It's now been 5 days since finishing Camino, so I thought I should wrap it up.
Up at 4.30am we strolled into Santiago de Compostela in Spain 33 days and 800ks after leaving Saint Jean Pied de Port in France. Since leaving Sarria it was reasonably easing walking and manageable days. Our friends Tom and Erin (from California) walked with us the last 5 days. There were more unrecognisable faces and definitely a shift in the air as more people joined for the last week.
The laughter we enjoyed was that of people that are overtired, it's also what allowed us to endure. Our bodies strong but tired as we drew closer to completion. I can't and won't even try to explain the feeling of walking into the city, as words simply couldn't do it justice.
So, after receiving our Compostela, we hatched a new plan. In true pilgrim style we worked out it was cheaper to rent a car to get to finisterre (the end of the earth) than bus between 4 of us. Originally I had wanted to walk in, but the feeling for me was Santiago marked the end of my first Camino and the others shared this sentiment. So after a few rental car jokes, a great roadie to finisterre we decided to push into Porto in Portugal, cause basically why not!Back this up with a few days in Madrid and it's now time for this pilgrim to head home back to family and a quick beach break (Fiji me) while Lucy continues on her round the world marathon.
I've felt the pressure (from myself) to somehow make this final blog a "10 amazing things I learned on Camino... Or 5 life changing experiences as a result of completing Camino." The truth is I don't believe walking Camino has made me more spiritual or wise or well....Don't get me wrong I can say even in the tough times I've loved every minute of it, and I've never experienced anything like it. It has definitely changed the way I will approach travel going forward. When fully Immersed in Camino it's irreplicable, I'm sure given some space to marinade in it more will be revealed.What it has done is allowed me the time to breathe in and out and have a few more moments of reflection.It gave me a very simple purpose each day and crossed my path with others carrying that same basic purpose.It provided enough space and time to be silly and serious to get pissed off and sad and to look forward to all I have.
It did teach me how to pack!!! I've been overpacking all my life... 5 weeks on 8kgs is possible (including sleeping bag, towel and toiletries).I also wanted to call out that this has been the most time I have spent with another human in my life (outside of family). Spending 24/7 over 40 days (except for bathroom and shower breaks...and the 3 hours we lost each other in Burgos) has shown me I can do it. And Lucy did it too.It has taken work. Not only are we walking away still speaking, but for me finding I have gained "a sister from another mister" is a true blessing.Be clear, this has been despite sometimes acting like a 5 year old. Which then meant apologising and forgiving, letting go and moving on because that's what adults do. It really says more about Lucy's maturity than mine... 😜Basically accepting that everyone loses their shit from time to time and that's ok.Buen Camino...I'm off to the beach, I need a rest before I start this dating malarkey.... I'll keep you posted. XxxP.S how to win Camino.... That's an easy one, you just have to do it 😜
What a beautiful ending! So proud of you both. And your honesty and self awareness are most touching. Love you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo! I love that you were there to send me off x
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