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Why Spain? | "Why Spain?" is a question he often hears. What better place to walk than in the country where el paseo (the walk) is a cultural penchant. Every evening people gather at the plaza major and walk. They walk around and around, often arm in arm. It's not uncommon to see two men or two women walking along, with their arms linked, deep in conversation. El paseo can also be a courting event. Young single men and women stroll in small groups around the plazas. Often the men and women walk in opposing directions to each other. What better way to catch the eye of a potential novia? |
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Why Santiago? |
"Why Santiago?" is the follow-up question. The tradition
of walking to Santiago de Compostela along the Way of St. James is an
old and venerable one in Europe. Santiago is the site of the cathedral
of St. James who is the patron saint of Spain. Pilgrims converge from
all over Europe to visit his shrine which ranks with Jerusalem and Rome
in importance in the Christian world. The tradition began over a millennium
ago when the cathedral was built. According to church history, the apostle
James went to Spain to begin the new church. Some time after returning
to the Holy Land, he was martyred and his followers are said to have
returned his body to Spain for burial. His burial place has been a goal
for pilgrims since the time of the crusades. |
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Why walk so far, so long? |
For two years now, ever since he recovered from the anesthesia, Dudley
has been compelled to walk the road to Santiago. The trek has been the
focus of his recovery. It helped him overcome the chest pain during
the early period of his recovery and forced him walk on a regular basis
even when tired or discouraged. Walking has helped him lose 50 pounds
(another 50 to go) and, more importantly, it has helped him gain control
of his blood glucose (sugar) levels, which is critical for a diabetic.
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THANKS |