Read part one here. Read part two here. Read part three here. In a small temple, shielded by ancient stones, a small altar was erected and candles lit. The smell of incense and the soulful chanting of Ave Maria added to the holy and mystical of that moment. The three Knights were dressed in their finest, …
One of the most common things that we hear from pilgrims is that the people they met and the relationships they forged combine to be one of the biggest highlight of their journeys. I was no exception to the rule. A few days into the Camino I had spoken to so many people; amongst them, …
Life after the Camino – Nurturing the Camino Relationships Read More »
Read part one here. Read part two here. Read part four here. Tomas would continually come over and reassure me, telling me to have faith and courage for the journey ahead. He encouraged me to meditate in the energy circle he had on the property, and to gather my strength. I did just that and, …
The clouds have lost the fight with the sun as I leave the San Marcos sports bar, the last hamlet, and the final kilometers of my Camino. I’m unaware that these will be the longest five kilometers of my Camino because I’ve yet to reconcile with the end. My legs easily submit to the incline …
Read “Life After the Camino – The Discussions” here. Read “Life After the Camino – The Tears” here. I feel it each time I see one of my Camino pictures. I feel it when I read a new Camino book or a blog entry from other pilgrims. I feel it when I speak to others about my …
Read part one here. Read part three here. Read part four here. I leaned back in my bed, trembling. Who was that? Why did he come straight to me? And that medallion – what does it mean? Surely, he is a connection to my Jerusalem omen. I must find him. Those were the only thoughts …
My family and friends were a little bit worried when they heard I was going to walk 800km in Southern France and Spain. I was not particularly famous for my sense of direction in my own country. I was always using navigation systems in the car. From the moment I started walking in Saint Jean …
Read part one here. Read part two here. Accepting that I’m going to reach this particular finish line alone, I drop into my usual stride. One step after the other as automatic as breathing. The clouds move quickly and cluster turning the town gray. I start down a dark road in my psyche to examine …
Read part two here. Read part three here. Read part four here. I arrived in Murias de Rechivaldo, hot and tired from the day’s long walk. I’m not sure why I didn’t stay in Astorga, a must on every pilgrim’s itinerary, four kilometers back. My feet seemed to have a life of their own, carrying …
Read part one here. Read part three here. Steven has chosen a cafe with a glass front that allows him to watch for Drayton and me from a dry perch. I step in onto the temporary doormat of cardboard and newspaper and do a full body shake. “Have you seen Drayton?” he asks, chuckling at …
