On to Germany

We flew from Madrid to Paris on Wedesday, June 15, parting from our companions, Helen & Robert Feliz for the first time since April 20, eight weeks together. What good friends to put up with us for so long!

We drove our rented car across Belgium into Germany, staying overnight at Andernach, near Koblenz. 

The next day we visited our loved Schoenstatt Shrine in Vallendar, for the first time since just before our 2013 departure. We made a new friend in the new English-Speaking Coordinator there, Sister M. Lourdes, who offered us the affectionate greeting characteristic of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary. 

Madrid

Spent two days in Madrid at very end of our trip. Highlights were finally seeing the Prado museum, which truly is magnificent, especially the El Greco's. Also got to attend Mass at the Schoenstatt Shrine, near the US Embassy and had dinner with Spanish friends, Almudena and Pedro. 

The view from our rooftop pool deck. Walking the streets of Madrid was really fun.

The Valley of the Fallen

Sunday was at the Vallee de los Caidos or the Valley of the Fallen, the Franco-era, monumental memorial to Spain's Civil War dead. Like the war itself, the monument is about religion, with a gigantic cross towering over a huge church carved into a mountain, and presided over by Benedictine monks. No pic of the interior allowed, but the exterior is grand enough.

We stayed overnight at the monastery guesthouse and went to Vespers, in Latin of course, with the monks.

Toledo and the Greek

Friday and Saturday were in Toledo, the city of Steel, seat of Spanish Catholicism, and the working home of El Greco, the artist whose works are featured prominently in a museum and the city's cathedral. 

The painting above is in the sacristy of the cathedral, along with several others. Imagine being a priest, preparing for mass, surrounded by such majesty.

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Sevilla and Grenada

Sevilla and Grenada were stops this week for the Alcazar in Sevilla and the Alhambra in Grenada.  These Islamic palaces are the stuff of legend, places all of us hear about all our lives, and we finally got to see them.

They are very different, with the Alcazar located in the heart of old Sevilla, while the Alhambra is on a mountain crest, overlooking Grenada. Both defy description. 

We saw the interiors of The Alhambra at night- a very different perspective- and the fabulous gardens by day.

Porto and Fatima

Saturday and Sunday were our Portugal days with one day stops at Porto and Fatima. Both lovely places. Had sun drenched days in both. Toured the Sandeman winery on the quay in Porto old town and gained a new appreciation for port wine. Below is the Atlantic from our hotel with the Portugese War College in the foreground.

Fatima was lovely; different from Lourdes but similar. Devotion and love for the Mother of Jesus is always wonderful to behold in a world short of both.

Old Friends left behind

Also the end for John's faithful boots. Worn out after nearly 2000 km and two caminos, we gave them an honorable comittal to the Sea at Finisterre.

The End at the Sea

After Santiago we got our rental car and saw Muxia and Finisterre to bring an end to the pilgrimage part of the trip on Friday, June 3. Muxia above with the shell pointing downward, symbolizing the end of the trail. Below the sunset at Finisterre- truly, Lands End.

The last day

Wednesday, day 39, was beautiful; warm, sunny and clear blue skies. We walked our final13+ miles, stopping for a relaxed lunch and entering Santiago with Camino friends, Mark & Barbara from California. 

After receiving our Compestelas - the certificate of completion

we got to 7:30pm mass and were so happy to see the famous "Botafumerio" incense burner swung across the church, usually seen only on Fridays!