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Day 3; our final day of hiking. Flat paved road. I popped a few ibuprofen to get my aching body moving. The group started out chatty and filled with excitement, but after an hour or so, reverted back to silence. As for me, I was busy daydreaming of our arrival to Talpa. Each time I thought back on what we had climbed the previous days and how tired my body was, my eyes would well-up with tears.
It was about mid-day that I had my 'Jesus Vision'. I was day dreaming of Sam standing at the front of the church, illuminated by beautiful light; arms outstretched, as if he was offering something to the heavens. In his one hand he had 'cocadas'; a local coconut and honey candy that I love. In the other hand, a big bottle of coca cola for the members in our group that had been craving an ice cold 'refresco'. I burst out laughing at the very thought.
As we arrived on the outskirts of Talpa, the smoothe paved road turned to cobblestone. With each step, my feet felt like the bones were going to break and pop out of the skin; like they were bleeding inside. The small town was full of large tour buses that brought people to the basilica for Sunday mass. Make-shift stands selling anything you could imagine were set up along the roadside. Although surrounded by lots of people, we still stood out. People passing by would shout; 'ánimo' and other such words of encouragement to make the final few blocks to the church.
It was about mid-day that I had my 'Jesus Vision'. I was day dreaming of Sam standing at the front of the church, illuminated by beautiful light; arms outstretched, as if he was offering something to the heavens. In his one hand he had 'cocadas'; a local coconut and honey candy that I love. In the other hand, a big bottle of coca cola for the members in our group that had been craving an ice cold 'refresco'. I burst out laughing at the very thought.
As we arrived on the outskirts of Talpa, the smoothe paved road turned to cobblestone. With each step, my feet felt like the bones were going to break and pop out of the skin; like they were bleeding inside. The small town was full of large tour buses that brought people to the basilica for Sunday mass. Make-shift stands selling anything you could imagine were set up along the roadside. Although surrounded by lots of people, we still stood out. People passing by would shout; 'ánimo' and other such words of encouragement to make the final few blocks to the church.
As happy as we were to finish, we were happier to stop at the first 'tienda' to buy an ice cold water. Here we were so close to finishing and we stopped to enjoy cold water; just a few blocks from the end. Taking a moment, to embrace the whole experience. We made our last turn and hobbled through a narrow alley way that reminded me of the market streets of India. Blue tarps overhead protected us from the late afternoon sun. It was difficult to make our way through the people shopping in the market; walking for the first time in three days without the support of my walking stick. Having to hold it close to my body to avoid getting entangled with any of the shoppers. Unable to fully control the forward motion of my body and helpless to avoid any quick movements of the people around me.
We had arrived! The plaza was full of people. Aztec dancers in stunning traditional clothing. Mariachi bands. And, Sam! Although he was not in his 'Jesus-like' stance...he had 'cocadas' in his hand!
We had arrived! The plaza was full of people. Aztec dancers in stunning traditional clothing. Mariachi bands. And, Sam! Although he was not in his 'Jesus-like' stance...he had 'cocadas' in his hand!
I did not cry when I arrived to the church; as everyone insisted I would. I did not feel any overwhelming spiritual feelings; as I thought that I would. But, I did feel extremely fortunate for this cultural experience and my time with nature.
We waited in line to enter the church. The church was full and another mass was about to begin. Just a few more steps and I would be face-to-face with the virgin. I had many wishes and prayers on behalf of others to deliver. I never actually made a wish of my own. I felt content just to walk. I was so close...and then, the family directly in front of me dropped to their knees and slowly shuffled their way to the front of the church. I started to pray, 'please grant me with patience not to step over these people or push them out of my way'. I was finally at the front of the church. The father had come out to begin mass. The Aztec dancers were slowly entering the church preparing to dance. I squeezed my way to the front, left my small pile of prayers at the altars edge, and slithered out back to Sam at the front of the church.
I had completed one of the most enduring challenges in my life.
I had traveled through the countryside of Mexico on foot.
I did it!
We waited in line to enter the church. The church was full and another mass was about to begin. Just a few more steps and I would be face-to-face with the virgin. I had many wishes and prayers on behalf of others to deliver. I never actually made a wish of my own. I felt content just to walk. I was so close...and then, the family directly in front of me dropped to their knees and slowly shuffled their way to the front of the church. I started to pray, 'please grant me with patience not to step over these people or push them out of my way'. I was finally at the front of the church. The father had come out to begin mass. The Aztec dancers were slowly entering the church preparing to dance. I squeezed my way to the front, left my small pile of prayers at the altars edge, and slithered out back to Sam at the front of the church.
I had completed one of the most enduring challenges in my life.
I had traveled through the countryside of Mexico on foot.
I did it!
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'The lord bless you and protect you PILGRIM'.
To read previous posts about my Pilgrimage to Talpa de Allende: http://teamfuber.weebly.com/
