Life is such a ship...of delights. The fact

The The fact I can see I April 1, 2015

I miss texting. It's weird not being able to text John to tell him it's time for our frankincense lecture. How much we rely upon instant communication. 

April Fools Day...no foolin'. We had a few staff members pull some funny comments out of their hats, but for the most part, it was just another day...at sea...in the middle of the ocean. Perhaps not just another day. 

Our day began early, searching for coffee. The restaurants open for breakfast at 8 AM. For those of my readers who know me at all, I am an early riser, no matter where in the world I may be. Or how jet lagged I may be. But this ship is not equipped for early risers. After wandering for a while, I discovered a lovely coffee  bar and my morning barista friend, Reesi, who can crank out a wickedly good latte. Problem solved. 

This was a rather uneventful day, as will be most of the sea days. It takes over three days to sail from Mumbai to Salalah at around 13 knots per hour. The sun is shinning and the numerous pool decks offer shade, as well as wonderful ocean breezes. 

We took in a conversation (not to be confused with a lecture) about the frankincense tree, trading history, harvesting process and the culture surrounding the ancient resin.  Remember, this is one of the precious gifts given to Jesus. The frankincense trade is over 4000 years old and was one of the primary reasons for the migration of the people of the areas of Oman, Yemen and Somalia. The most favored kind of frankincense is the sacra.  It is grown only in Oman and has a better fragrance and is clearer than the many other varieties. John and I will be visiting some areas of Oman where the frankincense is harvested and produced, when we are there in two days. 

During sea says,the ship plans numerous activities to keep their guests occupied. John and I will not be playing bridge, or taking tango lessons, but we have gotten involved in a daily game of team trivia. Our group is named GOLDSKIN (Growing Old Living Dangerously Spending Our Children's Inheritance Now) and includes folks from Australia, Vancouver Canada and the US. Our first day we did OK, our second day we crashed and burned. But we are having a great time getting to know the folks on our team. 

Of course,we meet in a bar.  I think there are 8 teams of trivia players. 

This day blessed me with an opportunity for a much needed nap. Just before our evening activities, I zonked out for about an hour. I know when I've actually slept because of the drool on the pillow when I wake up. Sorry-TMI. 

Formal night. Some people hate it. Some people love it. I tend to sit in the middle. It's fun to see all of the finery and our fellow passengers strutting their stuff. The best of the evening was the authentic formal kilt and all of the accoutrements. I've not learned where this man is from, but he's definitely the real deal.

My John, in a tuxedo. Such a handsome husband. 

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April 2, 2015

Sitting on deck 5 aft whirlpool/spa we had a hail of large chunks of stuff fall on us. John thinks it some kind of cinder from the exhaust pipes. Perhaps the engineers are cleaning the boilers and were unaware that the by product would come raining down on the swimming deck. He gave a chunk to an officer. Maybe we will find out what is was. Maybe we won't. 

Today was conversation about the religion of Islam. The speaker is very good, extremely knowledgeable and insightful. We discussed the 5 pillars of Islam, the aspect of surrender to Allah, Jesus being a prophet and the differences between the various sects within Islam. The speaker is a wonderful proponent of learning from everyone, appreciating all people and respecting everyone. 

Tomorrow is Good Friday. I've yet to find a chapel on board, but I know I will be able to fins a quiet room somewhere. We can make our own chapel. 

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April 2, 2015

During a 'block party, in our hallway, we finally met the padre for the cruise and he is right across the hall from us. Father Karl is having Good Friday service tomorrow (yeah) and will be having service for the rest of our voyage. As we were meeting him during our block party, John took liberties with my leg  and showed him my Buen Camino tattoo. The father said he that pilgrimage is defiantly on his bucket list. 

I believe my first entry, after boarding, mentioned that the crew does pirate drills. Sailing between Yemen and Somalia is pretty sketchy. Some could say dangerous. Others would perhaps say freakin' stupid. The shipping lanes are open and there have been no signs of pirating activity  of late. 

Nevertheless, when we returned to our suite this evening, after a delicious Indian meal, we had a notification from the ship captain. The notice tells us of added security personnel being on board, siren blast information and instructions if we hear that particular siren blast. 

Just another cruise notice. We already knew there would even more we'd for  next few days. 

This siren blast, of four short bursts, indicates there is a threat of pirate activity and to get out of sight. Off the decks, away from doors and windows. 

