Life on the "Camino" in Spain


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June 18th 2008
Published: June 28th 2008
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On the CaminoOn the CaminoOn the Camino

This is the flat part... Reminded me of the Midwest, but with much older churches.
I'm still walking... And my feet are doing okay - I try to wrap every toe and heel with tape to prevent more blisters. At the end of each day, I can hardly stand on them any more... but by the next morning, they´re ready to go again. It truly amazes me... thank you feet!

I'm officially a "Pilgrim" of the Camino de Santiago. The life of a pilgrim isn´t bad... at least it's much better than it was 1,000 years ago.

Most of us sleep in "alburgues," like hostals with dorm rooms (less than $10 per night). I get to take a shower everyday. And I sleep on a bed with a mattress and pillow (we bring our own sleeping bag). I don´t have to carry much food or water, as each village has restaurants and drinking fountains, and they're usually a maximum of 3 hours apart. The way is marked with so many arrows and waymarks that only an idiot or completely spaced-out person could get lost (which I've done a few times).

The other pilgrims are caring and friendly... they share bandages with you when you run out before the next pharmacy. They patiently wait in line for the bathroom at 6 AM when the lights are turned on in the dorm room (we have to leave by 8 AM, but most are gone by 7 AM). Sometimes they snore after the lights are turned out at 10 PM, but earplugs take care of that. About once per week, I stay in a hotel so I can take a long shower and use a real towel instead of my camp towel.

The best part is sharing dinner and wine at the end of the day with the other people I meet on the Camino. Even though we come from many different countries and backgrounds, we find that we have a lot in common. For many, this is a spiritual experience that makes a huge impact on life... When you walk 8 hours a day for 35 days, it gives you a lot of time to contemplate life and live in the moment.


Additional photos below
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Dinner with my fellow pilgrimsDinner with my fellow pilgrims
Dinner with my fellow pilgrims

Mara (USA), John (England), Cristina (Hungary), Fred (England), Patricia (Brazil) & Joe (England)
Blister bandagesBlister bandages
Blister bandages

Despite all the bandages on Patricia´s feet (top right), she was able to continue walking after 2 days of rest.
Example of Municipal AlbergueExample of Municipal Albergue
Example of Municipal Albergue

Villafranca, Spain - $8 per night
WaymarkersWaymarkers
Waymarkers

Notice the yellow arrow painted on the large boulder pointing the way...
Pilgrims relaxing after a long day of walkingPilgrims relaxing after a long day of walking
Pilgrims relaxing after a long day of walking

My longest day so far... 10 hours and 45 minutes of walking (including a few breaks, of course). Most days are 7 - 8 hours.
Ominous clouds aheadOminous clouds ahead
Ominous clouds ahead

My smile soon faded when the sky started dumping rain on me.
Some travel the Camino by HorsebackSome travel the Camino by Horseback
Some travel the Camino by Horseback

That was looking pretty good to me by now...


1st July 2008

Wonderful pictures and commentary, as always!
My feet and legs hurt just hearing your story. 10 hours! Hang in there! What an amazing experience.
15th July 2011
Pilgrims relaxing after a long day of walking

El Camino :-)
I like this image and fondly remember this wonderful time on the Camino.

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