From Sarria - an enriching experience

"What struck me was the acknowledgement and care shown by pilgrims for one another, and also the respect that was extended to us by the people who hosted us in the ‘aubergues’ and at the coffee shops and restaurants we stopped at. We were warmly greeted by these proprietors and of course by fellow pilgrims. On the path, people were aware of each other and if we saw someone limping or struggling, we’d exchange a few words, checking that all was well. One incident which stands out for me is when Sue and I stood at the bottom of a rather steep hill, just checking it out and galvanising ourselves to tackle it. At this moment a tall German man who we had encountered a short time previously joined us on the scene. We called him “our red monk’ as he wore a very large red raincoat, and well, he looked like a monk. Our red monk (left) appeared, hugged and kissed us both, placed himself between us and grabbed in each hand one of ours. Then he walked us to the top, assisting us with his loving energy and strength."

http://tinyurl.com/7grkn2v