrived safely in a sun destination of blue skies with this blinding ball of light intense glare. Soak it in while they can.
It’s an all-included resort. Food and alcohol are flowing. Heaven and hell in one package. Videos and photos are shared amongst the family left behind. The family is thrilled to see that they are having a good time.
I went to bed saying my usual soliloquy: “Lord, protect them. Amen.”
Woke up this morning, still sleepy, glaring at my iPhone with a message from my sister.
“Boy, I had a nightmare last night/ too much tequila lol! Slept walked and saw a person coming into the room. I crawled out of bed and I thought I was at home and crawled towards Angel (which I thought was the door), touched Angel (and thought was a dead body), I screamed, Rachel screamed and Angel woke up. Crazy.”
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…
Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
When we were younger, our bucket list included mostly places we want to travel or things we want to do before we die. Now we are older, we travel back in time to check the bucket list for a yay or nay. The question is would we do it again? Which one would you not do ever again? That’s a hard one. But it’s fun to travel down memory lane.
Here’s a compilation of anti-bucket list what some people are sharing:
Camping. My idea of roughing it is walking (to the breakfast buffet) thru the plant filled atrium at the Embassy Suites.
Get married again. Been there, done that 3 times…..
I will never go to the Florida theme parks in the summer again. Hot, 10000% humidity, rain, long lines and crowded, for a 4 minute ride. Never again.
Never wear high heels again.
No more roller coasters and no more waterpark slides.
There are at least 7,001 islands in the Philippines during low tide. The number might go down during high tide. That’s the on going joke. I was born in Davao far away from the mainland, Manila. The cheapest way to transport a family of 13 is by ship. Being on the ship is my first recollection of travelling. It took a week by sea voyage to get to Manila. My mother must have moved us two or three times. Was it fun? For a child, it was for me.
My nephew living the dream in False Creek.
My grandfather was a captain of a ship and he owned one of the islands, Stanlake. It’s a good place to live off grid with no electricity and running water. It now belongs to the Santa Cruz family but my mother made a wise decision to forfeit her rights. My cousin started a blog about it here.
Airplane was my next memory of major travelling moving to Canada. There were eight of us. My mother and seven siblings still dependent to her. A move running away from a country under martial law and dictatorship of Marcos. We never looked back.
Celebration of Life for Jim. Canadian Airlines Model Plane
Recently, we finally celebrated my sister’s husband’s life, Jim, after two years of lockdown. He was a flight attendant for Canadian Airlines. Sometimes, I get a good deal in travelling as a standby tapping into his privileges. The only stipulation is that I have to “dress up” since I represent my brother-in-law and just in case I will be placed in first class.
When I was leaving Switzerland for DC, the flight was fully booked and there was no room in economy. I was placed in first class. Imagine being served champagne. Such a luxury. What a thrill that lasted briefly for another passenger was willing to pay for my free seat. I have to vacate the seat. Heh!
Four-wheels motorcycle
When I grow up, the next wheels I want to own is a red bike similar to this. My first car was a red four-door Ford eight cylinder sedan. It was heavyweight and powerful. I was the first one to own a car in the family. Needless to say, I became the chauffeur. This car was so solid that it protected me from a hit and run driver. The driver was caught and his car was more of a wreck. My car’s engine is still in good condition but the insurance company won’t pay for repair. Hence, I bought a used car this time, my sister’s Honda. That was my second and last car.
The Station
It was during Expo 86 when the Skytrain was introduced in Vancouver. I must say, the train changed my means of transportation. By year 2000, I no longer need the Honda to go to work. It was a major undertaking for the City to build a better mode of people mover from Skytrain (Canada, Expo and Millennium Lines) SeaBus, AquaBus, B-Lines, and West Coast Express. Many have utilized these means, became popular and now travelling within the city is packed!
I love train travelling and just watch the scenery as it zooms away. European and British trains provided me with the luxury to sit back and relax. In India, train ride was an experience that one has to have mettle.
