That Fateful Night

I'd like to say the reason for my blogging absence these last few days was because I was having to much fun. But it is quite the opposite. We've been blessed in the sense that we were granted a true pilgrimage experience. Which by my experience is the willful journey towards Christ with a few hardships along the way.

I hope by writing about these it will bring you some situational comfort as well as fill you in on the big events.

First off before I get into the nitty gritty of the main event, Id like to say that the talks about sexuality were awesome. We were told the biological effect of using the pill and how it can cause serious relationship issues down the track due to hormonal imbalances from on and off use. As well as the physical damage to the individual.

So as everyone knows the night out is considered the pinnacle and summit of WYD (quietly I disagree). But I'll fill you in on that big event.

BAGS
Obviously if we're going to journey to the main event we need sustenance. This includes brekky lunch and dinner. Not to mention a tonne of water. These combined with a change of clothes all shoved into a backpack creates what I call the 'scoliosis generator 2000'

With the SG2000 pressed against our backs for several hours while walking in 43°C heat you can imagine the level of perspiration. Much to many if the girls disgust I made the observation that we could fill a pool with the groups sweat alone.

KINDNESS FROM ABOVE
The heat was hot but to our rescue came the local spaniards. They showered us with water from above... No not from the heavens, from their balconies. Yet the water stunk like sewage and turned into a toxic vapor the moment it hit the hot plate aka footpath. Which was refreshing in its unique and special way.

Finally we arrived, damp with a mixture of sweat and sewage flavored water. After venturing through the dust storm created by dancing pilgrims we found our allocated spot. It had become over populated with cheating pilgrims. So we accepted the situation and moved a few sections back. Here we found refuge and comfort, until if course some furious Bulgarians yelled at us until we vacated the area that they psychologically called 'dibs' on. We were unable to reach a christian conclusion to the matter and we ended up right down the back if the crowd. We couldn't see any screens apart from off in the distance so in that respect it was quite difficult to take part.

One great advantage if being down back was the overwhelming sense of Christian community. As we could see the endless expanse of people stretched our for kilometers around us. That sense that we were standing together with over a million more young people that share the faith was absolutley unforgettable.

HOLY SPIRIT RAIN DOWN
Just because we couldn't hear a lot if what was going on didn't mean we couldn't take part in what happened next. A beautiful pink sky appeared in a sky of grey. Before we could fully take it in, the heavens exploded open with thunder, lightning and rain. And drenched us all in what could only be described as cold wet love from God after a blistering hot day.

This unfortunatley meant a bunch if sleeping bags were wet and then a large group including myself headed home, not wanting to tempt making illnesses worse.

But all in all, and in all seriousness. I wouldn't have missed it for anything, it has been so rewarding.

Now as I sit in this Irish bar in Dublin about to commence our spiritual retreat, I look forward to reflecting on the experience, so that I may understand it more and put it into words.

Untill next time!
Sam xx

P.S: check out the celeb shot I got at the soccer match! The big man himself.

Jealous Much!

I haven't written about them but its obvious that spending a month in Spain will include its fair share of funny and ridiculous moments and because I'm in the mood I'm going to share them with you. Also because I'm sure all these blogs and photos are getting you jealous I decided to make a list to make you feel better and safer at home in Aus.

TRAIN SYSTEMS
Madrid is renown for its speedy and efficent metro system. I'm not here to deny that. But to instead teach you a mathamagical formula that I guarantee will work 60% if the time, EVERYTIME!
Here it is: The efficiency if a rail system is inversely proportional to the aircon and pleasant smell of their stations.
I hereby conclude that due to the metros unmatched efficiency, it reeks to high heaven and is hotter and more humid than hellfire.

The next best thing about the metro is every time you buy a ticket its like you've won the lottery. Put 5€ in for a 1.50€ ticket and your change will come out in 0.05€ pieces. Which not only sounds pleasant but turns your wallet into a weight training device.

EURO DRIVING
I often wondered why there was a shortage if theme parks in Spain but these few weeks cleared up my query.

