Fellowship

The Camino attracts many different people to its paths. All of whom are here for different reasons and many have different destinations.

Not everyone walks the whole length in one journey – some do it over multiples visits, sometimes leapfrogging sections due to time constraints or desire to complete a certain section.

Today as I left S. Domingo de la Calzada, I started walking with some Israelis and a couple of Russian ladies. Later on I left them and met a Scottish lady at the first coffee stop. I was trailing and went past a family of women from Barcelona – grandmother, mother and daughter who are walking sections together. The grandmother is 79. It was wonderful to see the family group.

For the last 7km, I walked with a German man called Joseph. We didn’t talk a lot because the wind was in our faces all the way. Tonight, I shared a table at dinner with a Colombian couple, who are hoping to complete the section that they have yet to do.

I also learned a lesson today. Last night I got upset listening to a couple who were “pontificating” about their previous Camino journeys and what we could expect and how we should listen to their wisdom. It turned out that every day they jump in a cab from village to village and only walk a fraction of the day. As I was walking I realised it didn’t matter what I thought, each person’s journey is different as are their capabilities. They should be applauded for the journey.

Buen Camino

PS: I haven’t seen the sports bag man for a few days now. He is in my thoughts and I hope I see him again!