The word bleary first appeared in 14th century. Fast forward to 20th century, there would be plenty of dry eyes in the British Royalty with the end of an era of Elizabethan age.
God Rest in Queen Elizabeth II.
When I was in London, I have to wake up very early to take the tour of Windsor Castle, eyes wide shut.
My feet carry me in different parts of the world to understand the divinity of Mother Earth. I am grateful what Mother Earth provides beneath our feet.
Along the way, we encounter a bridge and calm water that create a perfect reflection of what is above the still water, ‘as above, so below.’
Passing a bridge walking along Santiago de Compostela
Pilgrimage takes me to sacred sites where I deepen my faith and understand other’s devotion. The road beneath our feet can be a rocky terrain. There are others that will go up hiking barefooted to feel more connected with the Earth.
Stony path hiking to the top of Medjugorje
A flat paved surface is a pleasure to walk along the groves of olive trees as we pray the rosary and meditate on the passion of Jesus Christ.
Flat surface at Fatima
For more adventure, climbing Mt. Sinai requires the help of a guide or a camel ride in the dark. At Mt. Sinai, we meditated about Moses’ encounter with the burning bush and talking to his God. At the top of the mountain, we welcome the rising of the sun. With the sun’s glorious light, a new day dawning and darkness dispelled, the walk down is more treacherous. A rock beneath your feet, one could take a tumble on a slippery slope.
Rugged terrain at Mt. Sinai
Walking a Sacred Labyrinth in tuned with every step and every breath we take quietens the mind. There is no right or wrong way to walk. There is no time limit. Meditating or staying prayerful as we step one foot forward, stop and pause as long as we want, then take the next step. One could never get lost going in the center with an open mind and heart . We walk out of the circle feeling rejuvenated and centered.
Labyrinth at Naramata
According Hermes Emerald Tablet ‘as above, so below’, I can only translate this according to my Catholic faith.
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” ~ Jesus Prayer
Church Cemetery at Oberammergau
As a pilgrim, I keep walking, passing through these places. In the end of it all, I will be the one lying beneath His feet.
Come on let’s get happy or angry, we may be able get what we want.
Since the word scot free is of Scandinavia origin, SKOT, meaning tax or payment, it reminded me of an angry child statue in Norway. Of all the statues in the park, created by Gustav Vigeland made Oslo famous in Norway. The artist agreed to donate all originals of previous and future artistic work to the city, as long as it would provide him with a place to live and work.
Although i may have travelled all the roads,
crossed mountains and valleys from East to West,
if i haved not discovered the freedom to be my self,
i have arrived nowhere.
Although i may have shared all of my possessions
with people of other languages and cultures;
made friends with pilgrims of thousand paths,
or shared alberque with saints and princes,
if i am not capable of forgiving my neighbor tomorrow,
i have arrived nowhere.
Although i may have carried my pack from beginning to end
and waited for every pilgrim in need of encouragement,
or given my bed to one who arrived later than i,
given my bottle of water in exchange for nothing;
if upon returning to my home and work,
i am not able to create brotherhood
or to make happiness, peace and unity,
i have arrived nowhere.
Although i may have had food and water each day,
and enjoyed a roof and shower every night;
or may have had my injuries well attented,
if i have not discovered all that the love of God,
i have arrived nowhere.
Although i may have seen all the monuments
and contemplated the best sunsets;
although i may have learned a greeting in every lanaguage
or tasted the clean water from every fountain;
if i have discovered who is the author
of so much free beauty and so much peace,
i have arrived nowhere.
If from today i do not continue walking on your path,
searching and living according to what i have learned;
in from today i do not see in every person, friend or foe
a companion on the Camino;
if from today i cannot recognize God,
the God of Jesus of Nazareth
as one God of my life,
i have arrived at nowhere.
This is a postcard titled “Pilgrim’s Prayer” written by Fraydino I bought not as a souvenir but a reminder that I am only a pilgrim on earth.
