Day 2 - Vila do conde to Barcelos - we had finally arrived at Antonio's restaurant in Pedro Ferada. so thankful to arrive and feeling somewhat light headed, not even thinking perhaps dehydration or mild sunstroke might be lurking, as L had commented.
Antonio is one of those special people along the way who find themselves blessed with being completely in the right spot at the right time - which time nay well have been years and years already. he smiled a big warming welcome to laura and I as we slunk and dropped into his cool restaurant. A man for whom the word tranquile is wholly fitting. not rushing about trying to make things happen, simply greeting us and allowing time to decompress us and the right time to serve to become apparent.
after a wonderful refreshing lunch and gulping down 2 L of aqua, we were contemplating our next move. after he had arranged a taxi to come, he told us of a free pilgrim's medical clinic in Barcelos, drew on the map where to find it, several blocks from our hotel Baquiero. being very concerned about L's feet, off I went to find the clinic. got to the community centre gymnasium wherein I finally found someone who didn't know of any clinic in his building. but just cross the road, turn left there is another walk-in clinic. OK this is interesting... find the clinic and the young woman on the desk spoke a little English; explained what I thought I was looking for, no not here. confirm that with her colleagues - no idea what you're talking about! "Oh wait, maybe you mean this clinic over at St Anthony's. just go left then straight then ... Ah too hard, let me take you there", which she then proceeded to do; several blocks over and through courtyards and there is green St Anthony's another walk-in clinic. and blessed us on our Way.
the front desk staff would be like our intake crew at a hospital; after being handed over to the one that spoke more English, again explained why I was there, hoping to find someone to advise on L's feet, as I was most concerned for their well-being, (and not allowed to ask). after explaining again, the same perplexed nods no, don't know of such. BUT I will phone around - so he called the Pilgrim's office, the local tourism office and several others the staff might consider possibles, all to no avail. Am I really surprised? no not at all; followed by the staff's offer to see L that night at the clinic if she could come by 7 - they would be happy to do whatever they could! just about as good as getting the sought-after solution.
walked back to the hotel marvelling at the goodness and kind generosity of people simply in response to someone needing help. made me feel very happy, although not much good for L's feet and W's sore leg!
wondering back - yes I sometimes do such a thing - walked past the hospital just as a funeral procession complete with glass-sided rear carrying coffin for viewing and followed by those in attendance pulled out from the hospital. as the vehicle indicated Bombeiros, I paused to stand, removed my hat and watched as those grieving slowly took that last stroll with their loved one. Brings tears to my eyes once again as I write, those moments being still close in my memory. I think the deceased might have been a fireman - a bombeiro - as the honor guard consisted to two men in uniform with brilliantly shining helmets.
stopped in at another - always another - chapel, this one actually open (which is more often than not, not the case). someone more restrained in its interior finishing than those we see in Spain; a possibly full-size statue of Jesus to the right. as I stood taking it in, a woman stopped by to perform her daily acknowledgements - she did not stay to pray - and I was touched by her gentle caress of Jesus feet as she passed by. the simplicity and intimacy reminded me of something we might do to our children as they are in proximity, a touch on the arm , shoulder, a stroke of the face, simply to acknowledge, express appreciation and love for them without words. Very powerful.
Dave
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