Finding my way on The Way: June 2011

Reaching Fatima

As I walked 5 minutes into town, this huge open space greeted me.

I arrived at around 10:30am - perfect time for the 11:00am international mass, where different languages were said to welcome pilgrims from all over the world.

As it is no suprise, a statue of Our Lady of Fatima was part of the procession. People were tossing flower petals during the entrance procession during mass and singing Ave Maria. It was quite moving.

Pilgrim Priests from all over the world are invited to concelebrate Mass.

Inside the basilica, the burial site of Francisco Marto (one of the children who saw Our Lady during the apparitions in 1917).

Across from Francisco´s, the burial site of Marta´s & Lucia´s - the other 2 visionary children.

The albergue in Fatima that was free for pilgrims of the Camino de Santiago. I just had to show my Compostela diploma and I was in!

Senior sacristan teaching a junior one.

Eucharistic procession in the afternoon.

The actual house of Francisco & Marta - it has not been renovated much. Much of it looks how it did back in 1917.

Sr. Lucia´s childhood home.

The backyard where an angel appeare to Lucia.

Finding the way to Fátima - through Porto & Coimbra.

On my way to Fatima, I decided to stop by Porto & Coimbra.

Porto Cathedral

Coimbra - home to one of the oldest universities in the world - Universidade do Coimbra

Giovanni Paulo!

Coimbra new cathedral in the afternoon.

Coimbra old cathedral by night.

Celebrating the Fiesta of St. John the Baptist in Braga

Bom Sao Joao! - as the locals say it. It´s a celebration of St. John the Baptist´s Feast Day.

The city was alive with many people and lots of decorative lighting on the streets!

Their local delicacy - sardines!

Breath-taking

Deceased bishops of Braga were buried in the Cathedral. I never expected to see it like this though!

Braga Cathedral - it was a nice visit. Lots of things to see inside and outside. There´s a nice garden, museum, cloister, and bishop´s paraphernalia on display.

Northern Portugal

We hit up a national park in Northern Portugal.

We ran into some wild horses on the way!

This cross came out of nowhere. We definitely had to take a photo.

Just like old times, we´re on pilgrim´s menu.

Sardines, mussels, bread, and oranges. I wanted a treat, which explains the bag of chips =)

Bom Jesus - one of Portugal´s most visited sites.

Beautiful view overlooking the city of Braga.

Tonight´s menu - Chicken Adobo! We were well-fed that night!

Post Camino Adventure - Roadtrip to Finisterre and Portugal

After Santiago de Compostela, we rented a car to go on a bit of a roadtrip for a few days of rest, relaxation, fun and celebration.

We had heard from people that Finisterre wasn´t all that great and that there was nothing special about it. We disagree. Finisterre was beautiful. The word Finisterre means "the end of the world" as people back in the day thought that there was no more land beyond this point. We were very happy that we decided to go to Finisterre.