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” ~ Marcel Proust
Youngest cousin surrounded by older (Instamatic Camera)
Memories: This is one of the very few prints I kept using simple instamatic disposable cameras. I can’t even remember who the baby was, for we had so many of them — looking at this photo brought back memories of me when I was maybe four or five. My brother was just born, the youngest in our family. My siblings and I were at the foot of the bed, watching the baby in awe. A fluid was dripping from my nose, stuck out my tongue to like it.
It’s strange how my brain conjured this memory. Maybe my brain is telling me that what I see in my mind is essential versus what I see.
A lady bird landed on my arm. (Canon camera)
Symbolism and Meaning: A ladybug landed on my arm when I was on one of my pilgrim walks. The other pilgrim said it’s a sign of luck that Mother Mary came to visit This belief is based on Christianity. One thing I know for sure, when I see a ladybug, it brings out the happiness in me.
The other day, I was watching “The Dig” on Netflix. It’s a true story that happened in 1939 that changed England’s history where they dug up a burial site of an elaborate ship filled with treasures. One of the items they found is a well preserved yellow ladybird. What’s fascinating is the treasures were carbon-dated during the early Anglo-Saxon period around 410 to 1055.
I wonder what made them carry this object. Is it for divine protection for the afterlife?
Medjugorje Christ Statue (instamatic camera)
Pilgrimage: Returning from spiritual travel, folks always ask for a photo to support stories I tell them. They want to see pictures of churches, masses, the incorruptible, and miracles such as a dancing sun or an apparition. Really!?! Maybe, I can photoshop some of my pictures. But I don’t. What you see is what you get.
When I was at Medjugorje, an imposing larger than life, Christ Risen bronze statue stood at the square. I noticed a man wiping the knee of the sculpture. When he was gone, I went to inspect what he did. The statue is solid to the touch but hollow inside. Touching the knee, I cannot determine what the man saw. I just stood there baffled, and then I saw a trickle of water dripping down. Interesting. Where is this condensation coming from, I thought. I even checked if there’s a water valve attached to the statue to fill the hollow part. Nothing. So I wiped the water off with my hand. It has no smell. I looked at the knee with great intent and saw water forming like a tear. I wiped it again, checked if there is a hole on the knee. Nothing. The tear-life liquid leaks again. I was mystified.
Did I take a photo of the liquid? Unfortunately not. I’m not a photographer equipped with all the proper camera. All I have is a story.
For those who believe no miracle is enough, for those who believe no miracle is necessary.”
Apparently, a liter of liquid comes out of the statue daily. There are oral testimonies that it is can cure illness. On the scientific level performed, it’s 99% water with traces of calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur and zinc. The Church does not comment on the phenomenon.
Never have I seen such clarity that this water is teeming with life. The river bed is crystal clear. The shallow water can easily knock me off my feet should I am not careful will all the rocks. I do … Continue reading →
It was the year 2017 that London called me to spend Christmas with my niece. She lives in the UK and her family was going for a visit. Off I went for a ride. As it happened that year, London … Continue reading →
On top of the mountain plateau in Norway, close to Dyranut Turisthytta, is a place seems to be frozen in time even though it’s summer. The land is covered with snow and ice with a single shack in the middle … Continue reading →
Rannie recommends 10 Celtic attractions in Scotland. I’ve only visited one since there is so much to see in this small country: that is the Isle of Staffa, Fingal’s Cave. Staffa means “Pillar Island” from Norse derivation, an understated description … Continue reading →
When traveling with a group, we are shown beautiful sceneries, taken to historical places, impressive architectures and told stories to tell. That is all good. For me, I want to add flavor to my journey, take the good together with … Continue reading →
Thinking of sea, a form of a heavenly body, it comes in waves. Here in Vancouver, we love to just sit on the beach and watch the sunset. When the tide is low, we could walk and walk for miles … Continue reading →
Ireland is a country of Gaelic people and mystical land. I could not understand their thick accent unless I ask them to speak slowly. I don’t know which one has the best accent: Irish or Scottish? There is a Gaelic … Continue reading →
