This morning I got breakfast served at 8am, and had a late departure. I went to the Sunday morning church service. The lady from Antwerpen albergue recommended the lithurgy performance of members from this community.
They had a rehearsal at 10am, and the service started at 10:30am. Though I am not religious, I found it interesting to participate at the Camino. A good recommendation!
Their theme for this morning speaks to me. It’s about seeing weakness as a strength. Of course I am not agreeing with the given explanation, i.e. ones weakness is ones strength;). I guess I am more found of the modern therapeutic explanation, i.e. weakness (or vulnerability, or wounds) can be turned into strength if we know how to heal and deal. For me, I have an easy and simple life. Even now on Camino in the winter, the weather is good and I met many good-hearted people! A nice symbolic thing today though was that when leaving Lier, a couple was curious about my journey and we had a nice conversation. He came from Sicily and she from Germany. They both are living in Bruxelles. Angel (o) and Christ(one) wished me a good journey! 😉
The way from Lier to Mechelen has nice parts. The weather was good. I was around 1:30 pm in Mechelen, and wanted to stay at the seminarium. After a few searches, I couldn’t find anyone to ask whether they are taking pilgrims or not. And then, the weather started to change. More windy and threatening clouds. So, I decided to bike to the next camping.
Underway, I started to realizing that I am in Belgium, where people take longer lunch breaks…Maybe Mechelen is not to be visited this time. During my Arcturus period, I had bed and breakfast here. It has it’s charms. So, maybe a next time.
For the dinner, I had a pizza at the pizza restaurant here near the lake. And started with a coffee con leche. I know it’s not really according to the etiquette, but it reminds me of the happy moments from the last Camino. For me, it’s part of the Camino.