Don't part for a rollercoaster ride when you can get the same speed, turns and excitement by simply paying 5€ for a taxi to take you home.
Who cares about traffic lights?
Speed limits?
Signage?
Pedestrians lives?
... Not cab drivers, I believe they've been specially trained to ignore all of the above in wake of efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Then again taxis are kind of for pansies. And who wants to waste money. Thrill seekers can save money and get their kicks very simply these days.
Try crossing the road in the transitional period between green(walk) and red(suicide).
I tried this today with Emma.. Across a zebra crossing for that matter. The moment the lights changed to red our ears were filled with a symphony of honks, hoots, beeps and revs soon followed by a scooter near clipping us and forcing us to bail for our lives to the other side. Theres nothing like the rush of crossing a euro road.

AMERICANS
These are the lovely westerners in which much of our culture is based upon. Naturally you'd assume they are the ones to look up to... Why us it that I just can't find any reason too.

The other day like most days I bumped into some Americanos.
"hello I'm Sam from Australia"
"hey im Rod from Michigan, I think its awesome how Australians can speak American"
"You mean english??"
"ahh yeah, I'll tell you what. I love it how australians love americans so much and we love australians...it just works so well"
This conversation went on and I must say there were a lot of times where I had to forgive their ignorance. This guy even believed the riding kangaroos to school test.

BUT because I was on pilgrimage I didn't want to get frustrated with this man so I looked to scripture. Jesus said "don't forgive your brother 7 times, but 77"
This was my inspiration...for a few minutes until the bloke hit 78. In which I told him the truth... About how we shoot kangaroos for both eating and sport...and that its legal. I then walked off leaving Rod horrified on the spot.
It went something like that anyway.

Thats all I have time for folks. I'll keep you posted

Sam xx

Madrid What!!

So as the itinerary states, I've been here in busy madrid since monday. Not only that but I've been run down with sickness all that time as well...not that it stopped me from doing anything...except blogging. :S

For the sake if documenting the experience, I've found some time to myself to review my experiences.

Just thinking about the events from the past few days its hard to really relay any information across to you. I find the most profound experiences I've had here in madrid are the personal ones that stir inside me as opposed to the sights and sounds of a foreign city.

Although they will probably not read it or hear it I really want to praise those responsible for coordinating this week predominantly Mark Mac, Pauline and Maurine not to mention all the teachers, and also the clergy like Fr Jim, Deacon Paul, Fr Peter and of course Bishop David, for sharing with us their knowledge through talks and just general conversation.

Because together we are given food for thought by the clergy and than the opportunity to mull over it with share groups, journal time ect thanks to the coordinators.

In terms of what we've got up to. We have been given so much freedom which is great as we get to choose how to shape our own experience. For example we start the morning by going to catechesis, which today was so packed that our faithful clergy, and adrian gomez and others stood in the park and pumped out an impromptu session which snowballed in size and had youth from all nations filling the footpath to hear them speak. And if you can't see the biblical allusion there than go read the bible.

Emma and myself then went to see the Museo de Prado and I became glued to the Caravaggio works a well as the El Greco's as id seen pictures at home during the ongoing RCIA programme. I decided to buy a lovely canvas print to give as a gift back home... But it was either promptly stolen by a gypsie our misplaced by yours truly.

Its through working this way that we only work to our limits and don't exert ourselves to much so that we're ready for the big night with the Papa.

Please if you are reading this blog and want to know further details about experiences I've only touched on, please email me at samfrench_101@hotmail.com and I will reply as soon as I can.

Sam xx

APOLOGIES:
Lately I've been under the weather thus sporadic blog dates and detail.
Lack of pictures due to lending my phone to those who need internet resulting in flat battery during the days.

Sonseca 2

I noticed that I sold Sonseca's spirituality short as I focused so much on just my personal experience of the people and the fun I had. So I just wanted to bridge the gap with a few words about what Sonseca gave me spiritually.

First off as you may know, the population of Spain is over 90% catholic, thus the amazing history reinforced through the amazing churches, cathedrals, saints and mystics.

But to base Spains spiritual richness on the amazing architecture and historical monuments, however great they are, would in my eyes be selling spain far short of where the real treasure lies.

However cliche it sounds I'm telling you now. Gods love and presence is expressed more clearly in the hearts of the people. Ever since I've left sonseca I've done naught but desire going back. They had a community so open, so tight and so damn accepting that it blows my mind. I struggle to write these words as I know I can't express what it feels like to join a community where the holy spirit is so active, alive and moving in the people that surround you.