History reveals that life was a big circle, curves and spirals when we visited Newgrange, Co Meath, Ireland. The place of the prehistoric site built during the Neolithic age 3200 BC. According to archeology, the mounds are older than the … Continue reading →
The year 2019 sounds so futuristic remembering a 1996 visit of Thailand. I feel nostalgic tonight. Photography then was archaic when we have to use a real camera, a film and the negatives processed. I could never tell whether the photos … Continue reading →
When a journalist becomes the story, it’s not good news. That’s what happened to Daphne Caruana Galizia, the best investigative journalist in Malta, killed by a car bomb. Her name is not mentioned in Times: Person of the year. I … Continue reading →
Stars & Bucks Cafe is better than Starbucks because there is no Starbucks in Bethlehem. Coffee Palestinian style. Free Wi-Fi. They also offer juice, ice cream, desserts and much more. Also, they sell their own “You Are Here …” mug. … Continue reading →
“That is my thunder, by God; the villains will play my thunder, but not my play.” – Alexander Pope
Two black-haired girls spell T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Little do they know, I can tell what they are up to even though they speak in their own dialect. It’s easy to read minds, you know since I am the queen of Mischief.
Frame by frame, a series of shots put together to capture this story of stealing their thunder by taking over their acts at lightning speed.
I had the last laugh and the best hug from Thomas.
Come and visit. This is the easiest place to get lost and still find your way around. It’s a small city with so much to see and do. All you need is wear your walking shoes, pack a lot of energy … Continue reading →
It’s breathtaking to see from a distance the ice mass in the valley. Imagine 20,000 years ago this area is covered with a glacier. So beautiful that Norway attracts thousands of tourist visiting Briksdalbreen or Briksdal Glacier. The landscape is covered with … Continue reading →
Copenhell is a kind of hell that most people would like to stay. Hot-hot-hot. Heat wave in May. Sweat pouring out of skin. Earth is steaming. Even the air will burn your skin. One just have to cover up for … Continue reading →
Just can’t get away from these two gals following me like kitty cats. If they were really cats and died in the process of following me, only satisfaction will bring them back. They are very proud of making street photography … Continue reading →
It was a warm sunny June afternoon when we visited the old town of Kaunas, Lithuania. Most old town has a plaza and a town hall for everyone to enjoy. Even a place to have a wedding celebration. First, I … Continue reading →
There is place for me in this historical tapestry, in the upper right corner, just above the Beatles. And so I write words, words that I have heard, a jumble of notes, these words are not mine. And so it … Continue reading →
There is something about looking at the vastness of water on earth. It has a mesmerizing effect between heaven and water. Hypnotic. Walking on the beach or sailing around, looking at the horizon as far as eyes could see, there … Continue reading →
These feet will take us wherever they want to go. Passengers from the hydrofoil are rushing to plant their feet on the ground of Estonia after a two-hour sail from Finland, 2,000 of them more or less. As pilgrims, our feet … Continue reading →
Somewhere in a Nordic nation, a billboard: Come party with us. A perfect place for 45 Canadian pilgrims shepherd by two priest. We searched for the nun but couldn’t find one in the land of the Vikings. Just as well, … Continue reading →
When I was younger, I wanted to learn how to drive and own a car. I realized this dream and drove all over British Columbia. I wanted to see places and see many faces. I met First Nations, Doukhobors, Freedomites, … Continue reading →
With heightened awareness on the growing tension crossing the border to USA, we make sure that we bring all proper identification. Canadian passport might not be enough because our passport states our country of origin, Philippines. Should we ever get … Continue reading →
The temple bell stops but I still hear the sound coming out of the flowers ~ Matsuo Bashō We can tell when Catholic churches in Cuba are no longer use to celebrate mass, tower bells were taken down and displayed beside … Continue reading →
Do we travel in order to be moved or is it that we travel in order to move around?
We check around the surroundings in search for a perfect ambience, our eyes darting from one object to another, our whole body tasting, breathing, feeling, smelling, touching, hearing, listening all in one instance taking it all in.
