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, a woman who was walking in memory of her departed husband. She came from France and we walked together for three days. I went ahead of her when she decided to spend a time of rest. I then met my French friends through the mutual admiration of their donkey Nestor. I left ahead again, and reconnected with them and another couple a few days later.
We, as a group called “Team Nestor,” travelled together for almost three weeks. We developed such a close-knit friendship that we couldn’t leave each other upon our arrival as originally planned. We spent two extra days together exploring Santiago and enjoying our company.
I believe that the culture of the Camino is a very openly sharing culture. We strip away the chitchat when speaking to other pilgrims and oftentimes we share details that are sometimes reserved for longtime friends. I attribute the formation of these strong friendships to that openness.
Our Camino friends are many; some are fleeting and spend very little time with us yet their affect is strong. Some friends stay with us for short periods of time, some friends come and go throughout our journey.
I was so blessed to have met my Team Nestor member. I returned from my Camino in June 2011, and every month I received an email or a call from one or many members of this team. In fact, the last couple that joined Team Nestor visited me last summer and we spent two beautiful weeks together.
Even though all of us were French, I had as much to learn about the culture of France as they about the culture of Canada. We exchanged long conversations about philosophy, religion, and life in general. We enjoyed each other’s company even in the downtime. One of our greatest joys was taking an hour lunch each day to rest and recharge.
These friends were instrumental during my journey, and cherished after our return home.
I know that some pilgrims don’t want to remain in contact with other pilgrims and for many good reasons. Someone once told me that he purposely did not give his contact information because he felt that the encounters were intended for the Camino alone. I can understand that point of view. Of all the individuals I encountered during my Camino, only these five individuals are still part of my current life.
Whether the interactions be for a minute, an hour, a journey, or a lifetime, treasure these interactions. They are part of the Camino beauty!
Sylvie
Pilgrim Sylvie HanesCanada
www.sylviehanes.ca
Completed first Camino in 2011
You are spot on with your article. I met a lady from Canada and we have stayed in contact and visited each other several times. We just have a lot in common. Unfortunately, the friend I travelled with on the Road is no longer my friend because of this trip. I guess travelling together in sometimes extreme physical situations that our friendship just didn’t make the cut. I think the Road teaches us many lessons and I am happy that I got to experience it even though it had repercussions I didn’t expect. Looking forward to walking the Portuguese Way next year. This time I will go solo to be able to experience things and other people more fully. Thanks for your article, it sure rang true to me!