Even at mass when I'm sitting there racking my brain to is limits trying to understand every 15th word, the Spaniards enter into the mass with an unmatched enthusiasm. Not only as the congregation, but any who can offer assistance with music, singing, eucharistic ministry do so without thinking twice.

No member of the community its estranged, and no exclusive behaviour us seen. They all share the life that Jesus calls us too. Almost unconditional, and free no matter the other person our the barriers that stand between.

In sharing with others I learned that families that had been out if work for months even opted to take on pilgrims, and in the most literal way offered and shared all they had and sometimes more to ensure that the pilgrims were happy.

This behaviour is such a rarity in Australia a country so deprived if faith.

So to those who say "religion does nothing for society"
I say " Venga a ver por ti mismo!"

Sam xx

Home-Stay

Pictures say a thousand words and I have over 600. So I'll let them do the talking when I get home for what happened between the last blog and the home stay.

Omgoodness. The homestay was by far one of the best experiences on this pilgrimage and even my entire life. I was given the opportunity to stay with a spanish family for 3 nights in the beautiful town of Sonseca.

How can I explain the love this family showed to us in words. It is almost incomprehensible. Well considering bar one none of them spoke english I can't really tell you in words... For the very practical reason that I didn't understand what they were saying oftentimes. So instead I'll describe some of their actions. Not only did my spanish mother (Mila) of our family raid our room for dirty clothes to wash. She took the liberty to sew to perfection all of the holes in our undies, jumpers and any thing else that showed imperfection.

My spanish father (Paco) on the other hand took on the task if driving us to all the events we needed to be at, while also catering for us till early hours of the morning with water melon and cerveza, while I used facebook to catch up on social life in general.

Our beautiful spanish sister Patry took us out on the town and showed us tremendous love by befriending us immediately. And after only spending a partial two days with her I'm sure we can call her one of our closest friends.

The spanish families in general showed unending love in their hospitality towards us, and would stop at nothing to ensure that we had the best time possible.

During this time we attended days in the diocese at as Orgaz which was awesome. We made rosary beads, scapulars, badges, and danced with a number if nations in the sweltering sun of spain

Similarly on the last night in sonseca, we all partied so hard and danced the night away with spanish girls who just loved to share there dancing style with us.

So in terms if fun and spirituality this has been one of the greatest experiences if my life.

Sam xx

Salamanca! aka Party Central

Yesterdays events have become very much a blur due to the fast paced nature of the trip, but it is all summarised in the itinerary so check it out. Im skipping a few days to get back on top if things. If you have a problem with that, come fight me... Oh thats right you can't, cause I'm I'm Spain!

As usual I woke early in time for morning prayer by the pool with sun rise. Another great experience, where an opportunity for personal reflection arose. These are the moments which truly define the personal pilgrimage.

Speaking of the pilgrimage experience as you may know there us much suffering involved. For three nights we've roughed it out in luxurious hotels, with spas, pools, gym, 10€ massages

I'd like to start with what was most important. The fact that Fr Jim led us in one of the best masses while on this pilgrimage. It was so inclusive and we were all invited up to the altar for the liturgy if the eucharist which was awesome. To top the mass off it was celebrated in a 12th century cathedral with amazing architecture and walls... Which is pretty much the norm EVERYWHERE we go here in spain.

The style of the cathedral couldn't make up it's mind as it was in the transitional period between romanesque and gothic. Don't worry I have no knowledge if the characteristics if neither... Either.

We then hit up the tomb of St Therese of Avila. It was really powerful to be so close to such a holy woman. Although I kind if find it disturbing how her heart and arm had been removed for separate display. I just don't agree with tearing someone apart for their holiness. But I can't argue with the church. I'll embrace the positive side and just think of the graces associated with relics.

Any ways prepare yourself for some negatives. (i like to keep the scales balanced)
After we had had productive small groups we walked through the absolutley sweltering heat of the afternoon and got onto a bus that was graciously waiting for us in the sun. The temperature on the bus could only compared to the fires of hell. We all suffered our penance until the air con kicked in. Pity there were no windows to speed up the process. :s

Id just like to throw down a fun fact. The sun over here although really hot does not burn you. I spent a whole day in blistering heat walking the spanish streets and even MY skin didn't burn... It did although take  a pinkish hue which soon faded. I'm thinking it probably has something to do with that gaping hole in the ozone resting over unfortunate Australia.