Neither John or I are much worried. The ship runs in the commercial lanes. By cruising standards, it's a quite small ship. I'm not even entirely sure if I'll post this entry. If I do, there will be a picture of the notice from the captain. I'm not keen on having our family or friends worry about our safety or wellbeing. 

I'm nearly ready for snooze time. I apologize for the jumble of this entry. Ups, downs, new places and people. Tomorrow I shall focus on some of the wonderful folks we are meeting. 

Perhaps this isn't so much a 'blog', as it is just electronic journaling. Whatever you may call it, this helps me remember events and people. There won't be a Facebook link posted for this entry for a few days. No need to worry folks. So, if you happen to stumble upon get this, drop a note. 

Mumbai and boarding the Luxurious Sojourn

March 31, 2016

Our ship, the MV Soujourn, pulled out of Mumbai around 8 PM. As we supped with one of the ships entertainers, we were barely aware of the departure. Our host for the evening, Chris, said that lately the ships are leaving their ports during a time when the fewest number of passengers will be on the outside decks. Yes, he even admitted that the crew does, not only emergency and fire drills, they do pirate drills. Now that we are cruising through the open waters of the Indian Ocean, I suppose that is something that must weigh on the mind of our captain. 

Shall I backtrack a bit?  Absolutely. If I'm not allowed to backtrack, I'll miss many parts of our journey. 

When we left our hotel in Mumbai, we were in a 'Cool Cab', that charges a fixed rate for our drive. We paid 700 INR (India Rupee), about $12 USD, for a drive that was adventurous, dangerous and completely educational. Our driver hoisted two pieces of luggage onto the top of his small car and strapped them down. The other two were stowed in the passenger side of the front seat. The drive to the Ballard dock was far from uneventful. We drove past Victoria Station, as well as many temples, mosques and churches. There were more slums, houses with scaffolded of sticks, and people everywhere. Our driver professed that he LOVES MUMBAI and wouldn't live anywhere else. 

First rate scaffolding. This was the standard for many of the buildings. They are preparing for painting, repair or who knows what. Whatever it is for, the place certainly looks like it needs some repair. But the people are generally happy. So who am I to criticize?

Auto rickshaw, anyone?

What we drove past more than anything though, were hundreds of thousands of  marchers. It was obvious they were protesting something, but without a single banner in English, we were clueless. And our cab driver was completely unconcerned. He was busy dodging motor bikes, other cabs, pedestrians and CRAZY drivers. These protesters were nearly all men, walking in an orderly way, complete with police insuring their safety on the sidewalks. For over five miles they were marching. We had some guesses, but it became apparent once we got to the port, who the walkers were.  The typically busy port of Mumbai, was nearly deserted. No workers, no cranes moving, no trucks hauling, no ships in the port. This was a general labor strike. The aforementioned Victoria Station was also deserted. It was somewhat erie, being in a silent port. There were dozens of container and tanker ships, anchored outside of the port, awaiting clearance from the deserted port commanders office. 

We arrived at the Ballard Pier, Indira Dock Green Door (really, it sounds like some horror flick) intact after the 1-1/2 hour drive. The area was mass confusion. In 95 degree heat, with the humidity at an equally high level.  The well heeled travelers trying to get through the maze to their ship was somewhat amusing to watch. The guards all wore assault rifles and it appeared that they were not afraid to use them. We had to show our passports to damn near every one of them. After dodging cabs, buses and auto rickshaws, we eventually made our way to the lone Seabourn staff member who was getting us all headed in the right direction. That direction was to a very small building that had luggage scanning machines, more guards and enough room to move about as a port-a-pottie. It kind of smelled like one too. But everyone, the travelers, the guards and the staff, were all exceptionally kind and as helpful as they could be. My luggage contained a couple of items that I feared may be misunderstood-namely my spinning balls. They are made of two tennis balls, filled with rice and have rope attached.  They are your basic spinning practice balls and in the X-ray machine, they look like some kind of bomb. But we made it through, tossed our luggage into a truck and found our bus to get us to the ship. After a few more guards and passport inspections, we made it onboard. 

Once onboard this opulent vessel, we were herded into the Grand Salon, for our registration. Usually registration takes place before boarding, but there were no facilities for that at the port. Passports turned in, ID photos taken and credit cards scanned, we were released to wander and find our lunch. We found Gene in the Grand Salon and we all found Marilyn in one of the many restaurants. During lunch, the ship announcement came through that our suites were all prepared, so we proceeded the the 4th deck and found our suite. 

