We just concluded the Opening Mass - the streets outside my window are ringing still with the chants and general rucus of the pilgrims returning to where they are staying.
Our day began with a fantastic breakfast (parents - I know you'll hear about the food, particularly from the gentlemen in the group). All the group went on a walking tour of the city with my brother. He was quite the tour guide as they journeyed through the nearby gardens, monuments, and parks. They even had enough time to duck into a museum.
Meanwhile I was at the animator's meeting - think Master of Ceremonies. It turns out our pilgrims have some work to do. They will be greeters and general facilitators for some of the activities at our catechetical session.
Once the meeting was done, we managed to meet up at Puerta del Sol. It is no small feat considering the crowds.
Then we continued a walking tour of the city past some monuments, a couple of more plazas, the exterior of the Palace, and the Cathedral.
Next, we took a siesta at our hotel. With the heat and the need to refill our water bottles, it was a good rest for us all.
We then headed to a shady spot for the Opening Mass. We camped out for about 3 hours prior and then Mass began at 8. We perfected just the right position to hold our radios in order to get a clear signal of the English translation. Once Mass ended, the police had some barricades up to help have a proper flow of foot and motor traffic. This meant we had to take the long way to our hotel - it took all of 15 minutes to walk home. It was difficult, but we managed somehow.
Now we are all cleaning up a bit, drinking another bottle or two of water and heading to sleep for another busy day in Madrid tomorrow. After another equally fabulous breakfast!
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