Madrid

Reflecting back on our last few days in Spain, I've wondered why I wasn't able to write a final post about our journey. 

Yes, we had a myriad of emotions swirling around us. From exhaustion after our long, final days walk, to exhilaration that we had completed our long awaited Camino, to sadness over leaving this beautiful country, to relief that we didn't have to walk anymore. 

Yes, we had head colds due to the drastic change in weather, from cold, rainy days to overwhelming sun. And body aches due to all the walking and carrying of our packs. 

But more than that, I think it was the overwhelming busy-ness of Madrid that prevented me from being able to go anywhere worthwhile with my thoughts.

Madrid has more street performers than a theme park...

The Plaza Mayor was host to the traditional Easter Sunday drum band...

People watching at its finest...

Shopping is their drug...

The food is all the size of finger sandwiches...

And you get charged based on how many toothpicks are left on your plate.

Don't get me wrong. There were places of beauty. Like the park across the street from our hotel...

And the many museums...

But mostly we felt like Sisyphus, always ending up in the same place, with the same crowds, and never actually getting anywhere.

After weeks of nothing but small town hospitality, wide open spaces and solitude, Madrid simply made us long for the Camino. So much so that Rand even conceded after a few days that maybe, maybe someday we will go back and walk the final stretch (approx. 90 km) from Santiago to Finisterre.

And I am reminded, now that we have returned home, that it is more important than ever to make space and time in the midst of our crowded, busy lives to breathe, to think, to pray, to write, to smile, to love, to serve.

Thank you once again for walking with us! Good journey... Buen Camino!