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I have to say that my first feeling in Santiago was - well ok, I'm here! Nothing more, I just didn't realize where I am.. But after leaving Santiago, direction to Finisterre and Muxia, I told myself - wow, I really made it and I'm in Santiago! And when I turned and saw the towers of cathedral I almost cried..Cruz de Ferro for sure. I wept with a fellow pilgrim... no idea why we did, but we did !! And of course, Santiago the first time I got there. Couldn't stop crying for 2 days (maybe more). I've no idea what happens, and I really don't care. I love the experience. Buen Camino
Yes, that mass in Carrion was very special. I still have that little star the nuns gave me in my wallet and carry it with me everyday.My first really emotional moment was at the pilgrim mass after the original mass in Carrión de los Condes. I think we all cried as it was so intimate with the nuns and we got small gifts to carry to Santiago. The priest hold a beautiful speech for us.
Second time was when I saw the cathedral for the first time. Right outside a fish store. I started to cry and sobbing there on the street. I had made it. I had walked from SJPdP on my own!
Then when I saw the sea in Cee when I walk towards Fisterra. I had missed water so much. I live my a lake and on CF you don't see much water.
The other caminos have had there moments as well. On San Salvador I started to cry of pure joy of the beauty. On CP I all of a sudden started to think of my grandmother and I couldn't just call her from Portugal and I missed her so much there and then that I started to cry.
But those moments on CF will always be special moments.
Yes, that mass in Carrion was very special. I still have that little star the nuns gave me in my wallet and carry it with me everyday.
for me it was 5k marker before my destination everyday...had to dig deep....lolHello Peregrinos!
I'm just curious..Which place(s) was the most emotional for you during El Camino?
For me: Cruz de Ferro and Monte Do Gozo!
I was totally happy and full of euphoria there! I cried of joy! I feel like it was yesterday!
i concur...vespers was amazingYes, that mass in Carrion was very special. I still have that little star the nuns gave me in my wallet and carry it with me everyday.
On my last day in Santiago, a Sunday, I went to the cathedral for the mass and found the Botafumeiro swinging. Rather than risk a choking fit, I left in a hurry and headed for St Benet's (sp.?) Church, which I knew had a mass half an hour later. I found myself in a parish mass for local Catholics. The service was in Galego and a music and mass book helped me follow. There was something special about worshiping in Santiago with local Christians.Muxia...at the cathederal at the ocean...I knew it was over...but in Santiago the Botafumeiro is still the best show in town...saw it 4x times.
I had an emotional 'breakdown' a few kilometres from Fromistra... it came out of the blue and took the wind from my sails. Even now, reading it in my blog brings tears to my eyes. It wasn't anywhere in particular... but for me it was the end of something and the start of something else.
If you're interested about halfway down the page I talk about 23 Tree Hill https://caminobrassblog.wordpress.com/2014/09/30/23-tree-hill/#more-56
Also, my husband took this photo of me as I turned the corner into the main square in Santiago... I'd just spotted him and my son and burst into tears... so happy to have finished and so happy to see them.
View attachment 23974
Found it. It's the Monumento de los caidos just after Villafranca Montes de Oca, 7 km before San Juan de Ortega.Hi, I must have missed the reference - would you please tell me in more detail where the Civil War monument is. Those who were among the first to resist the fascists deserve enormous respect. I would like to pay my respects as I do at The Communards Wall at Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. - Mike
Thanks so much. Not marked on Google maps but found a description on how to get there. http://www.galiciaguide.com/Stage-11-2.html I will drop in on my way by. - MikeFound it. It's the Monumento de los caidos just after Villafranca Montes de Oca, 7 km before San Juan de Ortega.
I have it by my bed. It is a precious item for me.Yes, that mass in Carrion was very special. I still have that little star the nuns gave me in my wallet and carry it with me everyday.
I've just recently joined the Forum, so don't know the folks you enquired about. But I like the quote by Basho that's part of your signature. I will walk my first Camino in 5 weeks and your Basho quote is the phrase which so far best sums up my attraction to The Camino Frances. "Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home". Thank you. - MikeFunny how you start missing forum members when you don't see their posts for a while, as is the case with you SYates. Anyone know where Variyani (sp?) is these days?
