Today we left Hospital De Orbigo for Astorga. I am still pain free and thanking each moment for it. Marybel is walking better too, thanks to sanitory pads in her shoes. That was very good advice from fellow pilgrims. Weather forecast for today is rain, rain and more rain. I am reminded of the movie, My Fair Lady, “the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain”…lol

The walk is not difficult today. Meditation while walking was the order for my day. Feeling each step fully and side stepping past the insects on the road got my full attention today. Marybel walked ahead as she was feeling much better catching her quick rhythm again.

Before we left for Astorga, Miriam asked us to watch for a pilgrim who is now living on the camino about 10 kms from Hospital De Orbigo. She told us that he has left the world behind and lives in a tent on the path to the city of Astorga. He has also set up a small stall where he gives pilgrims water, fresh fruit and whatever has been donated to him that he can give out. He calls his home La casa de Los Dioses (the house of God is).

When I arrived at the spot, I see Marybel sitting in his makeshift tent waiting for me and having the most engaging conversation with him. His name is David Vidal Figuls. He is a good looking man, middle aged and athletic in stature. His face slightly sunburn from the outdoor nature living. Surprisingly, he is decently groomed and do not quite look like some one who has been living in nature. He saw me and hug me like he knew me. Well, Marybel has been chatting with him about me so he already had some information as to who I was.

David quit the world and rat race four years ago. I sat in his tent and we chatted about his philosophy of existing in this manner. He takes care of all pilgrims who passes his way if they would let him. He believes in the energy of giving. He claims that the world is an illusion. The world has it wrong where we work and strive for security but there is none. He says that we don’t see how God exists everywhere and in all things. People today don’t appreciate life and miss so much. He believes that all of us should be like a child and live this way. “Surrender is key”. Energy is movement, not collection. The more you give the more you receive. As I listen to him talk, I have heard what he is saying many times before. Nothing new here for me. So why can’t I live the lessons I’ve learned? He kept emphasizing to let the “child” in us be free. The memory of my first day on the Camino came back to me where I had heard a child laughing and crying while I walked the path of Alto De Perdon. I realized then that my camino was providing guidance to live like a child while I am on the camino. Be spontaneous and in awe of everything around you. I only got the message today. “Be like a child at least on the camino”. My camino is communicating with me but I did not understand the language it chose for disseminating information. Slowly, I am starting to understand. Slowly, I am able to separate the grains from the shafts. At least, a mystery is laid to rest for me today, thanks to David, an extraordinary man who sees himself as doing God’s work in a most unusual way. Thank you for reminding me to let my inner child nature be free.

We walked on after saying goodbye to David and thanking him for his hospitality and generosity (he gave us water and organic bananas to rejuvenate us).

We reached Astorga at around 4pm, walked around and looked for our Albergue. Settled in for the night once we checked in. Tommorrow, we will begin our ascend to El Ganso. It will be a climbing route from now on through several towns until we reach Cruz De Ferro. We shall take it a moment at a time and hope all will be well.

Peace and love
Hilda 🙂