Well after that I won't go into it too much but I probably had the best night of my life. Some local girls showed us round fiesta central salamanca and we partied well into the morning.

This blog was written the morning after so I'm a tad tired so sozza for the dullness. But I'll catch you all on the flip flop

Sam xx

EDIT: late upload and lack of material caused by limited access to wifi

Dominic the Lion

Another day another blogging effort. I'll see what I can do aye.

Well I guess you could always say a good morning starts with mass. Please correct me if im wrong but what better mass to attend than a high mass with the monks at the Church of St Sebastian. Click the link for the itinerary to get the artsy description of their singing, but I can only describe it as mind boggling. Their voices combined sounded like nothing id ever heard before, and aided by the acoustics of the enormous stone walls, pretty much just hypnotised all who heard. If it wasn't disrespectful I would have made my fortune by pressing record and selling it for millions a pop.

In between heavenly chants I can't say my behaviour was quite so graceful; I sat fumbling, flipping, stumbling and tripping through our booklet trying to follow on with the mass which was conveniently in Spanish/Latin. Luckily during the gospel Father Jim of Waitara was able to proclaim the word, which was a breath of fresh air before I was dunked and resubmerged into a world of Spanish/Latin.

Afterwards we made the epic journey all the way across the street into the adjacent museum and monastery where I believe benedictine St Dominic chilled out for a while during the 70 odd years of his life. Very old for a person from that century!

It was here that we saw wall carving statues of scenes such as the ascension that were over a thousand years old and still in almost perfect condition. Of course pics down below.

We also saw some awesome other statues, a chemist room with old school alchemy gear, and a library with medicinal books that were hundreds of years old. Unfortunately I wasnt able to take pics of any of that stuff. Then we went into a museum room with more statues, books, an enormous monstrance and a monk. Shown below.

After seeing all these amazing artworks from across the centuries, we were ushered into a modern art gallery. I soon left that 'gallery' after concluding that the artworks looked like the crap you get out if a used vacuum bag with some folded crepe paper on top. For your benefit I think it's a privilege I was NOT allowed to take photos.

We bounced out and got rolling on the bus. And drove the distance to the awesome town of Leon (meaning lion). The salient feature here was the massive building in which I've already forgotten the history but I'll find out later. All I know is it is now a hotel, and it looks amazing...and yes I got photos.

After walking through lovely Leon and past many bonita senoritas. We were taken to the main square and finally into Notre Dame. Not the french one...the leon. Which has the second best stain glass window collection in Europe, and although I wasn't allowed I snapped plenty of snaps.

It was amazingly visually thrilling, So much so that my eyes hurt with colour overload. Our tour guide ran us through all the meanings of the positions of the windows in relation to the sun. There is way to much to explain to post it here though.
In this case I'll let the pictures do the talking, as I cannot delineate the scenes with my limited lingual skills.

That night we bunked in a four star hotel with all the trimmings. I often think to myself how hard life is being a pilgrim. Not to much happened, we missed our pool opportunity as our bus was late sure to stragglers. But once again it didn't matter as we only had sleep on our agenda...right after we threw back a beer or two at the bar...What! It's spanish culture. :)

Sam xx

Pictures coming soon!

The St Domingo Experience!