I, too, am wondering where Viranani is and hope that she is fine.Funny how you start missing forum members when you don't see their posts for a while, as is the case with you SYates. Anyone know where Variyani (sp?) is these days?
Hello Peregrinos!
I'm just curious..Which place(s) was the most emotional for you during El Camino?
For me: Cruz de Ferro and Monte Do Gozo!
I was totally happy and full of euphoria there! I cried of joy! I feel like it was yesterday!
Cruz de Ferro was also very poignant for me
Hi Mike. And welcome to the forum. Of the many Haiku poets, Basho is my favourite. Five weeks!....you must be very excited. How well I know that feeling. I wish you Buen Camino and everything you wish for yourself.I've just recently joined the Forum, so don't know the folks you enquired about. But I like the quote by Basho that's part of your signature. I will walk my first Camino in 5 weeks and your Basho quote is the phrase which so far best sums up my attraction to The Camino Frances. "Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home". Thank you. - Mike
Yeah, that blacktop road running right next to it does take a bit away from it, at least I thought so. Last time I was there, several people arrived at the cross on motorcycles, all rumbling, and stopped and did the old photo ops. I didn't stop, and just trekked on through. Any potential pilgrims out there reading this, just to let you know, it isn't a bastion of quiet isolation on the Camino. Not trying to put you off from it, just letting you know. Besides, you can find your own personal "Cruz de Ferro" anywhere on the Camino. It doesn't have to be that one.I wanted the Cruz de Ferro to be something special because I brought a rock from Denver to what felt like at the time the "top of the world"...only to get there just in time for a bus full of tourists to start climbing all over the mound like a bunch of ants after their very difficult road crossing...well you get the idea...just completely destroyed the moment and any potential for pictures...but just seeing the "0 km marker" at Finisterre with a few real Pilgrims made up for the everything I lost at the Cruz de Ferro.
It's really beautiful! Thank you for sharing!The Warrior & the Pilgrim:
"People may not see the connection between the warrior & the pilgrim. Let me tell you what I know. They both know Spartan conditions, heat, cold, pain, trust, loneliness, fellowship, heartbreak, loss, but above all- honor. They are guided by an ideal that others may never see or know- but it is there, always.
For some the pressure may become too much and even after their return they may be unable to cope. This is the reality that is not shown in movies or written about in books. So I ask you St James to look over the pilgrim and the warrior- for as the Peregrino and Matamoros, you have inspired both through the ages. Amen."
Maggie, Thanks for your good wishes. I found a copy of Basho's "The Narrow Road To The Deep North" tucked away in my bookshelf, will take it with me and dip into it as I walk. I'm listening to "Don Quixote" as I train. I will spend a week in Madrid with a side trip to Cervantes' Toledo before my Camino Frances. I notice that you live in Victoria. My dad retired there, died 10 yrs ago. I'm American (born), Canadian (early life) and now Australian (came out here on my own at 21). My road leads to Spain next. That'll make it 4 passports! Buen Camino.Hi Mike. And welcome to the forum. Of the many Haiku poets, Basho is my favourite. Five weeks!....you must be very excited. How well I know that feeling. I wish you Buen Camino and everything you wish for yourself.
Well you have me beat by one. I have Canadian, U.S. and EU passports . Add the inspiration of the Camino to what you are reading now, you are in for your journey of a lifetime. Keep us posted.Maggie, Thanks for your good wishes. I found a copy of Basho's "The Narrow Road To The Deep North" tucked away in my bookshelf, will take it with me and dip into it as I walk. I'm listening to "Don Quixote" as I train. I will spend a week in Madrid with a side trip to Cervantes' Toledo before my Camino Frances. I notice that you live in Victoria. My dad retired there, died 10 yrs ago. I'm American (born), Canadian (early life) and now Australian (came out here on my own at 21). My road leads to Spain next. That'll make it 4 passports! Buen Camino.
I too still have the little star in my wallet and am aware of it often.Yes, that mass in Carrion was very special. I still have that little star the nuns gave me in my wallet and carry it with me everyday.
I like that...helps me to not set up any expectations about a certain place or what I might think the experience will be.Besides, you can find your own personal "Cruz de Ferro" anywhere on the Camino. It doesn't have to be that one.
