Quiet space

It’s my turn at the daily blog. But where do I start!? It’s been a jam-packed day full of adventures and experiences, any one of which is a story unto itself.

Matthew already covered our tours at the cathedral to start the day. I could write all about the wonderful food (mostly tapas) we’ve experienced, or the bull fighting ring (across the street from home) that we toured in 109 degree heat of the afternoon, or perhaps our motor scooter and bike rides through the city, or perhaps I could recount the Flamenco dance performance we enjoyed this evening.

Then there’s the story about the modern day ambulance getting stuck on the narrow city streets which were built over 500 years before the invention of the automobile. But those will have to be stories for another day.

Instead I’ll tell you about one act of generosity I experienced today…

While climbing the rooftops of the cathedral this morning we came upon this scene…

Our tour guide (Laura) explained that it was the roof of a special room where clergy would gather when they needed to make really important decisions. It’s a quiet space set apart from the hustle and bustle of the massive cathedral where they could pray in silence and have conversations without distractions. She then indicated that we could visit the room when touring the inside of the cathedral.

Hours later, at the end of our interior tour, I reminded her that I wanted to visit that room in particular. So, after dismissing the rest of the group,she kindly and graciously led Matthew and I back through the interior of the church down several hallways and past multiple chapels until we finally arrived at this particular room in question. And here’s a view from inside that room looking straight up at the ceiling…

Of the dozens of rooms, chapels, alters and spaces of indescribable beauty, I have to say that this room is probably the least impressive for the vast majority of people who tour the cathedral. There’s really nothing of note inside the room, except spaces to sit, pray and talk. But the beauty of this ceiling, and I suppose the quietness of the space really struck me as probably one of my favorite places in the entire cathedral.

So, thanks to Laura’s generosity I have a lifetime memory that I will cherish.

I could go on and on with countless stories about our day, but alas Duolingo is reminding me that my 275 day streak is in jeopardy if I don’t get to my lessons by midnight.

So “Buenas Noches” y’all! We can talk about bull fighting tomorrow. 😀