Today (Mon Sept 26) we flew into Bilbao from London where we had attended our nephew’s wedding. We left a bag behind with Joon’s sister, which we will collect when we return to USA via London.
Preparing for a two month trip means it’s highly likely we will forget some stuff. My count is 5 so far. Fortunately, I was able to substitute or replace. Important thing is to keep oneself on an even keel.
Even though our Camino walking doesn’t start till Wednesday, it seems God has already signaled to us. A Scottish couple was in front of us in the Immigration line when the wife inquired if we were doing the Camino. When we responded affirmatively, she handed over a small memento which is not to be kept but passed onto the next pilgrim! See picture. It’s a tiny plastic green hand, with fingers spread apart as if waving at one.
We then took the bus from the airport into downtown (3 Euro per person). Our stop was the third stop which was beer our hotel. The 4th and final stop was in the bus depot. Well, because the bus had stopped on the 1st and 2nd stops, I assumed it would do so for the 3rd. Problem was that I never heard the bell being rung for the 1st and 2nd, and we were the only ones who wanted to get off at the 3rd. So, we ended up at the bus depot.
Part of the Camino mind set is to accept things as there might be “Easter eggs” in such events. So, we decided that perhaps this unplanned stop could benefit us as we now knew where the bus depot was (as we would likely catch the bus to airing from the depot). We then pop into a cafe to have a bite. Lo and behold, the same Scottish turned up and we were able to chat a bit as the table next to ours opened up.
One more sign. It’s very unusual in a Spanish cafe to hear songs in English. But this cafe was playing Bee Gees “How deep is your love?”
Here are some of the lyrics that was so full of Camino significance.
I believe in you
You know the door to my very soul
You’re the light in my deepest, darkest hour
You’re my savior when I fall
And you may not think I care for you
When you know down inside that I really do
And it’s me you need to show
How deep is your love?
Journey Within 