Thanks for your elegant and intimate stories. I don't expect anything from the Camino Frances (April '16) but will allow whatever happens. I wonder if you've noticed any posts by movinmaggie? Her signature is a quote by Basho:"Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home."I'm from far away from the Camino--Oregon. It is much more expensive to purchase airfare and a much longer trip to Europe for west coast Americans than it is for many people.
It had been a long, emotional period of time--four years--and I knew that walking Camino Frances would be something very important and special for me. I was carrying a lot of baggage after losing both parents, which took me back to losing my favorite person in the world--my brother, who looked very much like me and was the only person I really loved and trusted as a teenager.
So, after all that planning, fretting, anticipating, retiring--before the Camino--, getting my stepdaughter's wedding planned and finished, hopping a flight, and taxiing, crossing the Pyrenees, and walking for about a week, I finally called my husband from the large wide steps of an Albergue.
Sitting on the steps, completely exhausted, I used FaceTime for the very first time and saw my husband. I burst into tears and cried for at least a minute, and could NOT control myself in any way. My husband just smiled and said all the right things, and was amazed that from halfway around the world, we could use little phones to see each other, and it was a moment.
Was this related to the Camino, or to Camino magic? Of course. Crying is wonderful for the soul, and we can't always just make crying happen. But when we see the face of love and understand the huge sacrifice of time, effort, money--to get to an ancient pilgrimage--we understand better the enormity of endeavor, intent, and the call.
Cruz de Ferro?
I had kind of an unusual experience there. There were two gentlemen, one on the east side, and one on the west. The gentleman on the east side wanted to talk to me about the stones I had brought. I am not much of a talker about such things when they are going on, so I was friendly but let him move on. At the cross, I saw a very moving collection of school photos of a beautiful and young Asian girl. Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, awkward middle years, teen years...13 little photographs, culminating in a photo of a young 18-year-old, pretty and confident. The photos were neatly held together with a rubber band, and they had not been there all that long. I flashed back to losing Denise Thiem early that year; before my journey to Spain in September, her body had just been found. Clearly, these photos had been left by a mom, a dad, a sibling? Perhaps this girl had died in a car accident? Anyway, it was obvious that someone had invested years of love and care in this girl. Who but a parent would have all those years of photos? I then thought of my brother. Gone at 18. My parents so busy in their own grief that they didn't notice me free-falling into depression and substance abuse. Fortunately, I survived myself.
So, I crossed over the rocks and went to the bench on the other side. There, I saw that the bench had been provided by a group--I don't remember whom. I was glad, though, and appreciative. I sat there and just quietly shed a few tears and was in the moment with all of the emotion and loss experienced by so many others. That's when the west guy walked up with his beautiful little dog, long flowing hair and blue eyes. An older gentleman--in his 60's at least--he had started the walk much earlier that day. I saw him when I was at a square pool of water, kind of a fountain. He had driven up, gotten his little dog out, gotten his stick out, and started walking. Now he was hiking back.
He let me pet his dog, and we exchanged friendly words--and he was a very gentle, handsome, kind person. I am sure that he was one of those angels unawares who notices people and just does the right thing. His little dog--a Jack Russel terrier--frolicked around and brought a smile to my face.
The weather started moving in again--a little wind arose, and it was a bitterly cold day. I bid the fellow goodbye, and he hiked through the trees on the opposite side of the road. I got up and began a long walk. It was an early November day.
Mike my heart goes out to you Mike. I am deeply touched that you were able to share this. You certainly are in understanding company here as others have shared their posts. I have no formal religion, butyears of T'ai ChiThanks for your elegant and intimate stories. I don't expect anything from the Camino Frances (April '16) but will allow whatever happens. I wonder if you've noticed any post uhs by movinmaggie? Her signature is a quote by Basho:"Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home."
I've experienced a lot of loss, much of it recent. Jen and I had 3 sons. One died many years ago, aged two and a half. Our second-born son died 5 years ago aged 35. He left a granddaughter who is now almost 7 yrs old. Jen was fighting cancer at the time of Adam's death and survived until 2 years ago. Our youngest son was devastated, his big brother was his best friend and then his mother was gone. But Jesse and his partner had twin girls a few months ago - they were born on my birthday. I have another son in Canada - I met him for a few minutes when he was a day old and meet him again 5 years ago when he was 47.
