Hi.
I first went on the Camino, the last 125 k's in 1992. Then, 200 k's in 2000, finally, 270's with my 14 yr old daughter who turned 15 the day we arrived in Compostela (WOW) in 2003. I leave May 9 for Barcelona and will arrive in Pamplona evening May 10. The next day I go up to Roncesvalles and get my passport and begin walking....I am pretty happy to be able to do the Camino from Roncesvalles after so many years.
I wanted to start at Somport, a dream I have nourished fror 14 years, but scheduling prevents me from doing that this time. I was born in Spain, in Zaragoza and am an American citizen. I have an American dad, Spanish mom....very proud of my heritage!
But I am not worried. Being able to speak Spanish helps, admittedly. Not worried about the weather or traveling alone or where I am sleeping the night of the 11th! I have discovered that on the Camino things are different than anywhere else. Days are longer in a way, relationships build quickly, a unique bonding occurs, and nothing goes according to plan, but as it goes.... I am Catholic and have found that praying the Rosary on the Camino at the beginning of each day and each stage is always a great way to "get centered", get into "the stride" and feel good. I don't do that normally here at home. But prayer seems to come easily on the Camino.
I have found that people I don't know will initiate conversations about religion with me. I usually listen. It is funny how that happens. I have found that looking at the scenery, meeting people, losing track of time, space, of what you were thinking, and so on is all part of the experience.
What is most interesting to me is that I honestly believe the Camino somehow calls me. It is as if, once you have walked a portion of it, any portion, something remains in you that urges you to go back. Even if you have had a bad experience. You know that the bad experience does not define the Camino.
Another interesting thing is how anticlimatic arriving in Compostela has been the second and third times although with my daughter it was gratifying to arrive there with her. I mean the "post Camino" feeling. Almost like a depression. It was good to read that I am not the only one who has felt like that at the end of it.
BUT I loved going through the Cathedral each time. Saying good-bye to new friends. Visiting the Tomb of St. James and wandering about the city and going someplace new each time. THAT part was wonderful. That was a good closure each time.
I look forward to being part of this growing forum!
Buen Camino Peregrinos.
I first went on the Camino, the last 125 k's in 1992. Then, 200 k's in 2000, finally, 270's with my 14 yr old daughter who turned 15 the day we arrived in Compostela (WOW) in 2003. I leave May 9 for Barcelona and will arrive in Pamplona evening May 10. The next day I go up to Roncesvalles and get my passport and begin walking....I am pretty happy to be able to do the Camino from Roncesvalles after so many years.
I wanted to start at Somport, a dream I have nourished fror 14 years, but scheduling prevents me from doing that this time. I was born in Spain, in Zaragoza and am an American citizen. I have an American dad, Spanish mom....very proud of my heritage!
But I am not worried. Being able to speak Spanish helps, admittedly. Not worried about the weather or traveling alone or where I am sleeping the night of the 11th! I have discovered that on the Camino things are different than anywhere else. Days are longer in a way, relationships build quickly, a unique bonding occurs, and nothing goes according to plan, but as it goes.... I am Catholic and have found that praying the Rosary on the Camino at the beginning of each day and each stage is always a great way to "get centered", get into "the stride" and feel good. I don't do that normally here at home. But prayer seems to come easily on the Camino.
I have found that people I don't know will initiate conversations about religion with me. I usually listen. It is funny how that happens. I have found that looking at the scenery, meeting people, losing track of time, space, of what you were thinking, and so on is all part of the experience.
What is most interesting to me is that I honestly believe the Camino somehow calls me. It is as if, once you have walked a portion of it, any portion, something remains in you that urges you to go back. Even if you have had a bad experience. You know that the bad experience does not define the Camino.
Another interesting thing is how anticlimatic arriving in Compostela has been the second and third times although with my daughter it was gratifying to arrive there with her. I mean the "post Camino" feeling. Almost like a depression. It was good to read that I am not the only one who has felt like that at the end of it.
BUT I loved going through the Cathedral each time. Saying good-bye to new friends. Visiting the Tomb of St. James and wandering about the city and going someplace new each time. THAT part was wonderful. That was a good closure each time.
I look forward to being part of this growing forum!
Buen Camino Peregrinos.
