Completed my Camino Frances on 17 June 2019

[Mak Wei Seng]

On the 17th June, I stepped on the plaza in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela after walking 800km. It’s my way of celebrating my semi-centennial this year.

Over the 5 weeks, I’ve the great pleasure to get acquainted with many wonderful people (from more than 30 countries); I believe some of these friendships will last for a long time.

In the Camino:

1. I realised I can live with so little. I practically walked the Camino with only 3 sets of clothes (I reckoned I could even live with 2 sets). What I needed were all in my backpack.
2. I learnt to appreciate the little pleasures in life eg hot showers, taking off my shoes at the rest points, lying on a clean bed.
3. If I focussed on the bright sides of things, everything would turn out well and fine. Conversely, I could sulk about the symphony of snores when I tried to sleep, the long queue to use the bathroom or the same monotonous pilgrims’ menu, I would have been a grouchy pilgrim.
4. I witnessed grit and determination. I’ve seen a lady with blisters practically on every toe of her feet but still managed to walked to Santiago. Many who complained about sores and pains, but still wake up the next morning and ready to walk.
5. I experienced the pleasure of simplicity - I woke up, walked, ate breakfast, walked again, ate lunch, napped, ate dinner and slept. With lots of socialising, interactions and beer/wine in between. And the cycle repeats.
6. I saw Camino angels everywhere - who selflessly extended help to fellow pilgrims. From helping to prick the blisters, to offering a suffering pilgrim a knee brace, helping to carry another pilgrim’s backpack. The list goes on...
7. We are all the same but different. We walked the same path and have Santiago as our destination (Finisterre for some). But we do it for our own reasons and we walked at our own pace and rested at different bars even though we might end up in the same Albergue for the night.

I’m sure some of these can be applied to my daily life.

I’ve put together a video of my Camino Frances - SJPP to Santiago.

Camino de Santiago - May 2019

Enjoy

 

[david1]

Number 3 !!

 

[david1]

On the 17th June, I stepped on the plaza in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela after walking 800km. It’s my way of celebrating my semi-centennial this year.

Over the 5 weeks, I’ve the great pleasure to get acquainted with many wonderful people (from more than 30 countries); I believe some of these friendships will last for a long time.

In the Camino:

1. I realised I can live with so little. I practically walked the Camino with only 3 sets of clothes (I reckoned I could even live with 2 sets). What I needed were all in my backpack.
2. I learnt to appreciate the little pleasures in life eg hot showers, taking off my shoes at the rest points, lying on a clean bed.
3. If I focussed on the bright sides of things, everything would turn out well and fine. Conversely, I could sulk about the symphony of snores when I tried to sleep, the long queue to use the bathroom or the same monotonous pilgrims’ menu, I would have been a grouchy pilgrim.
4. I witnessed grit and determination. I’ve seen a lady with blisters practically on every toe of her feet but still managed to walked to Santiago. Many who complained about sores and pains, but still wake up the next morning and ready to walk.
5. I experienced the pleasure of simplicity - I woke up, walked, ate breakfast, walked again, ate lunch, napped, ate dinner and slept. With lots of socialising, interactions and beer/wine in between. And the cycle repeats.
6. I saw Camino angels everywhere - who selflessly extended help to fellow pilgrims. From helping to prick the blisters, to offering a suffering pilgrim a knee brace, helping to carry another pilgrim’s backpack. The list goes on...
7. We are all the same but different. We walked the same path and have Santiago as our destination (Finisterre for some). But we do it for our own reasons and we walked at our own pace and rested at different bars even though we might end up in the same Albergue for the night.

I’m sure some of these can be applied to my daily life.

I’ve put together a video of my Camino Frances - SJPP to Santiago.

Camino de Santiago - May 2019

Enjoy

I wish that you hadn't speeded the video up though, it's a little bit distracting. When I can watch it on my home computer (watching it on my phone now) I shall watch it at half speed, as it is a great video otherwise.

 

[MarkyD]

That green bridge over the railway approaching Astorga. I remember laughing so much at the irony of it.
Well done for completing your Camino during a period of contrasting weather throughout May and June in Spain. (I live here in Madrid, so my thoughts often go to those on The Way)
Thanks for the video upload, it shows in a short time the iconic places, the sense of community and the majestic simplicity of this epic journey.

 

[nycwalking]

Congratulations!

