Impression from the monastery in Velp (Nbr)

“In the dining room, groups of pilgrims sit at different tables. A couple who arrived a little later is forced to join the largest group. They greet with a nod and sit down opposite each other at the far end of the table. The male is a bit older, around 55 and his female companion in her early 30s. They are looked at surreptitiously and perhaps internal questions are asked: the father of, 2nd marriage?

They stand out, not only because of the age difference but also because of their silence. They try to involve the newcomers in the conversation and ask the usual questions: where do you come from, how many kilometers have you walked today and how many tomorrow… The young woman gives a short and friendly answer to each question and then continues with her meal. She doesn’t ask questions. The man doesn’t react to anything and imperturbably spoons down his soup.

It seems as if the others are a bit uncomfortable with it, as if unspoken protocols are being ignored here. “Father and daughter are out together?” the woman next to him tries again. The young woman now seems to expect an answer and looks at him. He gives her a wink, doesn’t know anything about it and continues to eat contentedly. At dessert they give up, it’s not easy to chat with that man.

‘Hallelujah,’ he might think.”

By Walk of Wisdom pilgrim Arno van Haren from the Emmaus monastery in Velp (Nbr.)
More about Arno