Our suite. Wow. Roomy. There is a shower AND a separate bathtub. A walk-in closet. A couch, dining table and bar. A huge window. A bottle of chilled champagne. And there is Berta, our room stewardess. Berta is from Madrid and (!!!) was walked part of El Camino. It was like old home week. I put our announcement on the entryway of our suite and proceeded to imbibe in some bubbly. In short order, our luggage showed up, we got unpacked and wandered the ship, getting our bearings. 

Our room announcement. Yes, we are all here because we're not all there. Oh Pahoa. 

We reviewed the activities for the remainder of the day and then participated in the mandatory drill. This was by far the most civilized drill we have ever had on a ship. No life preservers, no standing in an orderly line and no staff members keeping us quiet. We sat at tables at our assigned evacuation stations, listened to the captain and watched a demonstration for the proper way to put on a life vest. We were then set free to play until dinner. 

During our dinner, we met a few of our fellow passengers...a math professor, his wife a science and biology professor, Chris, a performer on the cruise, among others, and we met Sara Lee. Not the pie lady, but a southern belle from Dallas who professed that she never wore a pair of jeans until she met her husband. She continues to be the belle, but also shoots pigs and deer on the family's gentleman farm and is, quite obviously, part of the oil wealth of the Dallas area. The attitudes of intolerance we heard from some of our shipmates made both John and me cringe.  I could rave a while on is, but then that would be showing intolerance on my behalf. Just suffice to learn, I shall be listening more than I will be talking on this cruise. That old bumper sticker would come in handy...'coexist'. 

After our terrific dinner (more on the food later), we retired to our suite and prepared for bed. The past few days have been grueling and our well fed and wined bodies were letting us know that it was time for bed. 

Hilo to Mumbai is a long travel day

March 29, 2015

Hilo to Mumbai

It is difficult for me to understand why I'm so devastatingly not jazzed about the adventure we have embarked upon. Perhaps because it was rather a last minute thing and we just didn't have the time to get excited. Or because some of the countries we are hitting haven't been on my bucket list. Then again, it could be that the Egyptian portion has been cancelled. 

Bad start. Scratch that. Do overs. 

Get in the mood!!!  

We are off on the next adventure. I'm not quite sure what we have gotten ourselves into, heading to the Middle East right now. We are confident that Seabourn has professionals on task, insuring that we don't head into anywhere that may be dangerous. 

Leaving Hilo last night, on the dreaded United red eye to Los Angeles, we arrived sleepy and hungry into LAX.  John had the brilliant idea of using airport wheelchair assist, since he is spending some extra time in his cast. After a short wait at our arrival gate, Albert came with a wheelchair and a smile. And he knows how to navigate the airport. The wheelchair assist also gets both of us an early boarding, so we are sure to get our roll aboard luggage stowed and John can change from the walking cast to the resting cast. 

Gee, does United treat all of their flights like a cattle call?  Boarding in Hilo was a failed attempt at organization. I had to chuckle at the confusion due to the lack of clearly defined lines for boarding groups. But our arrival in LA was softened by Albert, who was truly helpful. 

Our flight from LA to Newark was filled with a bunch of boys in soccer uniforms-a very professional looking group. My conversations with them garnered some interesting information. They, and their parent chaperones, are heading for Barcelona. Yes, Barcelona, where soccer RULES. After getting gold regionally (LA area) this Y13-14 soccer team is heading for competition for the fourth straight year, in Barcelona. They are hoping for a win going into this game TP better their record of one win, one loss and one tie. They are a really great group of early teens, and all, except one red head, are of Hispanic decent.   And they are accompanied by some great parents. This is one of those times I wish I had more Spanish language skills.  We will be keeping our eyes open for news about their Barcelona match. 

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Our first stop when we get done flying will be Mumbai, but only for the night. After flying and waiting for some 35 hours, we will be ready for a horizontal sleeping arrangement. I must say, India has been only a thin veil of thought in my places to see. We considered leaving home earlier to travel in India, but 4 weeks at a time is enough to be gone. 

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We were whisked through luggage, customs and immigration at the Mumbai airport when our 15.5 hour flight ended. Such a lovely, modern airport. We took a cab to our hotel, complete with luggage strapped to the top of the car. Traffic is crazy and this is certainly not a city I would want to drive in. Their roads are set up British style and the driver is on the right hand side of the car. Lane dividers, traffic signals and speed limits are all just recommendations that no one seems to consider. Horn honking in mandatory. 