Fortunately, I've never suffered from depression. There are many in Syria and such places who have suffered terribly - my life is a joy in comparison. I put one foot ahead of the other, walking with those I am so fortunate to love.
I'm not religious in a formal sense. I am interested in a handful of philosophical/non-theistic "religions" such as Zen Buddhism and Taoism.
This forum is also a Camino. The Camino is the people we meet on our shared journey.
Buen Camino, - Mike
Mike my heart goes out to you Mike. I am deeply touched that you were able to share this. You certainly are in understanding company here, as others have shared their posts. I have no formal religion, but years of T'ai Chi and past several years, studies in Buddhisim. Through my darkest times I have always sought time in the mountains for nurturing. This is a 2-part post, having hit
The key too soon first time.
Thanks for your elegant and intimate stories. I don't expect anything from the Camino Frances (April '16) but will allow whatever happens. I wonder if you've noticed any posts by movinmaggie? Her signature is a quote by Basho:"Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home."
I've experienced a lot of loss, much of it recent. Jen and I had 3 sons. One died many years ago, aged two and a half. Our second-born son died 5 years ago aged 35. He left a granddaughter who is now almost 7 yrs old. Jen was fighting cancer at the time of Adam's death and survived until 2 years ago. Our youngest son was devastated, his big brother was his best friend and then his mother was gone. But Jesse and his partner had twin girls a few months ago - they were born on my birthday. I have another son in Canada - I met him for a few minutes when he was a day old and meet him again 5 years ago when he was 47.
Fortunately, I've never suffered from depression. There are many in Syria and such places who have suffered terribly - my life is a joy in comparison. I put one foot ahead of the other, walking with those I am so fortunate to love.
I'm not religious in a formal sense. I am interested in a handful of philosophical/non-theistic "religions" such as Zen Buddhism and Taoism.
This forum is also a Camino. The Camino is the people we meet on our shared journey.
Buen Camino, - Mike
Deb, I'm very pleased to hear that you found some comfort in my story. I found comfort in yours too. - Buen CaminoThis is going to sound very strange, but your losses are very comforting to me to hear about, as I know so few people who have lost as many people as I have. I am so comforted to know someone who seems to be so settled and stable in all this grief that life can bring.
I am so sorry to hear that you have lost two sons and your wife, but very glad to know about Jesse and his partner's twin girls. What a wonderful blessing that they were born on your birthday.And you have another son in Canada...one to get to know a bit? I used the word "blessing" there in a respectful way, thinking of your relationship with Buddhism and Taoism
Thank you so much for sharing who you are with all of us here. I was glad that you called attention to MovinMaggie's signature, and also appreciate your wisdom.
Deb
Deb, I couldn't bring myself to 'like' your post. Without even knowing you, I have felt your strength through this forum. I used to think that 'Loss' was my middle name, but over the years, I have more than come to terms with everything. That's the wonderful thing about growing older. Now I find time even more precious, so I treasure every day. What helped me a lot, was my nine years going to in India to work with children in need. The lessons I learned from them would fill a book (which I am working on), ten years in building my gardens 'up island' and my move to Victoria, BC 15 months ago. You will be familiar with Tillamook. My oldest, dearest and most treasured friend passed away two years ago there. Her her memorial was celebrated in the Haystock Rock area. I left a stone for her on the Camino, but not where most leave them. Bless you Deb.I'm from far away from the Camino--Oregon. It is much more expensive to purchase airfare and a much longer trip to Europe for west coast Americans than it is for many people.
It had been a long, emotional period of time--four years--and I knew that walking Camino Frances would be something very important and special for me. I was carrying a lot of baggage after losing both parents, which took me back to losing my favorite person in the world--my brother, who looked very much like me and was the only person I really loved and trusted as a teenager.
So, after all that planning, fretting, anticipating, retiring--before the Camino--, getting my stepdaughter's wedding planned and finished, hopping a flight, and taxiing, crossing the Pyrenees, and walking for about a week, I finally called my husband from the large wide steps of an Albergue.
