Every now and then travel is frustrating. Today was one of those days. I attempted to book seats on the train from Santiago de Compostela to Pontevedra on the Renfe (Spanish railways) app. Each time I got a different error message, all basically saying no seats were available. We went to the station expecting the worst, only to find seats on a train leaving in just a few minutes.
When we arrived in Pontevedra rain had begun — a gentle rain, but more than we would have desired, although it is good for the land. Nevertheless, we did some sightseeing in this interesting small town. A great deal of activity involving barriers and police tape led to the realization we had arrived at the start of a major three day bicycle race, further complicating getting around. I now am watching the race from my hotel balcony, an ideal viewpoint.
Pontevedra is on the Portuguese pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. On this trip there have been constant reminders we all are pilgrims, even emigrants. Politically, this is not a popular message today, but it is a reality to which holy Scripture repeatedly calls us. Today this was brought home with two images: the holy Family fleeing to Egypt for safety and another image of Mary dressed as a pilgrim.
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