Turrets
Before winding my way to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and starting the Camino, I spent a couple days exploring Biarritz on the southwest coast of France. I wandered the long main beach north, heading toward a lighthouse that overlooked the town. At a certain point I could go no farther, and needed to turn away from the beach and up a flight of stairs that led to…well, I knew not where.
The way up was narrow. A rough rock wall pushed in from the left, and dense foliage grew up on the right. A tower appeared at the top of the stairs, pushing it’s way forward into the sky. It’s shadow fell down the stairs as I climbed up. A regally alluring castle-like home hovered over the path. I didn’t see it from below, and discovering it now, my imagination soared. Who lived here? How old was it? What would it be like to look out of that turret over the city and the sea? I was enraptured by the building and forgot the stress on my legs from the long way up. It was a wonderful discovery I did not expect when I began my march up the stairs.
At the top, I found myself on a quiet street (surrounded by marvelous homes) that led off to the city center on the right, and to the lighthouse on the left.
Why not take the time today or tomorrow to go on a path you are unfamiliar with? What will you discover?