At, I think, the oldest monastery in the world.  Built in 600, it is a Benedictine monastery.  Just had a tour, will go to Vespers at 7:30 and Mass at 8.  Leave tomorrow for Sarria and the last 117 km of the journey.  Can hardly believe we have been on The Way for 4 weeks!  It has been truly a journey of body? Mind and spirit.  Today coming into Samos was absolutely beautiful. I said a RosaryforMai Lara as she whims her chemo today.  I have tried to call but her scheduled time was 3:30 to 5:30 and at the moment is on her way home.
I was behind an old man and a young man for a few minutes. I was so moved by them.  I took a photo from behind and just listened as the old man talked about Moby Dick and To Kill a Mockingbird and Eisenhower and, as he was talking the young man was just looking at him and nodding. An, walking very slowly.  It was a moving moment as I took in the passing on of wisdom and knowledge while the young man just held the old man's story with such respect.  After a time I felt like I was intruding and passed them. Just one memory!
I am so impressed with the respect the young have shown to us!  They have validated our efforts, celebrated our courage and determination, and supported us as we have had tomake tough decisions to skip some parts. We have seen less than 15 in their 70's and one Frenchman who is 82 and puts all to shame!!! He and his 75 year old wife walk hand in hand down steep hills and are a lovely couple!
I go not understand why no one told me about one minor issue.  And that is, going into the bathroom with lights on, sitting down and off go the lights!  It is pitch dark with no light and the toilet paper is who knows where?!?!  Sometimes motion brings on the lights, but don't count on it!!!  Also the showers shut off every 20 seconds and must be turned on again and again and again!!!  Breakfast consists of toast and coffee con leche!  I usually can get coco cau or hot chocolate.  When we do get juice it is fresh squeezed and what a treat!!
Just some points of interest!  I want to tell you what has been happening in the past few days!  On 25 Sept, we had a shorter day than we thought and arrived in Rabnal at 10:30 debated overcoffeevon leche whether to stay at Guacelmo or move on. We stayed and it was wonderful.  In order to stay you had to be carrying your backpack. Only 32 beds. mass at 12:30, Vespers which was the Gregorian Chant.  Spectacular and special to Helen because it was Bob's favorite!  Then we had a Pilgrim Blessing.
On 26 September, we walked to Cruz de Ferro which is the highest point in the Camino and consists of an enormous cross and piles of rocks. The rocks are from all the pilgrims who have passed by and left their crosses symbolizing I burdening our loads some leave many rocks and some only one. Some come from home. Mine came from the ground I walked as I thought