We left our backpacks at the lodging (Hotel Savana)--sounds fancy but was simple--and trekked two km to the site of the 9th century Chelmie Castle. Not much of the castle can be seen, but the early settlement became occupied by the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Early travelers on the Via Regia (Camino) were protected by this Order.
The Order's history through absorption by other orders (eg. the Knights Templars, Hospitallers, etc.) is so complex--I don't pretend to understand it, except to mention that an 80-year-old priest has taken on the task of keeping the history alive. We took his personal tour in "his" museum. And we touched a little part of that!
Today was also confirmation at the church there in Chelmie (note the hearts at bottom left of altar--one for each youngster being confirmed). We saw them arrive at church. The one pic shows their vestments (the boy lives in the house to his left--quite a mansion. The other pic shows the older girls helping the priest with confirmation. Note: everyone is super excited about the upcoming World Youth Day celebrated in Poland at multiple venues, even at this little village!!!!
Near the end of our walk we saw some spectacular motor bike stunts and then came one of the best goulashes I've ever had--the meat layered on top of two scrumptious potato pancakes. Again we're in a hotel; the pilgrims' hostel was closed and we couldn't raise anyone at the Franciscan-run college.
