The bleak midwinter in Santiago

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola - as the Christmas lights come on and every shop sports a crib the rain beats down but doesn't dampen the rising Christmas spirit. Pilgrims still arrive but few in number now - think of those on the routes in this weather. Reminds me of another bleak midwinter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaY2FtaQeJ0

Wishing all pilgrims everywhere a happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

John

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Pilgrims still arrive but few in number now

The Pilgrim Office is reporting one (1) pilgrim this morning...

 

[Anniesantiago]

Merry Christmas, Johnnywalker.
Merry Christmas, Pilgrims.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Yes. Happy Christmas to all and a happy new year. Particularly thinking of those on the Camino at present and praying for their well being.
Terry and Valerie

 

[Deleted member 3000]

When Chekhov saw the long winter, he saw a winter bleak and dark and bereft of hope. Yet we know that winter is just another step in the cycle of life. But standing here among the people of Santiago and basking in the warmth of their hearths and hearts, I couldn't imagine a better fate than a long and lustrous winter.

Winter starts on December 22, so I am a bit premature in my plagiarism.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

fun pilgrims on the camino celebrating -- saw a pair today, one wearing a santa hat, and the other with a pair of "reindeer antlers" on her head, both smiling. Still several pilgrims each day crossing the meseta, the weather is not unkind, not yet.

I wish I could make the photo uploader work, because there is a real artistic genius out there right now. Hanging from branches and limbs now and then along the Way are little Christmas ornaments, crafted from esparto and horsetail reeds that grow alongside. They are beautifully but not-overly cunningly woven into hollow pod shapes, with a couple of pathway pebbles trapped inside. Each is made from just a few strands of green reed, and finished with a loop for hanging it up.

I have found two, and kept one. They are like gifts from St. James. Thanks, pilgrim, whoever you are.

 

[William Marques]

When Chekhov saw the long winter, he saw a winter bleak and dark and bereft of hope. Yet we know that winter is just another step in the cycle of life. But standing here among the people of Santiago and basking in the warmth of their hearths and hearts, I couldn't imagine a better fate than a long and lustrous winter.

Winter starts on December 22, so I am a bit premature in my plagiarism.

"There is no way that this winter is *ever* going to end ..........." "and don't forget your booties 'cause it's cooooold out there today. "

 

[Gailsie]

Thank you so much for this link. In the bleak midwinter is my absolute favourite Christmas hymn and the photos are incredible. I am sitting here in tears, recognizing many of the spots where I walked in the fall of 209. I live in Canada and wound not for a second consider a winter pilgrimage but the beauty of the landscape is so stunning. Thanks for the photos!!!

Merry Christmas to all pilgrims, those on the road this time of year, those who have already walked their Camino and to all those considering the Way.

 

[Sansthing]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my fellow pilgrims.
Sandra

 

[jpflavin1]

John:

Thank you for sharing.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and a wish for a peaceful and prosperous New Year to all.

Ultreya,
Joe