But…. there is no but. We can only focus on one that will transport us from a lot of movement into our inner world with conscious measure of calmness and clarity.
And then, I could feel the air pulsing and be one with the hummingbird, heart beating as fast its wings yet hovering still to the sweet aroma of the nectar beckoning it, kissing and drinking the elixir of life.
Two Canadian girls on a trip not knowing a single word of Gaelic. Reading these street names, we don’t even know whether it means North, South, East or West. We kept on walking on the island that is thick with … Continue reading →
Yes, Canada! Come and visit us this year. According to New York Times 52 places to visit in 2017, we are No. 1 on the list. Three good reasons: Canada celebrates 150 years as a nation, a year-long event. Free admission to … Continue reading →
I know a place, where no one ever goes, There’s peace and quiet, beauty and repose. It’s hidden in a valley, beside a mountain stream, And lying there beside the stream I find that I can dream. Only a place … Continue reading →
I keep my eyes, mind, and my heart open the minute I wake up. When I step out of my apartment door going out to the open world, in my mind, I say a prayer: “Let every step I take, … Continue reading →
Oh, there were resolutions to keep a low profile to pace myself to take it easy, because nothing is so important anyway but yesterday there was an inertia that got out of hand like a rolling thunder and good people … Continue reading →
Maybe if I call myself a traveler, it would be more acceptable. But I am not a traveler. I travel because of pilgrimage. On a pilgrimage, we call ourselves pilgrims. As a pilgrim, I go because someone asked me because … Continue reading →
Woke up with a dusting of snow. Left early to beat the commuters. Riding the Skytrain was a cinch. Got off at the Hub, Broadway and Commercial. A sea of people lined up for the 99 BLine. Ain’t gonna join the … Continue reading →
Does this sentence make sense? It does not matter, relax. Focus on these photos that will provide you many forms of relaxation. First, think like an animal. It’s so natural for them to remain calm, cool and collected. These are … Continue reading →
Have you seen Dr. Strange movie yet? Well, it’s full of magic. 3D and all. Very entertaining and worth watching. Filled with magic. Speaking of magic, I must say the chamber maids in Cuba can work magic. Being on a … Continue reading →
What can a man learn from sitting in a cell? Can a cell really teach a man everything? When the light shines on you, will you remain faithful living in your cell? Going into a tunnel with little lighting to … Continue reading →
Home of the locals in Havana, Cuba, is rife with history. It’s written on the walls, it’s written on their faces, it’s written on the wind. Fieles a nuestra HISTORIA: Faithful to our history. Let it be written, let it … Continue reading →
First, I must have a Cuban water or Cuban Water! Water has so many uses from cooling off your feet to washing your car, from an empty huge swimming pool to small fountain, from catching fishes to growing rice. And … Continue reading →
It’s not even a day, I miss them already; my family, friends, neighbors, cats, and the comfort of home. Leaving them behind to travel for my annual pilgrimage creates a nostalgic moment. Far away from home, I want to make … Continue reading →
Just to get the child to go to school, sometimes the parents will condone their children to bring a pet. Not a teddy bear or barbie doll. One day a parent and student show up for school with their pet. … Continue reading →
CAUTION: Enter at your own risk, the sign says. Somewhere in the jungle of Cuba, to reach the other side of the mountain, we have to enter a narrow cave. This is not for the faint-hearted. Scared? We are the … Continue reading →
When joining a beauty pageant, one must have a perfect body with a curve. In Cuba, the street is lined up with beautiful curves preserved in time for hire. A show stopper. It comes in so many shapes, sizes, and colours. … Continue reading →
It is the land that glows and expands. There are so many possibilities what one can do here. It is one of the most beautiful lands I’ve ever seen. Cuba meaning “Land”. In its simplicity, this is a place that … Continue reading →
“Let the beauty we love be what we do. There are hundreds of ways to kneel and kiss the ground.” ~ Rumi Dawn of a new day On top of Mt. Sinai. Half light, half dark The light made it … Continue reading →
