In the meantime, at Plaza de Jesus, the Dutch catechesis had started. Our three colleagues at WYD, students from Tias Nimbas (Laurien, Nanne and Evelien) began their survey among the Dutch pilgrims on their view of the study of theology.
Distributing the hats proved to be an easy task, because many pilgrims were eager to get one. At the end of the catechesis they poured out of the crypt under the church, happy to be in the fresh air as the heat in the crypt was unbearable. It was 39C!
Soon our hats were seen everywhere in the street, and many groups were happy to pose for a picture with their cool new pilgrim gear. We also met a colleague from Fontys College of Theology!
Even the crew from the Dutch broadcasting company KRO wore our hats! Luckily they asked us to record a greeting for national television and we were happy to oblige and to say hello to the School of Catholic Theology at Tilburg University :) It will be broadcasted tomorrow (Thursday) on Dutch television.
Having distributed all hats (and that was only half of what we brought to Madrid) we set out to drive back to the hotel. This proved to be a MIGHTY challenge... in fact, it made us rather cranky as none of us could find our way out of the wrong part of town, almost found ourselves on our way to Toledo and by sheer luck eventually ended up back in the city centre. We were never so happy to see the hotel!!
After a change of outfit, we walked (!) to Plaza Mayor to distribute the mini-clogs to the foreign pilgrims on our way. Most pilgrims were very enthusiastic about the clogs and the competition. Pilgrims from Korea, India and Australia traded little gifts with us, which was a very nice gesture.
We soon ran out of our first batch of 200 clogs, so the day's job was done and we set out to get a meal near Plaza Gran Via where the pilgrim party continued well into the evening.
Of course we heard the news that some protest manifestations were held in the city, but we never encountered the protesters. It is interesting to see that the Pope's visit raises many questions and different emotions, all of them valid. Still, the atmosphere remains pleasant and joyous, which is what makes World Youth Day stand out from any other massive event.
Don't forget to check us out on Dutch TV tomorrow if you have a chance, or visit:
KRO at World Youth Day!
Diahann and Annemarie