 

[Turga]

Congratulations!
Nice video (except from the part with the guys plowing through a farmer's field )

 

[Mak Wei Seng]

I wish that you hadn't speeded the video up though, it's a little bit distracting. When I can watch it on my home computer (watching it on my phone now) I shall watch it at half speed, as it is a great video otherwise.

Trying hard to keep the video short and capturing as much as possible. Thanks for your feedback

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hi Mak, I haven't watched the video yet, but want to say how uplifting your positive post was to read! Thanks for taking the time to share your observations with us. It already is making my day!

 

[Mak Wei Seng]

Hi Mak, I haven't watched the video yet, but want to say how uplifting your positive post was to read! Thanks for taking the time to share your observations with us. It already is making my day!

Hi Camino Chrissy, I’ve benefited immensely from the postings from other pilgrims. This is my way of paying it forward Hope you would enjoy the video

 

[t2andreo]

On the 17th June, I stepped on the plaza in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela after walking 800km. It’s my way of celebrating my semi-centennial this year.

Over the 5 weeks, I’ve the great pleasure to get acquainted with many wonderful people (from more than 30 countries); I believe some of these friendships will last for a long time.

In the Camino:

1. I realised I can live with so little. I practically walked the Camino with only 3 sets of clothes (I reckoned I could even live with 2 sets). What I needed were all in my backpack.
2. I learnt to appreciate the little pleasures in life eg hot showers, taking off my shoes at the rest points, lying on a clean bed.
3. If I focussed on the bright sides of things, everything would turn out well and fine. Conversely, I could sulk about the symphony of snores when I tried to sleep, the long queue to use the bathroom or the same monotonous pilgrims’ menu, I would have been a grouchy pilgrim.
4. I witnessed grit and determination. I’ve seen a lady with blisters practically on every toe of her feet but still managed to walked to Santiago. Many who complained about sores and pains, but still wake up the next morning and ready to walk.
5. I experienced the pleasure of simplicity - I woke up, walked, ate breakfast, walked again, ate lunch, napped, ate dinner and slept. With lots of socialising, interactions and beer/wine in between. And the cycle repeats.
6. I saw Camino angels everywhere - who selflessly extended help to fellow pilgrims. From helping to prick the blisters, to offering a suffering pilgrim a knee brace, helping to carry another pilgrim’s backpack. The list goes on...
7. We are all the same but different. We walked the same path and have Santiago as our destination (Finisterre for some). But we do it for our own reasons and we walked at our own pace and rested at different bars even though we might end up in the same Albergue for the night.

I’m sure some of these can be applied to my daily life.

I’ve put together a video of my Camino Frances - SJPP to Santiago.

Camino de Santiago - May 2019

Enjoy

See you next time. You WILL be back.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

See you next time. You WILL be back.

With his attitude...yes he will!

 

[david1]

Personally, I have already set up a separate bank account and started saving for my return.

 

[denholl]

On the 17th June, I stepped on the plaza in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela after walking 800km. It’s my way of celebrating my semi-centennial this year.

Over the 5 weeks, I’ve the great pleasure to get acquainted with many wonderful people (from more than 30 countries); I believe some of these friendships will last for a long time.

In the Camino:

1. I realised I can live with so little. I practically walked the Camino with only 3 sets of clothes (I reckoned I could even live with 2 sets). What I needed were all in my backpack.
2. I learnt to appreciate the little pleasures in life eg hot showers, taking off my shoes at the rest points, lying on a clean bed.
3. If I focussed on the bright sides of things, everything would turn out well and fine. Conversely, I could sulk about the symphony of snores when I tried to sleep, the long queue to use the bathroom or the same monotonous pilgrims’ menu, I would have been a grouchy pilgrim.
4. I witnessed grit and determination. I’ve seen a lady with blisters practically on every toe of her feet but still managed to walked to Santiago. Many who complained about sores and pains, but still wake up the next morning and ready to walk.
5. I experienced the pleasure of simplicity - I woke up, walked, ate breakfast, walked again, ate lunch, napped, ate dinner and slept. With lots of socialising, interactions and beer/wine in between. And the cycle repeats.
6. I saw Camino angels everywhere - who selflessly extended help to fellow pilgrims. From helping to prick the blisters, to offering a suffering pilgrim a knee brace, helping to carry another pilgrim’s backpack. The list goes on...
7. We are all the same but different. We walked the same path and have Santiago as our destination (Finisterre for some). But we do it for our own reasons and we walked at our own pace and rested at different bars even though we might end up in the same Albergue for the night.

I’m sure some of these can be applied to my daily life.

