Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Spanish Shells

Yesterday I received a big package from my friends Byron and Xinver all the way from Spain! As usual, I went online to see how far away they live from me. This is the first package I've received that I cannot get driving distance to. If I were to drive to Byron and Xinver's house my car would have to be either a boat or an airplane! I did find out that from Westhampton, New York to Alicante,Valenciana, Spain it is 3,738 miles (6,015 kilometers). That's a long way!
Byron and Xinver went to a beautiful beach on the Mediterranean and found so many beautiful liitle shells! I can't believe how many they sent me! In addition to the little shells there was one really big shell!
The story of the big shell was so meaningful, I thought I'd post the whole thing. For more beautiful pictures, please be sure to visit Byron & Xinver's blog.
Hi everybody. Once Pedro has received our conchas (shells) we are ready to explain the meaning of the big one. Ok, it's Byron who writes now. Santiago (James) was one of the twelve apostols, and it is believed that his bones rest in Santiago de Compostela, nowadays a big town in Galicia (Northwest of Spain). So, since the Middle Ages, people from all over Europe went walking there to make their offers to the saint. This is a tradition that is still alive and we can see people going there all year round. Not so long ago, when I was just a year old (now I am three) but Xinver wasn't been born yet, the Boss was determined to travel to Santiago. If you want to be a real pilgrim you must get there walking, and you must walk a long distance (more than 100 Km). When you start, you are provided with a personal chart and you have to ask for stamps wherever you pass through, as pointers of your journey. This is the proof you have made the travel on foot (it is possible to go on bycicle, too; or on a horse). There are many different motivations to do this: religious, personal, promises... It doesn't matter if you ara a catholic or not, this journey has many more meanings... It is supposed you're going to travel humbly. There are lots of places to stay for just a few euros along the way, but you have to share everything there, even the room to sleep. Ok, the Boss planned this adventure with a friend of his in April. Galicia is a cold area, and one of the most beautiful in Spain... They walked 250 km in ten days and they thought they couldn't do it because of serious inflammation of their knee and ankle joints... But they finally did it... Cold, rain, snow, ... but wonderful places and thoughts. What about the Big Shell. As you can see, the Shell is everywhere. It is called vieira, a kind of mollusc from Galicia itself. It is a symbol of the Camino de Santiago (Santiago's Way). The pilgrims wore one of these shells in their luggages, so that everyone could see they were on a pilgrimage. Now we do the same. As a symbol, it is seen everywhere and if you follow the shells, you won't get lost and will arrive to Santiago.The Shell we gave to Pedro was one of the shells the Boss took with him during his journey. That's why it is so important to him. So, Pedro, you have some small shells from the Mediterranean Sea and one Big Shell from the Atlantic Ocean in Spain. We hope you like them.
Byron and Xinver check out the shells before they're packed up for the long flight to New York.Tris the cat does a final inspection too. Hey! Doesn't Tris look like Libby???I don't even have words for how much your gift of shells means to me. They are all so beautiful and are a wonderful addition to the collection. Thank you Byron, Xinver, Tris & the Boss!

22 comments:

Suzuki said...

Hi Pedro :)
Mummy still hasn't gotten me any information on what customs will let me send to you... I will bark at her to move her butt!
Big licks to you
Suzuki
xxx

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

That was just sooooooo khool!

We enjoyed their post about the shells and the meaning behind them!

AND we are furry much enjoying your posts about them too!

What a grrrreat projekht woo thought of! I hope your mom appreciates how khlever woo are!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Anonymous said...

Hi Pedro! Those are some very special shells from Byron and Xinver. Wow!

See ya!
Joey

Golden Samantha said...

That is a very special story - We loved reading all about those beautiful shells! Thanks for posting the whole tale! Your table looks fabulous!
xo Sammie

Byron y Xinver said...

We're very happy to see the shells on your table. The Big Shell is beautiful indeed. Good project. Hugs.

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

Hello Pedro, I has seed on some of my friends blogs that they is sending you rocks and shells. I live right next door to a beach so I will send you some from here! I will go out tomorrow and collect some.
~lickies, Ludo

the many Bs said...

hi Pedro, those are fantastic shells and well travelled too! you are getting some really cool stuff for your table.

we hope you get our package soon. there is a special 'magic' rock in it.

woofs

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We saw a preview of the shells on Byron and Xinver's post - their selections are made even more special because of the story behind them.

Woos, the OP Pack

JB's Big and Small Worlds said...

How cool is that and a great story to go along with the shells! My mom says that the best trip she ever had was to the coast of Spain on the Med.
--JB

Sharon said...

Wow, what a journey that shell has been on! It'll make a nice addition to the table :)

S and D

GSD Adventures said...

Awesome story! Those shells sure made a long journey!

Wags,
Pruett and Daphne

Guardian Angel Ziggy said...

Hey lil' bro.

The shells you got are absolutley beautiful! And the story behind the big shell is just amazing! Thanks Byron and Xinver!

Happy Trails
Ziggy Marley

Rambo said...

Cosuin,
that is sooo cool that you got shells from Spain!! The big shell is really pretty. And what a neat story! You are so lucky to have such nice friends.
love,
cousin Rambo
pees esss. the table looks pawsome

Lorenza said...

Hi, Pedro!
When Byron and Xinver told us about the shell I knew you were going to love it!
The shells and the story are beautiful!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Thor and Jack said...

Hi Pedro!
How cool! Byron and Xinver sent you beautiful shells! I like your post. The story of the big shell is very interesting.

xoxoxo
Thor

Dino and Family said...

Whoa! Beautiful shells! That is so awesome of Byron and Xinver!!! Btw, we have a rock for you on the way, I hope you like it! Love, Dino

Moco said...

Pedro,
That is a wonderful group of shells that you have received and a wonderful story to go along with them. Your table with have extra special meaing when it is completed.

Bobby said...

I have read about Byron y Xinver's dad going on a long journey. It is nice to know the shells mean somthing.

Kelli said...

Hi Pedro!
Those are some wonderful shells you got! What a special gift from Byron & Xinver! Your Table is looking wonderful! I hope I can get some rocks or shells for you before it's all full!
:) Tibby

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

Oh what beautiful shells you got. That is a long ways away. You are one special pup..

Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Hector and Lola said...

Nice shells, Pedro! They are a pawsome addition! :) -Hecky & Lola

Pink Chihuahua Princess said...

Its so sweet of everybody to keep sending you fun rocks and these shells! You look so cute with them!

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