Camino fate or coincidence?!

[Rich1]

When I did the Camino de Santiago in 2015, I met the fabulous Marty from Arizona. An ultra runner like myself, Marty ran races such as Badwater, Western States and Leadville in the 1990’s. A real trail blazer. We talked for hours.
Today I went to the English speaking mass in Santiago Cathedral...and unbelievably Marty was there having completed the Portugués Camino.
We were both simply staggered...truly a wonderful Camino moment

 

[NualaOC]

An ultra-beautiful coincidence for both of you! Thanks for sharing.

 

[mspath]

As Rich's post above shows on the camino serendipity can slmost be commonplace.

One stormy night late January 2009 in Trinidad de Arre at the Marist fathers' albergue I was writing in the common room a blog post on happenstance, chance encounter and camino serendipity.

At the very moment that I defined the word 'serendipity' another pilgrim knocked at the door. Happily speaking Italian he was welcomed by two Spanish pilgrims. The Italian entered the common room, turned to say 'buona sera' to me and then enthusiastically shouted 'Margaret'! Imagine my delight upon realizing that he was Mario whom I had last seen during breakfast at Burguete the year before in 2008!! Another fortuitous chance encounter indeed.

We and a French pilgrim, Polo, had met on the little train going to St Jean Pied de Port and together walked up the Valcarlos route to Roncesvalles. As Mario and I nostalgically recollected those 'good old times' we tentatively promised to meet again "next year on the camino". ...Although our paths have never re-crossed, one never knows !

 

[naplesdon]

I met a great friend from Biarritz yesterday in Boadilla.

 

[Burchy]

I met an Australian chap in Tasmania while I was on holiday. Two years later I was in Inverness bus station in Scotland and there he was, sat waiting for a bus.
It still amazes me.

 

[t2andreo]

Two observations: (1) for inveterate travelers and pilgrims, the world is indeed a small place; and (2) Santiago does work in strange ways...

 

[Former member 49149]

I wrote something recently in the forum and this is precisely what was trying to emerge out of the recesses of my awareness. If we are open to possibility, we will recognise far more than we could ever know we are looking for! Isn't life wonderful?

 

[wonzi]

I met a great friend from Biarritz yesterday in Boadilla.View attachment 42689

My favorite place!

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

I wrote something recently in the forum and this is precisely what was trying to emerge out of the recesses of my awareness. If we are open to possibility, we will recognise far more than we could ever know we are looking for! Isn't life wonderful?

It is and it feels so good .

Wish you well .

 

[Former member 49149]

It is and it feels so good .

Wish you well .

Thanks, Peter. And , likewise!

 

[JillGat]

I met a great friend from Biarritz yesterday in Boadilla.View attachment 42689

En El Camino albergue!