We met Tomas in Manjarin today

[Annette london]

Today we met Tomas “the last of the Knights Templars“ for the first time since our first CF in 2005
Then, he was dressed in the Knights Templar “uniform” for want of a better word
Today, as back then, the bell rang out as we approached
Since building his refuge in 1993 Tomas has devoted his life to helping pilgrims
He is an icon and a legend on the way to Santiago
It really was wonderful to meet him again after so many years

 

[Tincatinker]

Long may that bell keep ringing

 

[simply B]

Very glad to see that he is still with us!

B

 

[lt56ny]

Today we met Tomas “the last of the Knights Templars“ for the first time since our first CF in 2005
Then, he was dressed in the Knights Templar “uniform” for want of a better word
Today, as back then, the bell rang out as we approached
Since building his refuge in 1993 Tomas has devoted his life to helping pilgrims
He is an icon and a legend on the way to Santiago
It really was wonderful to meet him again View attachment 125851View attachment 125852View attachment 125853View attachment 125854View attachment 125855after so many years

He was there last year and I stopped in for a coffee. He is a hidden gem of the camino.

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

He was there last year and I stopped in for a coffee. He is a hidden gem of the camino.

Who did I meet a few days ago?

 

[lt56ny]

Who did I meet a few days ago?

It is the same guy or am Ioco???

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

Doesn’t look like the same guy! Maybe there is more than one. He chatted to me for a long time, as if he was a hermit and needed some human contact. He only had fizzy drinks and no wine: he said he didn’t drink alcohol.

 

[LavanyaLea]

Maybe there is more than one.

Santa on his summer holiday where did you meet him? Maybe they’re starting a knights Templar roster (like the Santiago bagpiper)…

 

[Camino Chrissy]

It is the same guy or am Ioco???

At first I didn't think it was the same man, but when I later compared Tomas' unique nose with the "Santa" photo, I am now convinced it is him.

 

[lt56ny]

At first I didn't think it was the same man, but when I later compared Tomas' unique nose with the "Santa" photo, I am now convinced it is him.

I did the same exact thing!!!!

 

[peterhore]

Stopped at Manarjin twice, and am surpised that no one has commented that the view from the 'long drop' has to be one of the best in the world - for a facility of this type

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

Stopped at Manarjin twice, and am surpised that no one has commented that the view from the 'long drop' has to be one of the best in the world - for a facility of this type

But I was desperate for a toilet and he said he didn’t have one!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

But I was desperate for a toilet and he said he didn’t have one!

When I went by on my first Camino I somehow got wind (pun intended) that Tomas at least had an outhouse for his guests. Thankfully it was quite early and I was not ready to "call it a day".

 

[iamkat]

Who did I meet a few days ago?

We met him today and asked if he was Tomas. He said that this was Tomas’s place, but he was not Tomas. He then said his name was Oso (Bear) as he liked giving people bear hugs……

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

When I went by on my first Camino I somehow got wind (pun intended) that Tomas at least had an outhouse for his guests. Thankfully it was quite early and I was not ready to "call it a day".

Outhouse is the kind way of saying a hole cut in a platform hidden by some trees. No walls, no roof, no seat.

 

[Annette london]

Stopped at Manarjin twice, and am surpised that no one has commented that the view from the 'long drop' has to be one of the best in the world - for a facility of this type

Yes, you are right
i took loads of pictures for a forum friend
she said that this region reminds her of her home in Scotland
the whole area is magical

 

[Pilgrino21]

Met him today and got to talk to him briefly. Had a senior moment and had to ask him his name. Perfect timing as he was walking up to his spot. He said something about being 80 years old and either retiring or returning back ..