We drove past miles and miles of galvanized slums, where families live just beside the main road in shacks made of steel roofing type walls. Hundreds of 'homes' with thousands of people. India remains desperately poor. The stark contrast to the financial district, where our hotel is located, is almost nauseating. Heavy security outside the hotel, and inside is incredible opulence. 

Over the top, but a welcome sight...our luxury room for the night. 

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Jet lag is alive at the Sofitel hotel in room 713 tonight. We hit the sack at midnight and are both awake at 5 AM. After a luggage reshuffle, we will head to the boat at noon to meet up with Gene and Marilyn Hendricks. 

So for now, I leave you with one of my favorite quotes...

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”

― Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad/Roughing It

As Willie would say, 'On The Road Again'

While I've always thought of myself as just a twee bit worldly, I've discovered that this just isn't the case. Walking across Spain doesn't make one worldly, as much as it makes one accepting. Anyway, as we prepare to head off to the India, the Mid-East and Greece, there are is one thing I must note that we have learned...

Don't buy a cell phone in a country that you don't know the language. This is a huge problem with all of the help menus, phone labels, fields and messages that aren't in English. Even Spanish would have been much more helpful than having our phone on the Camino be from France. Live and learn. John found a plan, with T-Mobile, that can use one of our old phones for international data, text and voice.  I've tested it out and the hotspot works fine for the iPad, even here in Kapoho. YEAH. 

For some reason, this excitement of this journey we about to embark upon, has not hit me yet. Perhaps because it was only two months ago that we even heard about going. In the next few days, I trust I will get the jazzed buzz about going someplace completely different from anywhere I've ever been. 

Hey-I'm workin' it. Jazzed will start. Perhaps by the time I get us checked in for our flight???

Cartwheels...REALLY??

November 17, 2014

Hale Mahana, Kapoho.

Is there a mechanism in a woman's brain that simply kicks in and says,'YES'?  As that mechanism in the brain takes hold of the mouth, women seem to think of all of the possibilities. That was certainly the case with me today. What on Earth was I thinking?  I asked Audrey, an incredibly awesome 8 year old, if she knew how to do cartwheels. She didn't know what a cartwheel is! So...aunty gives a demo. Yes, I can still do a cartwheel, however misshapen it may be.  Totally lacking in the ability to give verbal direction, I chose to give more demos. Well drat, I'm not 8 years old. Perhaps I should act my age, not my shoe size?

A couple of pulled hip muscles were warmed by a hot bath, deep blue (my essential oil 'go to' for muscles) and a snuggle. I'm glad I showed Audrey the old cartwheel version. She, I imagine, will practice and I hope to see a couple of happy cartwheels the next time she visits. I'm blessed to have Audrey and her family as part of our family.

That same mechanism that made the cartwheel performance happen, made itself evident during our time in Spain on El Camino.  The thought never occurred to me that I would not finish the Camino. Even while we were in our worst moments, I knew we would complete our pilgrimage. Admittedly, I considered finishing another time when John was dealing with foot injuries. It may have been the wiser choice, but together, we decided to walk our way through to Santiago.

I have not returned to my pre-Way level of tenseness, but am beginning to feel it creeping in. My commitments should not make me feel this way. In an attempt to guard my feeling of contentment, I'm dropping some obligations. It isn't for a lack of caring. Quite to contrary. If I take care of myself, I can better take care of, and be attentive to, the needs of others.

 For now, I think I'll just honker down and consider the beauty around me. And be very, very thankful for having my John in my life. And perhaps consider my next cartwheel adventure. 

Moment by Moment, Nov 01, 2014

Subtitle: Is She Loosing It?

Point me the right way, every morning, and I'll walk.  

I simply need a little direction.

October 20, 2014

'Life is like a tapestry. Sometimes you can't see the whole picture until you stand back'. Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx

I found this quote in a magazine when I got home from Spain. It appealed to me the instant I read it, and it seems so true. The closer we are to the issue, the less we are able to see it. One small problem can get blown out of proportion because we tend to focus on it. Once we step back from a problem, we are in a better position to observe the whole. 

My 2014 resolution was to be 'more in the moment'. To some degree, I've been successful. I've been more attentive to discussions and try to not anticipate my response. I've watched more sunrises with awe, harvested wheat fields with joy and tried, really tried, to pay attention to the moment and be in the moment. For me, it is a challenge. My mind wanders easily. Perhaps my resolution should have been to be more focused. 