I’ve put together a video of my Camino Frances - SJPP to Santiago.

Camino de Santiago - May 2019

Enjoy

On the 17th June, I stepped on the plaza in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela after walking 800km. It’s my way of celebrating my semi-centennial this year.

Over the 5 weeks, I’ve the great pleasure to get acquainted with many wonderful people (from more than 30 countries); I believe some of these friendships will last for a long time.

In the Camino:

1. I realised I can live with so little. I practically walked the Camino with only 3 sets of clothes (I reckoned I could even live with 2 sets). What I needed were all in my backpack.
2. I learnt to appreciate the little pleasures in life eg hot showers, taking off my shoes at the rest points, lying on a clean bed.
3. If I focussed on the bright sides of things, everything would turn out well and fine. Conversely, I could sulk about the symphony of snores when I tried to sleep, the long queue to use the bathroom or the same monotonous pilgrims’ menu, I would have been a grouchy pilgrim.
4. I witnessed grit and determination. I’ve seen a lady with blisters practically on every toe of her feet but still managed to walked to Santiago. Many who complained about sores and pains, but still wake up the next morning and ready to walk.
5. I experienced the pleasure of simplicity - I woke up, walked, ate breakfast, walked again, ate lunch, napped, ate dinner and slept. With lots of socialising, interactions and beer/wine in between. And the cycle repeats.
6. I saw Camino angels everywhere - who selflessly extended help to fellow pilgrims. From helping to prick the blisters, to offering a suffering pilgrim a knee brace, helping to carry another pilgrim’s backpack. The list goes on...
7. We are all the same but different. We walked the same path and have Santiago as our destination (Finisterre for some). But we do it for our own reasons and we walked at our own pace and rested at different bars even though we might end up in the same Albergue for the night.

I’m sure some of these can be applied to my daily life.

I’ve put together a video of my Camino Frances - SJPP to Santiago.

Camino de Santiago - May 2019

Enjoy

Thank you so much For sharing.

 

[Caligal]

That green bridge over the railway approaching Astorga. I remember laughing so much at the irony of it.
Well done for completing your Camino during a period of contrasting weather throughout May and June in Spain. (I live here in Madrid, so my thoughts often go to those on The Way)
Thanks for the video upload, it shows in a short time the iconic places, the sense of community and the majestic simplicity of this epic journey.

I believe the bridge is referred to as the Torture Tower. Lol!

 

[forwardwego]

On the 17th June, I stepped on the plaza in front of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela after walking 800km. It’s my way of celebrating my semi-centennial this year.

Over the 5 weeks, I’ve the great pleasure to get acquainted with many wonderful people (from more than 30 countries); I believe some of these friendships will last for a long time.

In the Camino:

1. I realised I can live with so little. I practically walked the Camino with only 3 sets of clothes (I reckoned I could even live with 2 sets). What I needed were all in my backpack.
2. I learnt to appreciate the little pleasures in life eg hot showers, taking off my shoes at the rest points, lying on a clean bed.
3. If I focussed on the bright sides of things, everything would turn out well and fine. Conversely, I could sulk about the symphony of snores when I tried to sleep, the long queue to use the bathroom or the same monotonous pilgrims’ menu, I would have been a grouchy pilgrim.
4. I witnessed grit and determination. I’ve seen a lady with blisters practically on every toe of her feet but still managed to walked to Santiago. Many who complained about sores and pains, but still wake up the next morning and ready to walk.
5. I experienced the pleasure of simplicity - I woke up, walked, ate breakfast, walked again, ate lunch, napped, ate dinner and slept. With lots of socialising, interactions and beer/wine in between. And the cycle repeats.
6. I saw Camino angels everywhere - who selflessly extended help to fellow pilgrims. From helping to prick the blisters, to offering a suffering pilgrim a knee brace, helping to carry another pilgrim’s backpack. The list goes on...
7. We are all the same but different. We walked the same path and have Santiago as our destination (Finisterre for some). But we do it for our own reasons and we walked at our own pace and rested at different bars even though we might end up in the same Albergue for the night.

I’m sure some of these can be applied to my daily life.

I’ve put together a video of my Camino Frances - SJPP to Santiago.

Camino de Santiago - May 2019

Enjoy

Very, very nice! It brought back so many wonderful memories. Thank you for sharing your video Mak.
Buen Camino/mary

 

[Adelina]

I just got back myself and was looking for people I knew as we did it during a similar time period with many of the same lessons! Thanks so much for sharing a my Camino with me.