Now for the take home quiz?
What have you enjoyed the most?
There is no one thing. The walking, the companionship with Craig, the solitary time, meeting other peregrinos, meeting local people, the scenery, the culture, the history, the spirit, even the weather, the sense of humble empowerment. Don't want to separate it.
Did you take the "right" things?
Yes! Absolutely. Once we sent the 3 kilos onto Santiago, our packs were manageable. The revised packing list has it all. I would change my color combo and have a black raincoat and black and maroon or camel combo outfits. I didn't like the blue:)
What do you miss most?
The Grands. Our Peeps. I loved being able to stay in touch via text, email, Facebook, and Skype.
Are the people you meet mostly friendly?
Totally friendly. Can't think of a negative incident at all. No animosity towards Americans. In fact, when locals found out we weren't German or Scandinavian or from GB, they were delighted!!
What are some of the reasons that people seem to take this walk that you have heard?
To have time away from the rigors of life. To reflect. To walk in the footsteps. To take time to make changes in life like work or retirement. Because walking is a way of life. Many people return year after year or choose a different Camino to walk.
What seems to be the most difficult part?
For me, carrying the backpack though I got used to it and even forgot to take it off when I could have. Jade and I bonded well. For Craig, the bus ride back from Finesterre was hell- no air, windy roads....
What are the public transpotation systems like?
Excellent. The trains are clean, fast, and on schedule. Same with busses except for the air quality on the Finesterre to Santiago one. OPorto has an excellent Metro. We roamed the city on one ticket. Everyone uses them; a car would be expensive and a big hassle. Check out this photo of the Madrid train station where we rode a train for 20 minutes to get to Toledo.
Piqued my interest . . . You are ready to resume life with reservations?
Yes, very ready. The last video Sonya sent of Hazel and the photos of Connor and Natalie that Nicole sent tugged at heart. The reservations come because I don't want to lose the peace and groundedness that the Camino offers. I like walking and walking. I have vowed not to engage in the multi-tasking nonsense. I'm looking forward to reading a book. Neither of us have done that. We spent our downtime writing, talking with others, tending to our bodily needs like eating and sleeping, planning the next day's route, reading and learning about the region we were in.
Do you find people you have met in villages (those that live there, not traveling thru) are not angry like
we are in America? Even tho they may not have 'as much' do they really 'have more'?
we are in America? Even tho they may not have 'as much' do they really 'have more'?
I don't know this answer. We were in a very rural, traditional agrarian part of Spain. With my limited language skills I don't feel informed. People were very friendly. People also told us over and over that "there is no trabajo". Are we so angry?
Could you live in Europe for even half a year?
I have and I could. I'd need a purpose. I wouldn't leave my family; they'd have to come with.
So, what was the social scene like? It seemed like you talked/walked with lots of people. Was there a kind of expectation of being sociable and talkative?
Yes, we did talk with many people. We didn't, however, spend too much time walking with other people. We had our pace (slow and slower) and there is no sense of obligation to walk together even if you've become fast friends. Our conversations happened more over meals, in the towns during rest times. Everyone respects the need for alone time. Some folks choose to do a silent Camino; others walk with friends, chatting. I would say that there is no expectation at all to be sociable and talkative. That's the terrific part.
What about music?
I expect there is impromptu music making in the albuergues. Since we walked mostly through the countryside, we didn't see or hear about music events. We did have an opportunity to hear Gregorian chants in a church in O'Ceibreiro. I expect if we'd stayed longer in Burgos or Leon, we would have had an opportunity to find music venues. I did think it would have been fun to sing along the path but if I had done that, it definitely would have disturbed the peace!
So, what was the social scene like? It seemed like you talked/walked with lots of people. Was there a kind of expectation of being sociable and talkative?
Yes, we did talk with many people. We didn't, however, spend too much time walking with other people. We had our pace (slow and slower) and there is no sense of obligation to walk together even if you've become fast friends. Our conversations happened more over meals, in the towns during rest times. Everyone respects the need for alone time. Some folks choose to do a silent Camino; others walk with friends, chatting. I would say that there is no expectation at all to be sociable and talkative. That's the terrific part.
What about music?
I expect there is impromptu music making in the albuergues. Since we walked mostly through the countryside, we didn't see or hear about music events. We did have an opportunity to hear Gregorian chants in a church in O'Ceibreiro. I expect if we'd stayed longer in Burgos or Leon, we would have had an opportunity to find music venues. I did think it would have been fun to sing along the path but if I had done that, it definitely would have disturbed the peace!
Do you want to come home or keep on moving?
Oh yes. Home home home . Living out of a backpack , eating out , traveling and staying in different hotels: done!!
But I'd love to do another Camino.
What's it all about?
Love? Adventure? Luck? Still don't have the answer.
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