When we arrived in the city
of Avila we were greeted with open arms.
Well, actually, open mouths.
I love Europe because
there's always crazy food around. Plus, it lets me take comical
pictures like this:
Yet, Avila isn't just known for its fish. Actually, it's known for its
saints. One specific saint...Theresa of Avila.
Theresa was born in this city in 1515. And though all saints are cool
(though
the word "cool" may not be useful here), she's one of only 33 Doctors
of the Church. And only 2 women are Doctors of the Church! So it
makes that whole fish picture thing seem even sillier.
Here's the convent where she lived for lots of years:
And here's me ringing the bell of the entrance. Man, do I look excited!
Either it was either a slow church day, or no one likes visiting, but
we
had the place to ourselves. Here's the main room of the convent:
Theresa of Avila is also known as Theresa of Jesus. And that's
because the infant Jesus appeared to her in this very building!
This is
the hallway where
Jesus appeared to her - which is an amazing place to just reflect and
pray. Even though the re-enactment statues are a little odd.
And, though it seems a
little personal, here's St. Theresa of Avila's bedroom:
And this is a piece of wood
which - when she was in a penitential mood - she'd rest her head
instead of a pillow.
Speaking of heads, I noticed most of the place was built for short
people. I mean, I'm only 5'8" and check out how my head barely clears
the place. There's no religious significance to this, but I just found
it odd.
