Rick's reflection as we start off...

Camino reflection 5-28
     I have a little more time to reflect on our journey as I wait for Jo to recover from a (hopefully short lived) stomach bug.  We had planned some extra time in Porto prior to the start of the walk and with a small airline delay and Jo's food poisoning, it turns out to have been important.
     I am anxious to start the walk.  Jo often asks me about my expectations for an activity.  Often, I have a hard time answering her.  I find that when I go into something with expectations, those same expectations will color my interpretations of the event.  If I expect something to be fun or interesting or boring or unpleasant, often it is.  While my original expectations may reflect an accurate assessment, sometimes my expectations can color my experiences and memories.  It is easier to remember good experiences and forget bad experiences when one expects a good event.  The reverse about expectations is just as true.  For that reason, I will try to approach something will an open mind to see where the experiences lead me.  I realize that there are many beliefs implicit in my personality and world outlook that will color my interpretations, but I will at least try to reduce the more egregious kinds of prejudices that can lead me to false conclusions.  I try to reason forward from the data to the conclusion rather than the reverse.  I know my mind is a bit weird that way, but sorry, that is me.
     After saying all of that, I must admit the power of emotion.  I am a sucker for medieval cathedrals.  In Porto, the Franciscan Cathedral was begun in the 14th century and updated many times since.  It has a simple, almost austere exterior, but the interior consists of a baroque set of altars and alcoves that are simply stunning.  Combine that with the pipe organ music and I could stay there for hours (actually I did).  I was reminded of the words of Olga, mother of Valdimir the Great upon entering the Hagia Sofia in Constantiople.  "God must dwell in this house!" In that cathedral I could respond, "yes He must".
     For those reasons, I am anxious to start.  I want to see what the Camino will bring.  What experiences will occur, what new people I will meet, what reflections will I will have.  Yes, I know that my excitement is something that effects my interpretations, but that is not something that I am willing give up.
     We meet the tour guide and the rest of the group today at 1:00.  OK, we're off!