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> I went for a walk yesterday morning. I wasn't heading anywhere special and I hadn't gone very far down the dusty dirt road leading away from where we're staying in Perula. It was a beautiful morning, complete with crystal blue sky, a light breeze and warm sun. I wasn't far down the path, heading to nowhere in particular, when I was surrounded by beautiful music. It felt like a soft orchestra blending with the strings of a well-played guitar and it filled the air surrounding me. Then, to perfect this magical aura, came the perfect voice of a gifted tenor. That's when I realized I was walking by a church and I slowed my pace so as to hear more… longer. I neared the intersection of my road and crossed… and then I stopped. My feet would go no further in that direction but turned slowly around and carried me back towards the music. There was a set of stone stairs, up the rock and gravelled slope in front of the open church doors and an older man lounged on the top step, also enjoying the music. I moved on so as not to disturb him. I stood for a while, enthralled by this beautiful, soul searching music and song, and I looked for somewhere I might sit but I found no such throne. Shortly thereafter I saw the man had moved on and, somewhat surprisingly and despite my cranky knees, I scrambled up a loose rocky path from the street where I stood, to the steps in front of the church door…and I sat to listen with my ears and with my heart. I can tell you this. I have never, in my rather long life, been so moved by church music and I will try never to forget the feeling. The music ended not too long after that and I moved on to continue my walk, as it turned out, down to the sea where I sat again - thinking about that music and my love of salt water… and all that has brought me to this place. Finally, and as the sun was getting very hot, my feet carried me back to where I started and I carried on with my day… like you do… even after experiences that are so moving.
I hope that each of you have the chance to be so enchanted… always, CJ
