Camino de Santiago
Insights and Advice
Since finishing the walk in 2015, I've wondered how I could do this adventure justice in my writing. How could I possibly explain just what it did for me and how could I make this post so appealing that others might feel compelled to follow "The Way of St. James?"
The truth is,
There are three questions you will likely be asked when you embark on your 500 mile journey:
What's your name?
Where are you from?
Why the camino?
If you're walking the length of the camino Frances you will likely be asked these questions throughout the first half of the walk. I say first half because by the time you've reached the middle, you have probably met and talked to between 40 to 200+ people.
Now, don't let the introvert in you be alarmed, people will understand if you don't want to answer the second or third questions. Question number three can be deeply personal for people and oftentimes someone won't ask until they get to know you.
But what could possess someone to walk 500 miles?
780km to be precise, pero bueno
Personally, I had no reason in the beginning. I was working at a hotel, about to graduate from university, I'd just ended a relationship, and all I knew was that I wanted to get the hell out of Dodge. Sometimes a girl just needs a little air, on a different continent, surrounded by strangers. It took many miles on thrashed runners and countless conversations with strangers before I figured out my reason for going.
When I asked other pilgrims these questions I received a myriad of answers. There were people from Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, the US, Lithuania...people came from all over to walk this very same path. When it came to asking the 3rd and ultimately, most important question, the reasons stemmed from matters of the mind and the heart. Uncertainties in life, coming to terms with difficult situations, efforts to find peace within themselves...
We walk for all sorts of reasons, but don't think for one second that you need a specified rationale to go. If you want to go, you should absolutely go.
Unexpected Insights and Acts of Kindness
There are many sayings we learn and adopt as we walk this pilgrimage. I'd like to attribute that to the wise minds who make the journey.
“You're never alone on the camino"
I think it's natural to feel somewhat nervous when traveling alone, even more-so when it involves something like this. No matter what pueblo you're in or what part of the meseta you're struggling through, you can always take solace in the fact that there are people in front of and behind you.
Sarria
Where you will find it difficult to walk alone, even if you try
Though you may not be interested in conversation, sometimes it's nice to know that there are loads of people out there willing to watch your back. Especially as a female going solo.
- Camino Angels are everywhere -
We have difficult days on the road, they just happen. When they do occur and the world seems less than kind, it's important to remember that we're only human. The good thing about the grey days is that it can often only take a small moment of happiness to uplift morale.
Enduring days when the trail seems never-ending, with storms baring down, and no cafe in sight for another 5km is just part of the fun. I'd purchased trekking poles at the start because my 25 year old knees were giving me trouble *cue eye roll*. I took my new poles and headed into a large Spanish forest the next day. I followed behind two French men before they disappeared into the fog, then lost track of the arrows, all this while fighting with broken poles. As I was about to meltdown out of frustration, the French men came out of nowhere and fiddled with the poles until they were functional. They wished me a buen camino and went on their way.
- The Angels show up in all forms -
They could be the person who's providing you with good conversation, the person who sets out the beautiful "take what you need" table, or even someone you've simply shared a look of understanding with.
The most beautiful donativo table I stumbled upon. Let's all take a moment to note the peanut butter making a sexy little cameo
Camino angels can also be the unexpected friends you make along the way.
"You should start like an old person and finish like a young one"
The best advice I received before I boarded the plane was that you must take it slow to start. It's easy to get swept up in the pace of another pilgrim but we aren't all built the same. Athletes, elderly, children, friends of the same age, couples, etc...everyone has a pace. If traveling with someone else, agree to set a pace or to meet in pueblos to check in with each other.
I'm a competitive person. I always have been. I work with young children and sometimes still have trouble with letting them win basic games. Hopefully that paints a nice healthy picture for you.
When starting in the Pyrenees I thought "Ok, I can do this. Just breathe and keep going." Which I did, with much older people passing and lightheartedly touting me on a daily basis. I'd made it a week before my knee started to exact its revenge. Clearly I'd pushed it too hard and started to become harsh on myself. One morning, my dad sent me a reminder to take it easy,
"You're not in competition with anyone but yourself.
Outdo your past, not other people."
He was right, just like the other people who told me to take it easy and treat my body with respect. The Camino is a pilgrimage, it's meant to be difficult both mentally and physically, but remember to respect yourself and the path simultaneously. Once I stopped taking myself so seriously, I taped up my leg, popped an anti-inflammatory (provided by an angel human), and felt the pressure lift. The funny thing was, I had no deadline, I was in no race, I'd created the pressure in my own mind.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, but is it a life changer?
Now listen, I can't guarantee you'll be the next Julia Roberts eating, praying, and loving through three countries or like Reese Witherspoon cursing at the edge of a cliff...and throwing things. But, I take pride in the fact that I had the courage to participate in something so vast and profound. These days, when I experience challenges or take on the truly scary moments in life, I find comfort in knowing that these legs walked me across an entire country.
And that's pretty fucking sweet.
Since I've obviously just talked you into going....feel free to check out my packing list so you can get some ideas on how to carry your life on your back for a month.
Also, if you're looking for additional insight, I found this forum to be of exceptional help while I planned my own trip.
- Buen Camino -