Joining a guided walking and sightseeing holiday in Cuba with Walker’s World is not actually a pilgrimage. However, I made sure that I consider it as one for I always consider myself a pilgrim on this earth. Visiting Churches is … Continue reading →
All I wanted is to take a photo of a blank wall. This is no ordinary wall. It’s a Cuban wall. It’s a Cuban blue wall. But in a place considered to be a tourist trap, it was next to impossible for … Continue reading →
Good morning, my loving family, etc Guess where I am? Guess again! Tee hee hee 😂😂😂 I am at the airport, boarding at 8:20 precisely Airborne 9 on the dot Arriving Toronto at 16:20 Yikes! I have been saying I … Continue reading →
My feet carry me in different parts of the world to understand the divinity of Mother Earth. I am grateful what Mother Earth provides beneath our feet. Along the way, we encounter a bridge and calm water that create a perfect … Continue reading →
An American traveled to Canada and had difficulty understanding our road signs. He came up with a name for this sign. ‘Beaver in utero just ahead.‘ Actual meaning of the sign: Parks Canada The more he traveled in our country, the weirder … Continue reading →
Some old men went to Abba Poemen and asked, “If we see brothers sleeping during the common prayer, should we wake them?” Abba Poemen answered, “If I see my brother sleeping, I put his head on my knees and let him rest.” … Continue reading →
My thoughts are collections of other people’s ideas. There is no need for me to rewrite the story. They are good as they are. The following writings are thoughts from ordinary people who do extraordinary work that help shape my … Continue reading →
In India, we have to leave our footwear before entering a temple. I prefer to keep my beat-up shoes rather than moving it outside for fear of losing them and have to continue the pilgrimage barefooted. I never understand the … Continue reading →
Riding a camel is not as easy as riding a horse. I remember having to ride on one and rely on this beast climbing Mount Sinai in pitch dark. I closed my eyes so that I don’t get scared and … Continue reading →
A simple invitation I sent out to different organizations offering my services as a volunteer. To my surprise, Aids Baby Centre (ABC) accepted my invitation. On May 8, I arrived at Chiangmai from Vancouver, BC, Canada. I received a warm … Continue reading →
It was interesting to see contraptions along the coastline of Kochi. These are called Chinese fishing nets that are permanent fixture that is unique and an unusual way to catch a fish. It’s a great tourist attraction.
Curiously, my two nephews and their sister wanted to know how it works and paid the fisherman for show and tell.
The net is lowered into the water, left for at least five minutes and raised back up by pulling the ropes. This is the hard part. The kids have to partake on this experience and pulled the ropes. They were so excited that they did catch something: a tiger fish, a wee one that has to go back to the sea to grow sharper fangs.
Did the kids dare to hold the fish? Nope, too scared to be bitten. Such scared cats.
Besides just a few steps away, one can find all kinds of fishes and have your pick.
There are contradicting history how the Chinese fishing nets arrived in Kochi, Kerala, India. Some says Chinese explorer introduced it, others by Portuguese that came from Macau. Who knows. It doesn’t really matter. What matters is that this is the biggest bait for tourist.
The view from the hotel window, I could see the pyramids. It’s so close. I can’t wait to walk the desert sand for this great adventure to touch the stones of the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. But first we have … Continue reading →
“I will inspire by being ordinary.There are too many “inspiring” stories of people who leave everything behind in order to travel the world. I will tell stories of people who stay, who find contentment in what would seem a humdrum … Continue reading →
“My mother and I left the Ukraine on August 8th, 1991, when Ukraine was still part of the USSR. At that time, there was great political unrest throughout the Soviet Union. Communism was on the decline, and the power of the Mafia was increasing with an astonishing rate. Ukraine was in political and economic chaos. Organized crime bosses were graining political power; corruption was present at all levels of politics; and the Mafia was buying out high-level authority figures and gaining easy access to the purchase of weapons leading to gang warfare and uncontrollable violence against civilians.
