What Do You Get from Your Camino Experience?

[TheLostPhotographer]

Other than sore feet and wobbly knees!

I've been walking (and taking occassional cheating buses/trains) for almost Six months now. I've met many, many people on various paths with many various reasons and expectations from their journey. Personally, I had no expectations and have already clocked up many valuable memories, met many great people and seen some fantastic sights. The history, the wildlife, different people and culture and the hardship that seems to just make the good stuff even better. But, beyond everything else, walking in a beautiful country away from the TV and newspapers, the biggest benefit has been a very positive affirmation that the world is actually a very nice place indeed. A beautiful place full of beautiful people.

Day to day we're bombarded with stories of crisis, images of war and terrorism, tales of murder, rape and all things bad. Yet, in reallity few of us are unlucky enough to experience any of this frist hand. Take the media out of your life and start walking and living the real world rather than viewing it through a screen in your home and very quickly you begin to appreciate life on a completely different level.

Even getting my bag stolen in Barcelona seemed an insignificant glitch.

I'm currently in Pamplona resting a poorly knee and preparing to walk Camino Frances before it gets to busy. Spring is almost here. It's going to be beautiful. Some days I want for a home and my own bed, but I'm beginning to wonder whether I'll ever be able to give up long walks.

In brief; what do you value most from your camino?

 

[Arn]

While actually walking the Way...interaction with my fellow pilgrims with all our idiosyncrasies, the many Camino Angels, the history come alive, the realization that the Camino leaves an imprint I continue to marvel on since my return and, knowing I will walk again.