Sitting on the steps, completely exhausted, I used FaceTime for the very first time and saw my husband. I burst into tears and cried for at least a minute, and could NOT control myself in any way. My husband just smiled and said all the right things, and was amazed that from halfway around the world, we could use little phones to see each other, and it was a moment.
Was this related to the Camino, or to Camino magic? Of course. Crying is wonderful for the soul, and we can't always just make crying happen. But when we see the face of love and understand the huge sacrifice of time, effort, money--to get to an ancient pilgrimage--we understand better the enormity of endeavor, intent, and the call.
Cruz de Ferro?
I had kind of an unusual experience there. There were two gentlemen, one on the east side, and one on the west. The gentleman on the east side wanted to talk to me about the stones I had brought. I am not much of a talker about such things when they are going on, so I was friendly but let him move on. At the cross, I saw a very moving collection of school photos of a beautiful and young Asian girl. Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, awkward middle years, teen years...13 little photographs, culminating in a photo of a young 18-year-old, pretty and confident. The photos were neatly held together with a rubber band, and they had not been there all that long. I flashed back to losing Denise Thiem early that year; before my journey to Spain in September, her body had just been found. Clearly, these photos had been left by a mom, a dad, a sibling? Perhaps this girl had died in a car accident? Anyway, it was obvious that someone had invested years of love and care in this girl. Who but a parent would have all those years of photos? I then thought of my brother. Gone at 18. My parents so busy in their own grief that they didn't notice me free-falling into depression and substance abuse. Fortunately, I survived myself.
So, I crossed over the rocks and went to the bench on the other side. There, I saw that the bench had been provided by a group--I don't remember whom. I was glad, though, and appreciative. I sat there and just quietly shed a few tears and was in the moment with all of the emotion and loss experienced by so many others. That's when the west guy walked up with his beautiful little dog, long flowing hair and blue eyes. An older gentleman--in his 60's at least--he had started the walk much earlier that day. I saw him when I was at a square pool of water, kind of a fountain. He had driven up, gotten his little dog out, gotten his stick out, and started walking. Now he was hiking back.
He let me pet his dog, and we exchanged friendly words--and he was a very gentle, handsome, kind person. I am sure that he was one of those angels unawares who notices people and just does the right thing. His little dog--a Jack Russel terrier--frolicked around and brought a smile to my face.
The weather started moving in again--a little wind arose, and it was a bitterly cold day. I bid the fellow goodbye, and he hiked through the trees on the opposite side of the road. I got up and began a long walk. It was an early November day.
Deb, I couldn't bring myself to 'like' your post. Without even knowing you, I have felt your strength through this forum. I used to think that 'Loss' was my middle name, but over the years, I have more than come to terms with everything. That's the wonderful thing about growing older. Now I find time even more precious, so I treasure every day. What helped me a lot, was my nine years going to in India to work with children in need. The lessons I learned from them would fill a book (which I am working on), ten years in building my gardens 'up island' and my move to Victoria, BC 15 months ago. You will be familiar with Tillamook. My oldest, dearest and most treasured friend passed away two years ago there. Her her memorial was celebrated in the Haystock Rock area. I left a stone for her on the Camino, but not where most leave them. Bless you Deb.
Hi, I must have missed the reference - would you please tell me in more detail where the Civil War monument is. Those who were among the first to resist the fascists deserve enormous respect. I would like to pay my respects as I do at The Communards Wall at Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. - Mike
Hi, and thanks - I'll check out that book. When we were in Barcelona 3+ yrs ago I tried to book us on an historical walk which wiggled around some of a local area off La Rambla starting in the churchyard where the civil war started! (Could that be right? I'm sure that's what the tour site said.) The website was not very well organised and I couldn't get in touch with the guide in time so we missed out. A good few years ago I saw a documentary about the last few survivors from the American Abraham Lincoln Division of the International Brigades who went to Spain to fight with the Republicans. One guy, chain smoking, stalked like a haunted panther in a cage saying "We fought the good fight and we lost." So I'll drop in at that memorial and think of him and Garcia Lorca and all those murdered by their brothers. There's the silence of shame in France too these days. The recent Paris massacre was an abomination but so was the one in 1961 http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/oct/19/hollande-massacre-algerian-protesters-1961 - Buen Camino, MikeHi Mike
We stopped and took several pictures at the monument on a drizzling day that befitted the mood.
