The Puigcerda Tales

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The town of Puigcerda lies in one of the largest valleys in Europe, so my Spanish friends say. Mr. Sitges’ brother, Pepe, and his band of adventurous companions invited me to join them for a weekend in the Pyrenees. Alongside Jordi, Ignasi, and Fr. Antonio, a fast-talking Jesuit from the region of Andalusia in Spain, and Pepe, our group basked in our freedom, hiking to an abandoned monastery on a mountain lying just beyond of the border of France, played board and card games, and connected with some of Pepe’s family friends enjoying warm home cooked meals. 

The highlight of the weekend was our day of hiking up and down the long valley practically from dawn to dusk. I’ve been on many long walks. But this walk...was a loooong walk. Yet we barely noticed the time pass nor our stomachs grumbling. We walked in pairs then switched and switched again, sharing stories and numerous laughs. It reminded me of the Canterbury Tales and the tales traded among a knight, a clerk, a merchant, a monk, a nun and many more all traveling along the same medieval road together. It also reminded me how fortunate I was to have found fellowship with such great people. For some time in the beginning of this experience I was quite lonely. Not so much now. How my heart burns with gratitude!