LGW to SCQ - London Gatwick to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Pre-trip training | Dutch courage! | Early Bird Pilgrim's tables |
Santiago de Compostela - the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route ends here. Beautiful Cathedral and alleged burial site of St. James. |
Chat...
This sailing voyage and blog marks my transition from a Corporate Senior Manager to Sailing apprentice, 'Planet novice' and Independent HR Consultant and my quest to learn how I can make a difference to the world. I had a wonderful chat with my son who said that I need to explain the purpose of my blog and he has, with great insight, named my next chapter ... 'From Corporate to Casket!! Hopefully a long time before I reach the casket!
This blog aims to describe my journey in carving out a new role & identity for myself. Previously, my Corporate Senior Management job title and 'Mum' defined my role & contribution. The children are now grown up and flying the nest to Uni and first jobs and whilst I'll always be Mum it's not so full on. I'm definitely not ready for the 'R' word (retirement) and now that I have chosen to swap this for a new chapter, I reflect on the fact that Life can throw plenty of challenges at us, tho', as one boss of mine once said, we can choose where we put ourselves in our response...
My aim is to live life to the full with friends & family, learn from others & my experiences, love much, & laugh often on my way to making a difference looking after the planet, our customers, workers and communities.
I hope you will join me in my voyage of discovery and together we choose to put ourselves in a place where we support eachother to make the world a better place. Let's Go! First Stop is my Tall Ships Youth Trust Voyage.
Log
Tall Ships Youth Trust Yacht Challenger 2, diverted to Brest for emergency repairs resulting in my start port changing from Cascais, Portugal to Vigo, Spain. Planned departure date moved from Monday 28/11 to Tuesday 29/11.
27/11/22 Flight LGW to Santiago, Spain. Dep. 19:15, Arr. 22:15. (Originally booked Bristol to Lisbon) Bag short-shipped. Traced and re-scheduled to be delivered 28/11/22.
Local Bus to Hotel (Hospederia San Martin Pinario, a converted monastery. 1 night stay extended to 2 to collect my hold luggage and sailing kit. Train to Vigo on 29/11.
What did I do?
27/11, I attended an English speaking mass, I was hoping to meet some other travellers & Pilgrim hikers, only to find I was the only one in the congregation! Before I could make a run for it, the priest closed the doors of the chapel and invited me to give a reading and join in the prayers, it felt rude not to!! I don't think I'm going to get a leading lay priest role anytime soon as I think I accidentally read out all the priest responses rather than the congregation's. However, the Philipino priest was very patient and we sang our hearts out and said some lovely prayers together 'for those in peril on the sea' and he wished us safe travels. How little did I know how much these prayers would mean in a few days' time.
I attended the Spanish mass in the beautiful cathedral, tho' as I confess to not being able to speak a word of Spanish, I felt a little overwhelmed! No order of service they knew it all off by heart! I tried my best tho' only lasted all of 10 minutes!
I went on a cute tourist train ride round the city, got the giggles as I could barely hear a word as we bounced along the cobbles!
I had a lovely lunch in a smart restaurant with posh tablecloths and drank beer! Thank goodness the waitress spoke English so she kindly translated the menu. Why didn't I learn at least a little Spanish at school?
I couldn't find a coffee shop anywhere and the Posh Catholic Hotel was strictly no admittance except for Hotel guests and guarded by Hotel service staff. I found a side entrance through the Hotel cafe with no such signs or 'guards' so I snuck in and had morning coffee, afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks in this beautiful warm hotel. My converted convent was too cold!
Feelings
A little apprehensive as a cabin crew strike threatened the departure of my flight, I arrived safely at Santiago though my bag got lost in the LGW baggage system!
A little scared trying to find a bus to my hotel late at night at the airport and whilst walking through the deserted streets on my own in a City I did not know. Found myself ignoring all the guidance I gave my daughter! Mad or what!
Relieved - I was reunited with my bag a day later. Nearly kissed the ground staff!
Excitement - I was so excited about experiencing sailing on this amazing yacht and meeting a new bunch of people who I can learn from.
Seemingly Confident - I figured that if I acted confident and blended in with the hotel guests, my money was as good as theirs and if you have enough confidence you can go anywhere! On reflection the turquoise skin tight leggings (borrowed from my daughter, much to my husband's surprise / disapproval! ) and leisurewear looked a bit out of place amongst the designer wear and faux furs though I figured I could be a smart Catholic Pilgrim and was therefore appropriately suited and booted.
What did I learn
It's the little things that matter;
The wonderful night receptionist / manager who opened up the kitchen when I arrived at nearly midnight to enable me to have a cup of coffee & cake!
The waitress who took the time to help me understand the lunch menu and order a beer in Spanish.
The joy of sharing & feeling and involved - Even though I was the only one at the English speaking mass, the priest was lovely and took the time to learn about my trip and invited me to deliver a reading and say some prayers for family and friends. He showed a genuine interest and made me feel so welcome. We had a lovely chat about the Queen,
Don't panic, count your blessings;
I was supposed to sail from Cascais, Portugal but a few days before departure we were diverted to start from Vigo necessitating a change of flights & hotels. This has given me the wonderful opportunity to discover Santiago de Compostela.
Be confident in who you are and what you can do.
People are generally helpful and kind; believe in yourself and the world believes in you.
See you soon in my next post at Vigo!
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