View attachment 24023 View attachment 24024
When we got back home I discovered this book Ghosts of Spain: Travels Through Spain and Its Silent Past[/I] which describes how the graves are being discovered and delves into the silence about them.
Deb I'll send you a PM re India, so as not to deter from the original topic. MaggieMaggie dear--and I don't even talk about the hardest losses!
I am very interested in your life experiences, and wondering what years you were in India. I was in Cambodia from 1994 through 2000. I had experiences there that are beyond memorable, life and death experiences, tropics and amputees and temples and war and loss. I don't talk a lot about Cambodia in specifics. Perhaps a book will be there for me too!
Tillamook...my older sister was born there, and my parents lived there after they were first married. Very sorry to hear that your most treasured friend passed, but Haystack Rock is a special place.
Bless you back.
That was one of my favorite little village churches on the CF, and that's one of my favorite towns. I think I remember that photo hanging on the wall. Did not know the history behind it.Emotional as in 'happy'?
Probably the moment at the very beginning of my first Camino standing there on the bridge over the river at St Jean - amazed that I had, finally, actually, unbelievably, arrived - and intoxicated with the prospect of the adventure ahead of me. A moment that can never be recaptured
Emotional as in 'moved'?
Probably the moment I spent studying the fading monochrome photo of a young man that I found hanging on the side wall of the church in Hornillos - the local boy who'd become a priest and then been shot in Madrid in '36. RIP, hermano.
It certainly is the best show in town. My son who had just finished his camino from SJPDP said it was the greatest thing he had seen in all his travels (and he is very well travelled) I agreed with him and shed more than a few tears.Muxia...at the cathederal at the ocean...I knew it was over...but in Santiago the Botafumeiro is still the best show in town...saw it 4x times.
Thank you Kanga & Ivar. I certainly cringed when I first read the initial comment.I have deleted a number of posts that offend Rule 2. Please everyone, read the forum rules (bottom right). There are some topics that will inevitably cause offence and they will be deleted.
Does the bus transfer to the airport of SdC count? Getting home was very emotional too, as was opening my pack when I got there; my woollen hat, a few strands of her beautiful hair from when I lent her the hat at Foncebadon. I had 'camino vision' for as much as a month afterwards, a symptom which affected me greatly.Hello Peregrinos!
I'm just curious..Which place(s) was the most emotional for you during El Camino?
For me: Cruz de Ferro and Monte Do Gozo!
I was totally happy and full of euphoria there! I cried of joy! I feel like it was yesterday!
The monument is the middle of nowhere to honour those killed during the civil war. It says something along the lines of " Their deaths were not in vain, but their shooting (assasination) was". And discovering Eunate. And meditating on the boulders facing the sunset in Muxia. Ah...but I lie. I just saw a picture of Maneru and it reminded me of the moment I believed in Camino Magic.
I breed a rare breed of Spaniels, and it is thought they go back to a Spanish breed called the Pachon de Navarra. It was early morning, on a grey and wet day, before my first cafe con leche. The local bar was closed, I was disappointed. And then there it was. A Pachon! It was as if that moment had been made just for me.
And then there was another early morning, I had left Los Arcos, I think, before sunrise. As I wear glasses, condensation is an issue, and I cannot win: either I can't see due to the condensation or I can't see when I take them off because I am nearsighted. All of a sudden, going uphill along a path between pine trees, I saw a figure. It looked a like a nun, or better yet those drawings, paintings, of the Virgin Mary: white veil, blue dress. I thought I was having a vision! I was startled. Turns out it was a road sign! Round one of top of the post, then rectangular below. I laughed and laughed. I wondered how many other visions through history were due to poor eyesight.
For me it was each time I read the scripture in Spanish at a pilgrim Mass. It started as, "Oh, what the hell, I'll ask" in Roncesvalles, and finished on the high altar in Santiago at the Friday evening "swinging" Mass, when I nearly "lost it." I also lost count of the number of times I did it. I think it was sixteen.Hello Peregrinos!
I'm just curious..Which place(s) was the most emotional for you during El Camino?
