- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2009-2022: CFx6, CP, VdlPx2, Mozarabe, more later.
I just felt for writing this...
The last 6 years, I have done 4 walks in Espana, on CF and VdlP. It has taught me a lot about Espana. I actually never visited Espana mainland before my first Camino. I have become fond of the land, and I also have become very fond of the Espanols. I will return again this April. I will most likely return every year from now to enjoy the land and the friendly people. I may even stay there: I have contemplated the thought more than once.
Imagine: A country that is offering all of us to enjoy the beautiful Caminos, with cheap facilities for overnighting, eating, drinking, and living a simple life on the road. While they at the same time are being tormented with economics, pestered by rich EU countries (OK; politics finished). We should all be thankful for this wonderful offer from Espana.
What I most wanted to say, is that I am so thankful for the way I have been received in Espana: Friendly and helpful people, desperately trying to understand what I want/need when my limited Spanish is not good enough (God knows I politely try to pay respect by speaking as much Espanol as I can).
Espanols walking with me for days just because they wanted to improve my language.Teaching me small secrets of food. Teaching me about wine selection. Helpful in a busy day for them. Showing me directions. The beautiful (and beautifully dressed) women of Sevilla, trying to teach this old Viking pilgrim to dance the flamenco during the Festa, including me in their private party tent. The old black dressed (widow) beggar woman in Merida, kissing my cheeks after coffee in a cafe (The waiter was reluctant, but I convinced him) and a solid lump of coins in her cup. All the hospitaleros/as taking care of me on their busy days, giving me a bed for the night.
We should all be sooo grateful for having this generous offer of being able to walk through a beautiful land at a reasonal price/day, and experience the hospitality that we really receive, despite hard times for many of them.
I cannot help but feeling that a part of my heart has gone to Espana. I feel for, and with, the Espanols.
Gracias, amigos y amigas.
The last 6 years, I have done 4 walks in Espana, on CF and VdlP. It has taught me a lot about Espana. I actually never visited Espana mainland before my first Camino. I have become fond of the land, and I also have become very fond of the Espanols. I will return again this April. I will most likely return every year from now to enjoy the land and the friendly people. I may even stay there: I have contemplated the thought more than once.
Imagine: A country that is offering all of us to enjoy the beautiful Caminos, with cheap facilities for overnighting, eating, drinking, and living a simple life on the road. While they at the same time are being tormented with economics, pestered by rich EU countries (OK; politics finished). We should all be thankful for this wonderful offer from Espana.
What I most wanted to say, is that I am so thankful for the way I have been received in Espana: Friendly and helpful people, desperately trying to understand what I want/need when my limited Spanish is not good enough (God knows I politely try to pay respect by speaking as much Espanol as I can).
Espanols walking with me for days just because they wanted to improve my language.Teaching me small secrets of food. Teaching me about wine selection. Helpful in a busy day for them. Showing me directions. The beautiful (and beautifully dressed) women of Sevilla, trying to teach this old Viking pilgrim to dance the flamenco during the Festa, including me in their private party tent. The old black dressed (widow) beggar woman in Merida, kissing my cheeks after coffee in a cafe (The waiter was reluctant, but I convinced him) and a solid lump of coins in her cup. All the hospitaleros/as taking care of me on their busy days, giving me a bed for the night.
We should all be sooo grateful for having this generous offer of being able to walk through a beautiful land at a reasonal price/day, and experience the hospitality that we really receive, despite hard times for many of them.
I cannot help but feeling that a part of my heart has gone to Espana. I feel for, and with, the Espanols.
Gracias, amigos y amigas.
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