Respect

Today's theme was respect. I witnessed the extremes of the spectrum. I am noticing a significant lack of respect from several members of our group towards others in our group and locals. Today was much more noticable due to the long car ride and the frustration of not being able to get to the hotel very quickly. Tempers were running higher than normal and I believe feelings were hurt in many ways.
When we arrived in Zaragoza, we had the opportunity to visit the Basilica there. This was, by far, my favorite Catholic building we have visited so far. The building defies description. There was so many layers of symbols, and the art work on the walls and domes were masterpieces. I could have stayed there for days discovering meaning within its walls. The structure was filled with reverence and sacredness that the previously visited Basilicas lacked. I got to see a nun for the first time. It was a neat experience. All of my previous nun experienced originates from Sister Act and is apparently not very accurate. These nuns were amazing examples to me. While watching them interact within the Basilica, I noticed the extreme respect and care they took towards the building. When they touched the walls, it was more of a caress. When they looked around at the paintings and sculptures, I saw affection and fondness in their eyes. I realize that this building is their home, but I really believe they see every inch as the miraculous blessing it is. I sincerely look up to these women who dedicate everything they have to a cause they believe in. Those who attended the Basilica for a service also showed a lot of respect towards both the nuns and the building. When walking into the Basilica, most dipped their fingers into holy water and made the symbol of the cross. There was a very strong devotion in these worshipers.
While we were there, there was a little girl that was having her first communion. There were two different guys taking pictures, and the mother was on the verge of tears. It was interesting to observe the respect someone else shows for something that I have had no experience in or knowledge of. There are so many ways to show respect. Not every way involves such outward expressions. Just valuing someone else as another human being doing their best in this messed up world is enough most of the time. The ancient Roman ruins were interesting to glimpse at, and I look forward to more exposure to them tomorrow. There must be a lot of dedication in someone to have these walls protected for thousands of years.