For me: Cruz de Ferro and Monte Do Gozo!
I was totally happy and full of euphoria there! I cried of joy! I feel like it was yesterday!
I was shocked to see several walkers (I will not call them pilgrims) deliberately mocking the Cruz de Ferro with consciously ridiculous poses, competing with one another to see who could have the most mocking photo taken. I stood on the opposite side of the Cruz de Ferro from them to leave my stones, tributes to a family who had lost their daughter to cancer and to my doctor, who supports a chronically sick sister in a country without public medicare. It rained. I cried, from shock and dismay. It was a very emotional moment.
I attended mass at Barbadelo, just out of Sarria, at the little 12th cent. church of Santiago. This was the only time on my camino when I received the sacrament; as a non-Roman Catholic Christian I was attempting to respect Catholic regulations. It was a very emotional experience in this wonderful church.
We adopted the term Spain Brain.... I had 'camino vision' for as much as a month afterwards, a symptom which affected me greatly.
that mass was /is my most emotional memory,Amazing nuns,Yes, that mass in Carrion was very special. I still have that little star the nuns gave me in my wallet and carry it with me everyday.
Heavens, just reading many of these posts have brought tears to my eyes. Some very brave, kind and wonderful people here on this forum and being able to share these things must surely help others on their journey. For me, the most emotional time of the Camino is always when we hit the suburbs of Santiago. I just start crying and keep on crying the whole way to the square. I can't even speak to my husband about how I feel during this time, and when we reach the cathedral I withdraw from everything and just sit on my own for a little while just looking up at the cathedral. It seems crazy I know and hard to explain but even writing about it now makes me feel emotional. Last year, just as we got our compestelas, the man dealing with me stood up and shook my hand and what did I do? Just burst out crying! I felt so embarrassed as I was not expecting to do that but I think he understood.This is going to sound very strange, but your losses are very comforting to me to hear about, as I know so few people who have lost as many people as I have. I am so comforted to know someone who seems to be so settled and stable in all this grief that life can bring.
I am so sorry to hear that you have lost two sons and your wife, but very glad to know about Jesse and his partner's twin girls. What a wonderful blessing that they were born on your birthday.And you have another son in Canada...one to get to know a bit? I used the word "blessing" there in a respectful way, thinking of your relationship with Buddhism and Taoism
Thank you so much for sharing who you are with all of us here. I was glad that you called attention to MovinMaggie's signature, and also appreciate your wisdom.
Deb
Hello Peregrinos!
I'm just curious..Which place(s) was the most emotional for you during El Camino?
For me: Cruz de Ferro and Monte Do Gozo!
I was totally happy and full of euphoria there! I cried of joy! I feel like it was yesterday!
Mark, mine is arriving at Praza do Obradoira, every time, five times now, the tears well up and I share the moment with everyone else who has arrived that day at that time. Numero seis will be July 2016. Stay strong my friend.I suppose the one moment that choked me up the most was on my first Camino while I was in the pilgrim's office in SJPdP getting my pilgrim's passport. I could barely talk to the volunteer. No tears, but could hardly talk. Caught me off-guard. I kept thinking what the heck man, get yourself together. I suppose it just hit me at that moment that I was actually going to start walking the Camino. Culmination of a long journey just to get there.
You too, Don. Stay strong and keep the vino flowing.Mark, mine is arriving at Praza do Obradoira, every time, five times now, the tears well up and I share the moment with everyone else who has arrived that day at that time. Numero seis will be July 2016. Stay strong my friend.
Like you, I'm not religious. More curious and philosophical, I like to think. I've had a post removed for a too-vigorous response to a catholic priest (I read the rules more closely after that). The more posts I read, the more I wonder what percentage of Camino travellers are religious. It seems to me that a large majority of people on this forum are religious. My childhood was spent in French Canada in the midst of a Catholic culture. I've since (therefore?) become much more "catholic" re morality and ethics. I've been a vegetarian for 46 years, for instance.Not being even remotely religious, it was different for me than most.
I was very excited the morning I was walking into Santiago. But arriving was pretty anti-climatic; I couldn't see the city from up the hill as I pictured it in my mind (didn't know you had to go off-route), and walking into the city was just so normal, like any other city... Walking into the Cathedral was disappointing when we found out we had to find an arrangement for the backpacks when all you want to do is go inside and see it! The city is beautiful, but it wasn't how I'd imagined it.