Balance is something to strive for.  To do that, focus is needed.
We saw hundreds of  little balancing monuments during our journey.

During our way in Spain, it was far easier to be 'with the moment'. The worries and concerns of each day were focused on our bodies, our path and where we would sleep when our walking was done. Releasing most other commitments I have at home wasn't as big of a challenge as I thought it would be. Staying in the here and now was a breeze, because I didn't have any other responsibilities. From the solitary beauty while crossing the Pyrenees, to the moment we arrived at the Santiago cathedral, my ability to focus was fine tuned.

Above the fog, in the Pyrenees.

My shoulder muscles relaxed, even with the backpack. As I assimilate into my post Camino life, I find my neck and shoulders tensing. Back to responsibility. I must learn to find a balance. 'Let go and let God'.

Can I come up with a good ending for this entry? Not really. These are just random thoughts that are processing while I adjust to real life. My life after walking and experiencing the Camino. I feel this rambling may be the beginnings of my personal reflections, based upon any wisdom I may have gained while on our 500 mile stroll across Spain.

October 21, 2014

Strive on.  Walk on.  Push through.
All of these accomplished, along with a sense of accomplishment
for each mountain crossed.

Ah HA. I just figured it out (so much for wisdom). The ibuprofen that we bought in Spain is 600 mg. What we buy in the states is 200 mg. I was taking one tablet in Spain. That's like three tablets here. No WONDER I was able to walk that much. 

It doesn't seem real, sometimes. John and I walked 500 miles. The aches and pains are real enough, but I don't think the entire magnitude is what we accomplished has completely settled in my brain yet. John has probably suffered some nerve damage in his feet, that he may never recover from. As for me, the arthritis has just reared it's ugly head. Quick...grab the ibuprofen, Spain style. 

October 23

The way grace and goodness weaves itself around our lives astounds me. This evening I was pondering the people we have had in our lives, and am simply amazed. God has overwhelmed with such blessings. From our friends and family at home to friends we met on the Camino, our family and friends on the mainland and the countless couch-surfers we have hosted. Or perhaps a complete stranger, just living his day, has made a kind gesture. People I have meet and enjoyed all weave their lives with mine, and many don't even know it.

I consider:

• Two women from New Zealand who are stunt actors with many movies to their credit. We met the first night in Orisson, again in Roncesvalles and then we figured they gone. There was no way we could keep up with stunt actresses, but our paths crossed again in Carrion and Leon. We made a connection with these two women and there is a reason our paths kept crossing. Someday we may see the reason.
• A young woman from Montana gave me a tennis ball in Logrono. Tennis balls are used for rolling under feet, on shoulder blades or any body part that need some help realigning.
• The German bicyclist going on a pilgrimage from his small hometown. He was riding a two speed bicycle loaded with 50kg of supplies. Our conversation was brief, but many times in my journey after meeting him, I had thoughts on how he was doing. He showed me his daily scripture lessons, in German, and told me of a family member who works at University of Hawaii.
• A shepard playing with his sheep dogs, who tossed me a friendly wave in answer to mine.
• Two men, who took it upon themselves to feed the people of El Camino. We were blessed to be counted among their legions of well fed pilgrims on two occasions. We were blessed having the opportunity to have them in our lives.
• Marcy, from Philly. A women with an incredible smile and an attitude to match. Marcy was another who I felt we must had lost, but popped up a number of times.
• There were many mother and daughter combos who were off on their adventures together.
• The Spaniard, Marcus, had no English, and my Spanish is poor, but it was great cooking together in some of the albergues we were in with him. We met up with him in Santiago and stood near him in line waiting for our Compostellas.
• Ben from Montreal, who was drinking coffee at every stop and stayed in the same Albergue we did numerous times.

My mind then lingers on the countless people we have met through couch surfing, travel and our day to day living, who have made our lives richer. 

These are the mindless ramblings of a woman who is wondering when the rain will stop, as there are seeds that need to be planted for our vegetable garden.

October 28, 2014

After gritting his teeth and dealing with significant feet and leg pain during our pilgrimage, John has come home to a horribly inept medical system. Mostly, it's an issue of the quality of care. We have a great family doctor who has worked his way up in our 'doctor rating system'. Perhaps we are better patients now too, having learned to do plenty of research before appointments. The Doc understands our walking and the need to finish. When John was dealing with some depression after his dad died, this doctor told him to do something to commemorate Mert. This was the seed that John needed. No tree planted, as the doc suggested. Yes on the tattoo (Doc really liked the Camino tats we have). And sure John, let's move El Camino up on the bucket list.

