We decide to use this last Saturday to do some sightseeing. As we both like to see different things in the city, Diahann and I (Annemarie, writing this blog) decide to split up for the morning.
When I leave the hotel, I notice something out of the ordinary. All week long the police has been visible at every street corner. But this morning the police are lined up on Gran Via all along the pavement. Helicopters circle above the street. A group of pilgrims from Hawaii tell me that in a few minutes time the Pope will travel to an event nearby. And so it is, the Pope passes by on Gran Via right outside the hotel. A great start of the morning!
It is very clear though, that most pilgrims are on their way to Cuatro Vientos. The streets are not half as full with pilgrims anymore and many street barriers have been removed. I decide to go to the museum of Thyssen-Bornemisza to visit an exposition of paintings called 'Encounters'. Paintings from Brueghel, Stom, Il Guernico and others show different scenes where people meet Christ in the stories of the Gospel.
After the museum, I take a walk to the nearby church of San Jeronimo el Real. There I meet a group of pilgrims called the Legionairs of Christ. One of the accompanying priests of the group says Mass in English and so I decide to stay and listen. Inside the beautiful church it is very warm, but the pilgrims seem to take the heat for granted by now. The best thing to do is just sit very still...
To finish this morning's tour of cultural Madrid, I take one of the red 'hop on hop off' buses for a spin around the city centre. The bus passes the royal palace and the cathedral, where I hop off. The cathedral is still closed, but on the cathedral square a big group of pilgrims has gathered for a final farewell to the city before going to Cuatro Vientos. The atmosphere is still festive, although some pilgrims wisely take a siesta in the heat of Madrid.
Walking back to the hotel, I meet more groups on their way to the evening vigil with the Pope. It marks the end of the days in the centre of Madrid, as most of the pilgrims will travel home on Sunday evening or Monday morning.
As I write this blog, the vigil with the Pope has started. I'm trying to watch the vigil on television at the same time as writing this last blog from Madrid.
Although Diahann and I were here for work, the experience of World Youth Day has also had a personal impact on us. The incredible atmosphere, the encounters with pilgrims from all over the world, their stories and their friendship during this week has touched our hearts.
We hope that through this blog, we have been able to share some of the World Youth Day magic with you. For those of you who may have become inspired, there is more information about studying Christianity and theology in general at Tilburg University. Just follow the links in the menu of this blog.
Adios y vaya con Dios!
Diahann and Annemarie
