S O S – Walk of Santiago

The order of the photographs are not by chance. I want to tell you a story with them.

The first one corresponds to the Braves Cross or “Cruz de los Valientes” which is located just before Grañón, in the Rioja province of Spain. As you can see, the cross is on the right side of the image. However, nowadays it is on the left side of the Walk due to the road works that are being done. 

Nevertheless, this is not a separated fact. It is actually the real situation of what is happening on the Walk all the time. It is being over exploited and abused continually. Those who should protect and stand up for it, as they do not deeply love it, are contributing to its gradual destruction; it is a Unique Property due to its long history.

Do we actually come get born in order to come to an end? ¿Therefore, what will be left?

I will not tell about what is happening on the Walk as it is an absolute atrocity; there are sections that have already disappear and can not be repaired anymore. Nowadays, there are other sections in danger. If somebody wants to be updated on this issue, newspapers and publications can give you the latest information on it. The best example is the dramatic entries and exits of big cities. 

It seems that the Walk only has a tourist and economic value. This is the result of what authorities from different regions from where the Walk passes through are showing with their actions. 

Thanks to some judges, just a few, and the formal complaint that the Walk Friends Association have done, some actions have been able to be stopped. However, the risk is still there and if someone does not try to stop it, the Walk will turn into a tourist area. There will be a time where a multinational could be in charge of the youth hostel network.

The pictures of the mural located in San Bol can be used for showing a reality metaphor; its one of the greatest magic place on the Walk. Currently it is situated under a painting cover. Who would be the forefather of this idea?

There was a time, quite long ago that I dedicated the following words to that place:

Like a conquered place to the times, a magic kingdom, San Bol springs up on the Walk to provide refuge and rest to pilgrims. Some of them, in a master way have left their piece of art by reproducing stories and legends on its walls. The passing time, rain and wind have damage the work done.

When closing my eyes by the black poplar, I reproduce my legend on an imaginary wall. I dream about the Templar Gentleman with his sheathed sword and the Dragon walking along with him as a Pilgrim mate. 

Before leaving to the wasteland, towards Hontanas, I fill my water bottle in the natural spring; its water produces magic effects on the body. They are a balm for the hurt feet and sometimes a reflection of the Soul matters. Its better not to look at... 

(San Bol Youth Hostel)

That´s all for now; I do not have the space to show all my feelings. 

The walls were made by pilgrims who stayed for a while on their passing from the Walk. 

This is a request of the Walk Friends from Santiago de Sevilla. I would appreciate if you could read it and act accordingly. It is just one more example of what is happening on the Walk.

https://www.change.org/es/peticiones/junta-de-extremadura-finca-larios-plasencia-dejadez-y-olvido-en-la-via-de-la-plata-solucion-ya

The truth is that the real Walk Spirit can not be altered. It is the Spirit that makes its home in the pilgrim hearts. That Spirit stays the same.

Together with the murals of the four seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter, there was the following poem written in Old Italian.

Euro verso l´aurora il regno tolse,

che al raggio mattutini si sottopone.

Cefiro nell´oceano il seggio volse,

opposto al ricco albergo di tritone.

Ver la fredda e crudel scitia si volse,

l´horribil borea nel settentrione.

Tenne l´austro la terra a lui contraria,

che di nube e di pioggie ingombra l´aria.

Could somebody translate this poem into Spanish?

This is a Walk sound from the master José Ignacio H. Toquero; my great friend. He is another passionate Soul. He plays it with his son Gabriel who is also on my memory.

We will soon toast with a Moons Earth and a Stars Walk wine…

José Ignacio H Toquero & Between two Seas: “HOUSE WINE”