John, contemplating the goats in the field beyond the
hostel we were staying in.  

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John was referred to an ancient podiatrist who hasn't read a medical journal in three decades. Kinesiology tape. What's that? Advil topical. What's that? The list could go on. This was just the beginning of the medical saga that I shan't bore anyone with. Needless to say, it's been a stressful and frustrating day for him. Make that two days. Maybe a week, since shortly after we got home.

November 1, 2014

All Saints Day

Remember, there are saints in our lives everyday. These saints haven't been canonized, but just flow though our lives and often don't know they have made an impact. I try to keep an eye out for them.

St James.  Santiago.  Full of spunk, ready to take on the Moors.
Give me my cell phone and I too, can take on anyone.
Even the medical challenges of the Big Island

After John's encounter with the ancient podiatrist, who told him to take Advil and come back in a month, I've finagled him into an appointment with the top orthopedic surgeon on the island. This fellow is the chief physician for Ironman and chief medical officer for the Olympic Games in triathlon. John drove to Kona yesterday for an MRI. Why Kona? It takes forever to get into the MRI in Hilo and the equipment in Kona is much newer. He gets to go back to Kona this Thursday to see the doc.

Many people have asked John why he pressed on during our pilgrimage. There were many hours of walking, in quite some pain, that John knew he would make it. He knew that, once he got home, he would get proper medical attention. I asked him often, 'want to stop?' or 'time for a doc?', and the answer was always 'no'. That he pushed on and now is feeling like he's falling apart is heart wrenching. The obsticals are neverending. And cumbersome.

Again, an entry with no conclusion.  I don't think there will be a conclusion until John gets some relief.   Right now, resolving the cause of his pain is my main concern.

Home Sweet Home

October 18

Kapoho Hawaii

After traveling for three days, we made it safely home last night. Craig and Suzan, our very dear friends, picked us up at the Hilo airport and delivered us to our corner of paradise. Suzan made some delicious potato soup for us, as she knew our fridge was empty. Since we left for our adventure across Spain only a few days after the power was restored from hurricane Iselle, we didn't stock anything. I don't think our refrigerator and freezer have ever been that empty.

Speaking of hurricanes, Hurricane Ana decided to skip the state, but has given us plenty of rain, along with some strong winds this morning. The few neighbors I've spoken with today were very concerned that Hurricane Ana was on a path to pay a visit to our Puna communities. The forecasts included 20' waves to be created in the hurricane surge. That is extremely frightening information to the low laying communities along the coast of lower Puna. To our great relief, Ana turned to the west and steered her eye away from Hawaii.

I can hardly recommend walking El Camino de Santiago as a weight loss program. John lost 40# before we left and looked great as we headed out of here. I was at my standard of hovering around 142. This morning we both weighed in and have each lost about 2 pounds while we were gone. Our overall shapes have changed, having moved some of the fat cells into the muscle variety. John tells me he can see my leg muscles when I walk across the room now and that I actually have bicep muscles showing off. Who knew that using trekking poles for most of the 775 km would work out my arms?

The only explanation for not losing weight, like so many other people do while walking the Camino, is that pilgrims are well fed and get wine at every meal. We enjoyed the wide variety of local food across the nation of Spain. I surely enjoyed the local wines. We also walked more slowly than most of the other walkers. Now we must adjust to our old eating patterns again. Tomorrow morning we will hit the Pahoa Farmers Market, our usual Sunday pre-church shopping spot, to get stocked up on fruit and veggies.

Having never flown from Europe to Hawaii, I'm not sure if we are suffering from traditional jet lag, or if we are simply exhausted. Perhaps it's both. Morning came at a very early 3:30 AM, therefore, I am assuming our bodies will take a few days to swing back into our time zone. What I am quite sure about is that I'm moving at half speed. Walking, steps, getting up and down from a chair, are all done at half of my regular pace. My body, especially my poor feet, hurt. Once my feet are happier, I think I'll be able to pick up my pace.

It's good to be back at our home, sweet home.  For the next few days and weeks, I'll be pondering our trip. The pilgrimage gave me a chance to reflect, but I hope that being home will help me process all of the thoughts, blessings and challenges.