theslammer
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances (2014)
I hope my story might be of some inspiration to others who are considering embarking on this amazing journey.
In 2003 I left my job in the UK and along with 3 friends traveled to Australia without flying. Trains, buses and boats only. We were backpacking, on a tight budget and I experienced more in those 9 and half months than in all of my previous 24 years combined.
After working and travelling in Australia for a year, the end of our trip came and we went our separate ways. I didn't feel ready to return to England and so decided to go back to Thailand which had been one of the highlights of the journey. Ten years and several jobs later I was still in Thailand and working in a senior role for one of the most luxurious resorts in Asia. US$ 7,000 a night luxurious. But I wasn't happy for a number of reasons which I may get the chance to tell you about one day.
Although I've moved apartments several times, one thing that always came with me was my old, worn and still dusty backpack. I'd look at it from time to time and think of how different my travels back then were in comparison to the holidays taken by the celebrities and oligarchs that were staying at my resort. Deep down I wanted to quit but didn't have the courage to make myself jobless.
Two days ago came the straw that broke the camel's back. In an emotional state I fired off a resignation email to my boss. Still in shock of what I had just done I received a call asking if I would mind taking a designer who was visiting the property out shopping. Fighting back tears of either fear or relief I drove with this stranger for an hour. I didn't want to discuss my personal situation but I asked him whether his job as a designer gave him fulfillment in life. He spoke openly and our conversation moved on to his separation and subsequent divorce a few years ago. He explained how when he was at his lowest ebb he had decided to do something that changed his outlook on life forever - El Camino.
I had not heard of the Camino before and was absolutely fascinated by his story and of the wonderfully inspiring journey he was describing. I immediately knew that this was a sign and that I need not fear my next big step in life. I would have a million smaller steps to take before I had to worry about that.
I will commence Camino Frances in early July and I am in no rush to arrive in Santiago de Compostela.
Buen Camino
In 2003 I left my job in the UK and along with 3 friends traveled to Australia without flying. Trains, buses and boats only. We were backpacking, on a tight budget and I experienced more in those 9 and half months than in all of my previous 24 years combined.
After working and travelling in Australia for a year, the end of our trip came and we went our separate ways. I didn't feel ready to return to England and so decided to go back to Thailand which had been one of the highlights of the journey. Ten years and several jobs later I was still in Thailand and working in a senior role for one of the most luxurious resorts in Asia. US$ 7,000 a night luxurious. But I wasn't happy for a number of reasons which I may get the chance to tell you about one day.
Although I've moved apartments several times, one thing that always came with me was my old, worn and still dusty backpack. I'd look at it from time to time and think of how different my travels back then were in comparison to the holidays taken by the celebrities and oligarchs that were staying at my resort. Deep down I wanted to quit but didn't have the courage to make myself jobless.
Two days ago came the straw that broke the camel's back. In an emotional state I fired off a resignation email to my boss. Still in shock of what I had just done I received a call asking if I would mind taking a designer who was visiting the property out shopping. Fighting back tears of either fear or relief I drove with this stranger for an hour. I didn't want to discuss my personal situation but I asked him whether his job as a designer gave him fulfillment in life. He spoke openly and our conversation moved on to his separation and subsequent divorce a few years ago. He explained how when he was at his lowest ebb he had decided to do something that changed his outlook on life forever - El Camino.
I had not heard of the Camino before and was absolutely fascinated by his story and of the wonderfully inspiring journey he was describing. I immediately knew that this was a sign and that I need not fear my next big step in life. I would have a million smaller steps to take before I had to worry about that.
I will commence Camino Frances in early July and I am in no rush to arrive in Santiago de Compostela.
Buen Camino
