Our 1st stage on the Via de la Plata started today with 10 o'clock mass in the beautiful Cathedral in Sevilla. Sitting there with the opulence of the Catholic church in such evidence I could not help but think that the simple carpenter from Jerusalem would be astounded at the riches amassed in His name, and the pomp and ceremony created to honour Him. At the same time, it was touching to sit quietly, listening to the soul lifting organ music filling the vastness of the building.
The result of this, was that we started off late (ok, 11h30 is very late) and trudged along in searing heat for 22 km., stopping off in Santiponce in Italica, naively thinking that 2 peregrinas would be allowed to go and have a picnic in the shade. Sadly, that was not to happen, as Italica (an archaeological dig of an ancient Roman city) closes at 15h00 on Sundays and what is more, .nl picnics allowed! So, as we were about to bite into our delicious sandwiches, the security guard rocked up and chased us away, hence the title of this post, because I think the security guard is overdue for a confession:-) We relocated to the only shady spot around - the bus stop - and had our sandwiches in the shade of the trees next to the shelter.
Left Santiponce at around16h00 and arrived in Guillena 2 and a half hours later after a grueling 11 km walk with no shade or shelter of any description. Now safely ensconced in the refugio, showered, clothes washed and well fed it somehow does not seem quite as bad, but there was a stage when I felt ready to curl up in the olive grove and stay there till morning.
Feet ok, wish I had brought my other shoes instead of the Salomons because I feel all the time as if my feet are about to develop a hotspot. Tomorrow I am going to send half my clothes and the blankey onward post restante and will pick them up in 2 weeks time:-)
Looking forward to the short day tomorrow.
Vasbyt. Onthou die Kakiebosbeginsel.
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