The late afternoon sun that was mild has turned warm, a last blaze before it sets maybe, yet it causes me to sweat under my layers. Instead of removing them, I move into the shade and follow the stone walkway to the steps that lower me into an arch, where a man blows into the …
Today I’ve descended along the Rua do Gozo that flows into the Rua da Ponte de San Lázaro, a circular junction to slower traffic coming and going from Santiago and an overpass above the Av. de Camilo José Cela, that’s framed by four crosswalks. Pedestrians’ Russian roulette skills are tested because drivers seem confused as …
I met Nestor and his owner midway through my first Camino in 2011. I was heading to the backyard of an albergue to hang my clothes when I noticed him resting in the grass. I met his owner, Jean (from Bordeaux France) and he answered many of my questions such as Nestor’s load (the tent, …
The long sturdy appendages at the end of my arms, that the Spanish call batones, are almost as natural to me as the limbs I was born with. My sticks helped me climb the Pyrenees and across the vast assortment of terrain of Northern Spain; at the end of each day I collapse them, reverently …
Two years ago I started a hike which had a positive impact on me. It’s a famous ancient pilgrimage path called Camino de Santiago. I got a lot of questions regarding this walk of almost 800 kilometers or 500 miles. Here are some of them…. How long did you walk? I started to walk from …
The bustle of the citizens of Santiago is evidence that they have either forgotten or become complacent with residing in one of the world’s most sacred places. I pass people as they get on with the tasks at hand, while I, it seems, remain invisible. I look into the cafes searching for any sign of …
From the moment I discovered the dates of the Camino documentary’s Santiago viewings, I knew I had to do everything in my power to be part of the joyous occasion. My Camino this time had taken quite a few different turns but my arrival to Santiago was sure to provide me with even more surprises. …
The Excitement in Santiago: A Review of Walking the Camino Read More »
I cross over a narrow steel bridge that looks like it’s been assaulted by a bionic hole punch, leaving rust as traceable DNA. A wild sunlit stream rushes underneath as if it’s in a hurry to arrive at its destination, bringing to mind the slow rolling streams flowing in the forests behind me. I pine …
During my first Camino in 2011, I already knew that I would be returning to undertake the journey again. I wasn’t sure at the time when this return would be, but as sure as I knew originally that I would experience the Camino, I knew that my feet would again travel the same roads pilgrims …
Often we hear of people who, year after year, choose to return to their favorite vacation spots. In fact, I know of several families who have bought timeshares and return regularly to the same city, even the same apartment or house. I know from their stories that returning to a familiar location they enjoy has …
Life after the Camino – Explaining the Need to Return Read More »
