Today see’s the beginning of the week long easter festival of Semana Santa (Holy Week). This being a particularly religious part of the world, they really go to town with their celebrations. People come from all over the world to witness the processions, services and parades, all centred around the passion of the Christ. We’re woken by the two girls to go and see this for ourselves, and while desperate for eggs and bacon, we stand lining the streets to view Jesus on a float.
I do have a deep respect for people who have faith, but no interest in organised religion. My upbringing was one in the church, with my dad becoming a local preacher and a very good one at that. However the older I get the more cynicism takes over, and I acknowledge it is not a path I will be treading. I was a Christian for a short while in high school, but this was entirely down to a girl I fancied in the church. Not the best basis for getting to know god.
People need to believe in something, but with so many conflicting beliefs, the result has been many lifetimes of senseless violence. I read somewhere that if religion didn’t exist, the world would be at peace. I don’t know how true that is, but I’d be willing to bet it wouldn’t be any worse than it is now.
So once again finding myself awake at an (un)godly hour I stand in silence as the first of three floats depicting Jesus are carried past. Many people are carrying bunches of leaves and palms as they populate the busy streets. A military band provides the soundtrack, complete with smart uniforms and sombre faces. We’re actually a little disappointed as it is only a small ceremony, with the rest of the festival kicking off later in the week. Apparently hostels and hotels double their prices as hundreds of people flock to see the spectacle. I’m not sure Jesus would be very pleased about that. No room at the inn.
Missing Danni’s lips and nearly snogging a building wall has hardly been mentioned, although I am making some light heated remarks to cover my embarrassment, as well as displaying my intentions in not giving up. After a truly horrible breakfast we decide it’s best to return to the hostel and watch a film, where I’ll continue to swim after a ship that’s long since sailed. God loves a tryer.
Nothing happens, everyone hate’s my film choice (Thor) and before long it’s time to catch the bus to San Augusin. Thank fully the girls are going the same way we are, and we have plans to all go horse riding to archialogical sights tomorrow. I have at least one more evening to attempt to charm my lovely companion. Except we don’t make the bus. It’s full. The girls do though, as they’ve had the foresight to book tickets. They’re both due to leave San Augustin tomorrow evening for Bogota. The next bus is at 6am. My one night to impress turns into one night back at the hostel with Paddy desperate to crack one off as he hasn’t done in two months. Palm Sunday. Romance is well and truly dead.
A fake Salmon in blue cheese sauce does little to lift my spirits. Perhaps I need to start buying into the church again after all. Someone somewhere clearly doesn’t want me to get the girl.
Palm Sunday…
Today see’s the beginning of the week long easter festival of Semana Santa (Holy Week). This being a particularly religious part of the world, they really go to town with their celebrations. People come from all over the world to witness the processions, services and parades, all centred around the passion of the Christ. We’re woken by the two girls to go and see this for ourselves, and while desperate for eggs and bacon, we stand lining the streets to view Jesus on a float.
I do have a deep respect for people who have faith, but no interest in organised religion. My upbringing was one in the church, with my dad becoming a local preacher and a very good one at that. However the older I get the more cynicism takes over, and I acknowledge it is not a path I will be treading. I was a Christian for a short while in high school, but this was entirely down to a girl I fancied in the church. Not the best basis for getting to know god.
People need to believe in something, but with so many conflicting beliefs, the result has been many lifetimes of senseless violence. I read somewhere that if religion didn’t exist, the world would be at peace. I don’t know how true that is, but I’d be willing to bet it wouldn’t be any worse than it is now.
So once again finding myself awake at an (un)godly hour I stand in silence as the first of three floats depicting Jesus are carried past. Many people are carrying bunches of leaves and palms as they populate the busy streets. A military band provides the soundtrack, complete with smart uniforms and sombre faces. We’re actually a little disappointed as it is only a small ceremony, with the rest of the festival kicking off later in the week. Apparently hostels and hotels double their prices as hundreds of people flock to see the spectacle. I’m not sure Jesus would be very pleased about that. No room at the inn.
Missing Danni’s lips and nearly snogging a building wall has hardly been mentioned, although I am making some light heated remarks to cover my embarrassment, as well as displaying my intentions in not giving up. After a truly horrible breakfast we decide it’s best to return to the hostel and watch a film, where I’ll continue to swim after a ship that’s long since sailed. God loves a tryer.
Nothing happens, everyone hate’s my film choice (Thor) and before long it’s time to catch the bus to San Augusin. Thank fully the girls are going the same way we are, and we have plans to all go horse riding to archialogical sights tomorrow. I have at least one more evening to attempt to charm my lovely companion. Except we don’t make the bus. It’s full. The girls do though, as they’ve had the foresight to book tickets. They’re both due to leave San Augustin tomorrow evening for Bogota. The next bus is at 6am. My one night to impress turns into one night back at the hostel with Paddy desperate to crack one off as he hasn’t done in two months. Palm Sunday. Romance is well and truly dead.
A fake Salmon in blue cheese sauce does little to lift my spirits. Perhaps I need to start buying into the church again after all. Someone somewhere clearly doesn’t want me to get the girl.