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Published: June 20th 2010
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Panorama
You can't get lost on this road. If only life was that easy Wanderer, it is your tracks which are the road,
and nothing else;
Wanderer, there is no road,
walking makes the road.
By walking, the road is made, and when glancing back,
you contemplate the trail which you will trample no more.
Wanderer, there is no road, only the wakes on the sea.
Antonio Machado There were times where the road was not a machine made trail but was truly a road made by walking. I would think of this poem often, especially the line, 'walking makes the road'. It would remind me that I won't get anywhere in life if I stand still.
For 54 days I've walked the Way. There was no need to think about which direction to turn. Just follow the arrows or the conchas. Very simple. For a week or so after the camino I had felt a little displaced. There are no yellow arrows to help me decide which way to go anymore. I have to paint my own arrows.
There are many things I've learned along the way. I have learned that...
• A dollop of vaseline
over the toes each morning prevents agony later in the day.
• I speak Spanish, French and German much better when I'm drunk.
• I speak poor English for the same reason.
• I have more patience with snorers than I thought.
• I have no fear.
• I can live in the moment.
• The world is indeed small.
• When I open my heart, good things happen.
• I can walk 35kms in one day (especially for the reward at the end)
• I'm tired of hearing and saying 'buen camino'.
• I can carry 9kgs in my pack for 800kms.
• Monty Python quotes are universal.
• When someone says 'I'm going the mystic way, eh' I don't laugh straight away.
• I should get in early for a hot shower.
• Menu del peregrinos become very boring.
• I can jump out of the way of cows very quickly with my backpack on!
• I like blood sausage.
• I am strong.
• My stomach cannot wait until 9pm for dinner.
• I shouldn't have too many vino tintos while waiting for 9pm dinner.
• I get the best reactions from Koreans by saying hello in their language.
• Gaudi is definitely gaudy.
• I shouldn't walk into a unisex bathroom without knowing for sure that a 70
year old man isn't standing there, naked. Gravity is not kind to any of us.
• I don't want to look inside another church or cathedral for a while.
• On the same note, the best churches were the smaller and less elaborate.
• I shouldn't squat over prickly plants.
• I shouldn't compete with the Germans in a beer drinking contest.
• I shouldn't compete with the French in drinking wine, either.
• I miss vegemite.
• To keep smiling and laughing no matter how bad I feel.
• I have made the best friends anyone could hope for. And finally...
• The camino is not one road but a gateway to countless other roads. I will choose the right one for me.
and for the last time...
BUEN CAMINO, EVERYBODY!
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Shaz
non-member comment
Hey Lynne Looks like your having a great time again honey ! I think you should collate all your blogs when your done a write a book ! xxx