As usual this is the completely subjective and naive recount of todays events by yours truly Sam French.
So I woke up and jumped on the bus after a hearty breakfast, while a certain few sleepless individuals walked straight off the fiesta streets and on to the bus.
We trekked it from lovely Segovia to San Domingo de Silos, which honestly felt like nothing, due to our tour guides voice which puts all to sleep regardless of who rested our not.
We rocked up to the town and Church in which St Dominic (Dominican) was both born and baptized. Some old monk bloke happily yabbered some history to us, much of which got lost in translation, yet was no less interesting. As his demeanour alone demanded attention and respect. He went on to tell us how he had to scurry off to high mass further in town and left us to explore the tower that the Christians built to look out for invaders.
Some of the pictures depict the awesome scenery of the tower and the garden within the walls.
After visiting the Church and town we ventured to some random town for lunch. In which literally no one spoke a word of english. Jake and I travelled high and low looking for some tapas or basically any form if decent food. Eventually I had to use my lingual skills and ask a local "Donde es buenos comida?" She motioned to a bar down the street in which my second opportunity arose and I asked "Yo quero un menu en inglis, por favor?"
Which I received the answer "No!"
So Jake and I sat down completely unaware of the food items written on the menu before us. We asked a girl nearby "Tu hablas inglis?" She scoffed and turned her nose up at us.
Which was the queue for us to stand and roll out of that place.
Eventually we settled for some pig slapped on bread in some backstreet bar which made sure to charge us even for the water we consumed.
We finally got the destination most favoured by all. The place of sleep. Which just happened to be called  'Hotel Santo Domingo de Silos.'
We feasted, prayed did sharing. When all was completed we head out into the alley to serenade the women with some hits like: she will be loved, just the way you are and grenade.
I then went off to spend hours trying to fix the photos for the blog using Awesome Adrians laptop... Fun!
Mid way through the process a fiesta broke out in the street consisting of us aussies and the spaniards. Naturally I joined in, in which soccer skills where shown off and national music tastes where compared.
Then both nations agreed on "party rock anthem" as the song we all enjoyed...this led to many walking into the bar and turning their singing skills into drinking skills, while I of course spent my time blogging... "Cough" :S
Thats about it... Over and out readers!
Sam xx
sorry about the lopsided pics, just right click and save them. Then flip them yourselves if you wish.
Cheers

Segovia 2/2

This is the blog update for the second and final day spent and enjoyed within the walls of segovia.

I can find no other way of writing this blog efficiently other than just giving it in recount form. As editorials and feature article styles take far to long to compose and due to limitations on my phone I am unable to post pics at different parts in my paragraphs which means they all get randomly mashed at the end of the article, giving YOU the opportunity to use your imagination to find which I'm talking about.

So basically we arose early morning after receiving as delightful wake up call no doubt by the Spanish receptionist, who upon picking up the phone blasted my ear with some incoherent spanish greetings then slammed the phone down to move onto her next victim. You can just imagine the state of confusion I was left in first thing in the morning.

We all walked, ran, stumbled and fell down the stairs to breakfast and enjoyed an amazing euro brekky of croissants, muffins, twinky like cakes, toast, meats, tea ect ect. Point is we all ate like starved pigs. "food for the journey"

We than hopped on the bus and drove slowly to our destination. "Vera Cruz Church" which was no less than beautiful. Upon entering there it's an amazing artwork of gigantic proportions. Which seemed quite modern looking in comparison to some of the old paintings displayed in the room where Sunday mass was held by Bishop David.

The mass was amazing as it was held literally feet from the tomb of St John of the Cross, and thus dedicated to him.
Pictures of the church and tomb will end up mashed into the photo reel below.

Although this is a religious pilgrimage I have to say honestly that the highlight if my day was seeing in detail both the interiors and exteriors of the awesome 'Alcazar' castle... aka walt disney castle inspiration.
Due to my younger obsession with medieval books and stories to actually experience a full on, legitimate castle where kings and queens lived, ruled, ate, slept and fought was absolutely incredible. The disappointing thing was because if the incredible positioning of the castle and it's sheer awesomeness, no one ever tried to put the castle under siege. Devo.
Of course I'll include some photos below for you!

After Alcazar we went into Segovia for a tour in which we saw the aqueduct...again. We also were led around and shown a variety of other things in which I didn't absorb properly because I was still entranced by alcazar.

We then got back to our hotel rooms and given the opportunity to bathe, tend our travel wounds and pop blisters due to bad footwear. Upon completion we had free time in which we hit the town (mostly the pub) to chill a bit and wind down.
It was here that I experienced the taste and strength of the famous Sangria beverage.

We followed it shortly with sharing groups where we examined our consciences and shared our goals and aspirations with one another. Jake and I were complimented on our input which was really encouraging and reassuring.

After that and after dinner we went down to town to join the locals in some hardcore fiesta. Believe it or not the commencing time for the party was 12:30am... Insane.

We enjoyed the party all the while grinding the gears of our body to breaking point in terms if sleep deprivation, until morning.

Luckily I got a few hours rest... some others however practically walked in the door and sat down for breakfast.

~ Sam xx

Sorry about the sideways photos. Theres just no helping it.