Day 089u: Another redemptive Return … (July 12, 2019)
The way was straight and flat and smooth that night, which allowed me to easily cover the 10km in just under two hours, arriving in Villalcazar at 9:30pm, with just 30 minutes to spare before the local donativo hostel* closed. I couldn’t help but flash back to my 2008 Camino when the very same hostel had so graciously taken me in after a similarly trying day of walking. 2019’s hospitalera, Szani, was fully enamored with my Walk and, after quickly signing me in, told me to go upstairs to the kitchen and eat whatever I wanted (which ended up being a truly hobbitesque portion of bread and jam). I then cooked some pasta to have for tomorrow’s breakfast and had just finished straining the same when hospitalero Mariano & Julio (who both had not been present earlier) came barging in and gruffly demanded to see my passport. I repeatedly and quite calmly explain that I don’t have any personal identification on me (along with why Peace Pilgrims as a general rule don’t carry any) and even showing them the dozens of previously received hostel stamps in my journal is not enough to inspire them to bend the rules and allow me to stay. I then gently tell them that I don’t want to cause them any trouble, that I am extremely grateful for the food Szani offered me, and that I would simply pack up my things and go sleep on the playground across from the hostel. Interstingly enough, this calm and humble acceptance of their predicament somehow inspired them to exude the same for mine. Their demeanor shifted almost immediately, and with a notable sigh from Julio and sincerely warm smiles from them both, they officially allowed me to stay the night. I make all three of them Peace Stones (which I was planning on doing anyway after I thought they were going to kick me out) and we all bonded deeply as friends thereafter …
“Whatever you are physically — male or female, strong or weak, ill or healthy, all those things matter nothing next to what your heart contains. If you have the intention and the courage to be kind, then you have the soul of a warrior. And if you have the soul of a warrior, you are a warrior – and this, regardless of your level of physical health or strength or stamina. In truth, whatever the color, the shape, or the design of the shade that conceals it or the candle that casts it, the flame remains the same. Similarly, as long as you are acting in harmony with your soul, you are a warrior – YOU are the flame.” ~ inspired by Cassandra Clare
“I am so happy to be one of the people helping you with your Journey.” ~ Szani
*Albergue Order de Malta de Peregrinos
34449 Villalcazar de Sirga
Palencia Spain
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