It was walking into Cee on the way to Finisterre that was most emotional for me. Suddenly getting a glance of the blue strip of water in the distance, seeing the Atlantic Ocean for the first time - you suddenly realize how far you've gone. It was truly beautiful. I'm also more a nature- than a city-person.
I will be back at San Anton this summer for 10 days from 14 to 24 July and doin' my job with my infamous brother in arms Renshaw. I can't wait to work with him.You too, Don. Stay strong and keep the vino flowing.
Cheers and ultreia!
It is not religious for me. It is totally spiritual and you can not escape that.Like you, I'm not religious. More curious and philosophical, I like to think. I've had a post removed for a too-vigorous response to a catholic priest (I read the rules more closely after that). The more posts I read, the more I wonder what percentage of Camino travellers are religious. It seems to me that a large majority of people on this forum are religious. My childhood was spent in French Canada in the midst of a Catholic culture. I've since (therefore?) become much more "catholic" re morality and ethics. I've been a vegetarian for 46 years, for instance.
It will be interesting for me to find out if and when I become emotional. I expect it's likely to happen when I'm physically and mentally exhausted. It will be interesting to find out.
I have enormous respect for selflessness. Kindness and friendship (=love minus lust) are god to me. Profound respect for everyone here who seeks truth at the limits of and beyond their understanding. My best friend of 30 years became a religious fundamentalist. He died 15 years ago. Our friendship became very difficult for both of us. A religion that isn't inclusive is, to me, false. But, a zennish thought: Groucho Marks said "I wouldn't want to join any club that would have me as a member." In other words, it seems to me, a searcher must search alone.It is not religious for me. It is totally spiritual and you can not escape that.
Hi Mike, I know how you're feeling "5 weeks to start your camino"...wish you the best of journeys...BUEN CAMINO !!! For me walking into OCebreiro was very emotional, it was magic, a rainy and cold September afternoon, that viewfrom top of the hill...spectacular !!! Also a "cena comunitaria" in Sarria (albergue A porta) great people we met there, everyone had a story about why we were walking "nuestro camino"... Have fun, enjoy every moment....BUEN CAMINO MIKE !!! Saludos, MonicaI've just recently joined the Forum, so don't know the folks you enquired about. But I like the quote by Basho that's part of your signature. I will walk my first Camino in 5 weeks and your Basho quote is the phrase which so far best sums up my attraction to The Camino Frances. "Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home". Thank you. - Mike
Thanks so much, Monica. My departure date approaches. I walked 16 kms yesterday, boring. Can't wait for the real thing. Buen Camino! - MikeHi Mike, I know how you're feeling "5 weeks to start your camino"...wish you the best of journeys...BUEN CAMINO !!! For me walking into OCebreiro was very emotional, it was magic, a rainy and cold September afternoon, that viewfrom top of the hill...spectacular !!! Also a "cena comunitaria" in Sarria (albergue A porta) great people we met there, everyone had a story about why we were walking "nuestro camino"... Have fun, enjoy every moment....BUEN CAMINO MIKE !!! Saludos, Monica
The statistics from the pilgrim's office in Santiago seem to show that only about 4%-5% of pilgrims didn't walk for religious/spiritual reasons (i don't remember the exact figures but you can find them easily online). I think they should break the groups apart: non-religious and non-spiritual, spiritual, and religious. Just because I'm curius.Like you, I'm not religious. More curious and philosophical, I like to think. I've had a post removed for a too-vigorous response to a catholic priest (I read the rules more closely after that). The more posts I read, the more I wonder what percentage of Camino travellers are religious. It seems to me that a large majority of people on this forum are religious. My childhood was spent in French Canada in the midst of a Catholic culture. I've since (therefore?) become much more "catholic" re morality and ethics. I've been a vegetarian for 46 years, for instance.
It will be interesting for me to find out if and when I become emotional. My first Camino (Frances) in April. Beauty, including my 3 tiny granddaughters, can turn on the waterworks. I expect it's likely to happen when I'm physically and mentally exhausted. It will be interesting to find out.
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