My mother stood for over five days in a line-up in Moscow for the opportunity to get two international visas, one for her and one for me. Luck was on our side, for we were granted two one-month visas to Canada. On June 27, 1993, we boarded a flight to Vancouver. I was scared and eager at the same time. It was incredibly hard to leave my friends behind but I was excited for the adventure that moving great distances provided. We left with barely any belongings and a mere $250 in Canadian cash. Little did I know that our one-month trip would turn into me becoming a Canadian citizen.
For the first month my mother and I lived in Burnaby. After extensive house hunting she found a place she liked and we re-packed for the short move to False Creek. On July 1st, 1995, we received our Canadian citizenship after a mere four years in this wonderful country. I have now lived 6 years in Vancouver and am glad we chose this city over any other on the planet.”
Olive trees are in abundance in Holy Land but what I wanted to see, touch, hug and take a leafy twig is the olive tree where Jesus prayed at the Garden of Gethsemane. I am pretty sure everyone that visits … Continue reading →
I met a man on a plane on the way to Spain. He was en route to walk the Camino de Santiago as well. Me, I was joining a group. Him, he was walking alone to turn off his mind. … Continue reading →
Where am I? According to the itinerary, we would have walked the foothills of the Pyrenees near the French border. This is the Camino’s traditional start to the “French Route” where medieval pilgrims arrived into Spain from France after an … Continue reading →
Somehow this cloud does not look promising on the first morning of staying in Bilbao, Spain. The sun was struggling to break through the thick clouds.
It’s rather a warm day, the sun won, the rain lost, the clouds remained in the horizon giving a soft white fluffy cottony texture,
I found a corner bar that is open first thing in the morning. It is actually a coffee bar by morning and serves stronger beverage by night, if you get my drift. Here I decided to have my morning Java and a simple breakfast.
Ah coffee. Coffee tastes much better in Spain than Starbucks in Canada.
In the background, I could hear music playing to the tune of “It’s a Wonderful World. It seemed to me that it was coming from across the water,
After coffee, I decided to follow the music and crossed the bridge. At the other of the bridge, I found the lone player and people were passing, in a rush, and continued walking.
Well, I have all mornIng and now he has an audience of one, me. I requested if he could play the “It’s A Wonderful World” again. And he did. What a beautiful way to start a day. Of course, he deserves a good tip for making my morning memorable,
I walked away and he was playing the classical hymn “Ave Maria.”
In our travel package, we all receive a booklet about our itinerary, brief history of places, travel info, prayers, hymns and most importantly a guide or commandments as pilgrim.This preamble is actually hilarious.The organizer knows when to invite us to read this list especially after a week of travelling. That’s the time we are starting to feel heated due to lack of sleep, high expectations or just plain cranky.We all read this without laughing, as prayerfully as possible. Are you kidding? Have you ever tried to suppress your laugh and it comes out of your nose?So here are some clips on prayer guide:Response: Lord, May I Remember that I am a Pilgrim and not a Tourist.If any delays should occur or changes take place prior to any departures and I became anxious: Response.If I do not get the seat of my choice on the plane and the bus: Response.If some things do not happen on schedule as per itinerary: Response.If my meals, bed and washroom in a foreign country are not to my liking: Response.If a person in front of me buys the last item I really wanted: Response.Travelers’ Commandments:Thou shalt not expect to find things as thou hast them at home, for thou hast left thy home to find things differently.Thou shalt not let the other pilgrims get on thy nerves for thou art paying out good money to have a good time.Remember thy passport so that thou know where it is always, for a man without a passport is a man without a country.Thou shalt when in Rome do somewhat as the Romans do. If in difficulty, thou shalt use thy Canadian sense and friendliness.Remember thou are a guest in every land and she that treats her host with respect shall be treated as an honoured guest.As pilgrim, I prefer to soak in everything with my mind’s eyes and soul in places we traversed. Here are a very few pictures I captured.
Reflections 