Kevin Considine
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2021
ITS A LONG WAY FROM TIPPERARY TO SANTIAGO. Day 142 Santiago de Compostela:
For the 8th time I walked into Santiago de Compostela last Sunday coming via the Camino del Norte’s 820 kilometers. This after arriving in late August from Ireland on a 3,000K pilgrimage from my ancestral home giving me 360 days on the Camino as a pilgrim or hospitalero. Each pilgrimage has been special and one would think that is enough. But no, I will be back and have no doubt that it’s magic will touch me again.
Why? Because I love long distance walking and enjoying nature, the simplicity of life as a peregrino, and that each day is different. That kindness and compassion are the rule on the Camino. Pilgrims go out of their way to be kind and helpful to fellow peregrinos in need. Many locals also seem to want to be of service to peregrinos when help is needed. That pilgrims are tolerant of each other. Talk is more about why you walk the Camino and your inner feelings that have called you here. Rarely does talk center around careers or work or money or things. More around The Camino and what brings you here, ideas, philosophies.
The Camino has many albergues with experienced pilgrims volunteering as hospitaleros and you often get VIP treatment not because you pay for it but simply because you are a pilgrim and the hospitaleros have such deep compassion for those they serve. Sometimes it’s a seat with a cold or hot drink, a slice of cold watermelon, perhaps carrying your backpack, or providing you a bed in a quiet spot when they see you are very tired. Or my favorite, a warm smile and a hug. Ultreia! Buen Camino!
For the 8th time I walked into Santiago de Compostela last Sunday coming via the Camino del Norte’s 820 kilometers. This after arriving in late August from Ireland on a 3,000K pilgrimage from my ancestral home giving me 360 days on the Camino as a pilgrim or hospitalero. Each pilgrimage has been special and one would think that is enough. But no, I will be back and have no doubt that it’s magic will touch me again.
Why? Because I love long distance walking and enjoying nature, the simplicity of life as a peregrino, and that each day is different. That kindness and compassion are the rule on the Camino. Pilgrims go out of their way to be kind and helpful to fellow peregrinos in need. Many locals also seem to want to be of service to peregrinos when help is needed. That pilgrims are tolerant of each other. Talk is more about why you walk the Camino and your inner feelings that have called you here. Rarely does talk center around careers or work or money or things. More around The Camino and what brings you here, ideas, philosophies.
The Camino has many albergues with experienced pilgrims volunteering as hospitaleros and you often get VIP treatment not because you pay for it but simply because you are a pilgrim and the hospitaleros have such deep compassion for those they serve. Sometimes it’s a seat with a cold or hot drink, a slice of cold watermelon, perhaps carrying your backpack, or providing you a bed in a quiet spot when they see you are very tired. Or my favorite, a warm smile and a hug. Ultreia! Buen Camino!
