So we are here on retreat in Salamanca. Sitting in a reflection on how to talk about WYD. I guess we all have both similar and varying ideas. The first week in the Holy Land was amazing. It was moving and inspiring and even though it was hot and we were flat out, I never felt that it was too difficult. The 51 of us that traveled through there were inspirational people - always full of love and energy. Highly recommend it! The second week in Spain was entirely di...

Boy did that storm roll in. Not sure if it made news but we had lightning and a heavy shower. The wind whipped up and sent things everywhere. The Pope persisted with the prayer vigil though, in the outer, people were huddling together trying to get out of the storm. The rain ceased just for 20 mins during adoration then it kicked in again after. The rain eased for the evening and we were able to sleep - now it's morning and it's the first cool one for a while. We...

So we survived the push out and I think we are all started to get colds from the sleep out and exhaustion. Tired but excited we have trekked out to a soccer stadium to watch an exhibition game. Once again, the spainish weather has turned from warm and 35+ degrees to wet and wild - we are all here in ponchos and shorts. There's a great atmosphere despite the fickle weather. Tomorrow we are off to Salamanca for a short rest before the group heads to Melbourne and M...

We have been sitting in a military airfield for hours now. First it was very hot now the storm clouds are rolling in. It hasn't started raining yet. It's very disorganized - we are squeezed into our designated area but people area being turned away at the gate because there is not enough space. The pope will arrive in 5 minutes, I think the rain will arrive at the same moment.

Another gorgeous day. Another day without sunscreen seriously what is with the sun in Australia! There are two older Spanish men having a passionate discussion two picnic tables up from me in this park. And two Columbian gentlemen having their lunch beside me. There are other languages everywhere - Madrid is a busy place.