What Item Triggers Flashback Memories of the Camino

[Wayne of LaVerne]

Mine is Dr Bronners Peppermint All One Hemp Soap. I had never used it before the Camino. Forum had recommended it for bathing & washing clothes. Now whenever I shower, the smell of it brings me back to a tight cramped shower feeling wonderfully refreshed.

 

[november_moon]

I had a flashback this morning at the gym. A song came on and I was right back on the Camino.

It was our last leg, final kilometers to Santiago. We stopped for a snack and a beverage at a place that looked sort of like a park, maybe a campground. There was a restaurant with a lot of outdoor seating under some trees. Music was playing - kind of random, mostly pop. We hung out awhile - kind of stalling because while we wanted to get to Santiago, we also didn't want to get to Santiago - I am sure most pilgrims know that feeling. Then California Gurls by Katy Perry came on - poppiest of the pop song genre, but we are Californians and Katy's singing about us We took it as our queue to get going and finish the journey into Santiago - it was time. We collected our packs and danced our way out of there, waving our poles in the air. People were clapping and hooting. We felt like Shaft with theme music.

California girls
We're undeniable
Fine, fresh, fierce
We got it on lock
West coast represent (west coast, west coast)
Now put your hands up
Ooh oh ooh
Ooh oh ooh

So now, every time I hear that song, I think of that magical moment.

 

[Deleted member 56069]

Random occurrences all the time. Like this gate I walked by in San Francisco a few weeks ago....

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Random occurrences all the time. Like this gate I walked by in San Francisco a few weeks ago....View attachment 41072

If this is not a "sign" calling you back to the Camino, I am not sure what is !

 

[Tim Floyd]

Mine is the camino coffee cup I bought in Santiago. I will be at work, toughing out an issue, pick up my cup and my mind goes back to the experience and it reminds me to just chill out.

 

[Mark T17]

Whenever I drive past a bicycle on my local roads I think of 800km over 12 days, what was I thinking !

 

[Kanga]

This forum. Although I suppose it is not an "item". For an object - seeing my backpack in the store-room.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

This forum. Although I suppose it is not an "item". For an object - seeing my backpack in the store-room.

Or how about all those red socks piled high in your closet!

 

[Phoenix]

Any song from original The Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack ... I must've listened to it dozens of times during the last week on the CF, especially whenever I found myself among several "loud talker" groups of people who started in Sarria. Besides, several of those old songs have a good walking beat to them.

 

[hel&scott]

Rain on a dusty road, and the sight (and sound) of pigs free ranging for nuts... Well that's what reminded me of the Vdlp today.

 

[Deleted member 56069]

If this is not a "sign" calling you back to the Camino, I am not sure what is !

Don't need much help on the 'calling you back' front. My September Camino Primitivo will be my fifth year in a row in Spain.
April 2019 we will walk from Leon with friends that are Camino 'newbies.' I already warned them of the addictive nature of Camino life. I think they thought I was just kidding!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I didn't listen to any music on the Frances until walking the meseta, when I finally decided to listen to "Coldplay"s album, Ghost Stories. I loved it and was so invigorated I actually skipped a few times along the trail. A really dumb thing to do with my pack on...especially as my sons looked at me in horror, waiting for my back to go out!

Now when walking locally, this music brings me right back to the meseta and I daydream of more Caminos! (Leaving again May 30th!)

 

[Frank66]

Acts of random kindness. Normal currency on the Camino, but all too rare in the real world!!
Am I too old to drop out!!!

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

Don't need much help on the 'calling you back' front. My September Camino Primitivo will be my fifth year in a row in Spain.

Oh Dude! You got it baaaad !

 

[Turga]

When I see a quiet road stretching into the horizon (doesn't happen too often as I live in the center of the city).

 

[flywoman]

I had a flashback this morning at the gym. A song came on and I was right back on the Camino.

It was our last leg, final kilometers to Santiago. We stopped for a snack and a beverage at a place that looked sort of like a park, maybe a campground. There was a restaurant with a lot of outdoor seating under some trees. Music was playing - kind of random, mostly pop. We hung out awhile - kind of stalling because while we wanted to get to Santiago, we also didn't want to get to Santiago - I am sure most pilgrims know that feeling. Then California Gurls by Katy Perry came on - poppiest of the pop song genre, but we are Californians and Katy's singing about us We took it as our queue to get going and finish the journey into Santiago - it was time. We collected our packs and danced our way out of there, waving our poles in the air. People were clapping and hooting. We felt like Shaft with theme music.

California girls
We're undeniable
Fine, fresh, fierce
We got it on lock
West coast represent (west coast, west coast)
Now put your hands up
Ooh oh ooh
Ooh oh ooh

So now, every time I hear that song, I think of that magical moment.

 

[Still Searching]

As a last minute packer, I grabbed one of my Father's handkerchiefs from my linen closet with the thought....., softer and lighter weight than my usual hiking bandana. (My Father had been gone for many years). As I reached into my pocket to use it for different things, (quite utilitarian!,) I thought of my Father many times and carried him with me through my whole Camino. He was a practical, quiet man. It made so much sense to carry him with me this way although that wasn't my intention during my packing rush. What a serendipitous discovery. Now when I catch a glance at it in the closet the memories flood back. Such a blessing in a hankie!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

@Still Searching, what a special, touching story.

 

[Rj7797]

A bright sunny day with my good friends and a few cervezas always sets my mind to wondering..right back to some alburgue patio/front lawn/etc.