A Love Song
A Love Song
Upon rounding a bend, Michael arranged for this vocal artist performer to sing me a love song
Tears everywhere!
It’s the March of the elephants!
The final leg of the Camino includes an extra 55,800 MORE peregrinos beginning in Sarria than those who started in Saint Jean; that’s a 315% increase!
THIS is what it feels like:
No joke!
We’re suddenly walking down something resembling Main Street USA at Disneyland. I’m literally looking for a cart that will sell me a frozen banana and some Mickey Mouse ears–It’s that busy!
Whoa!
What happened?
Why so many people?
Well… the sudden invasion of people consists of Peregrinos who walk the last 100km from Sarria to Santiago. When they arrived, we first noticed their age. They largely consist of youth groups from Italy, France, and Spain. Lots of ‘em too! Playin’ tunes, talking loud, walking fast, no packs–checking their suitcases through the portage companies!
“Where is my Frozen Banana!!”
Today I called them “Sarrigrino” instead of “Peregrino”. It’s not very evolved of me. I think I was experiencing all these negative emotions because at the time THEY entered the path WE had already completed 680 km!! We had already been invested in our experience, our quiet, our walk
“Inner , inner peace”
I feel a little embarrassed for having such thoughts . Perhaps when I arrive at Saint James in Santiago on Friday I should continue walking….
(I hang my head in shame.)
Truth is…
I’m a school teacher! Educating children is my thing. It’s what I do best. So, why should I be upset with loads of walking kids who desire to enlighten themselves? I mean I’m proud of them for making the trek and they’re all very kind…
Rules of Santiago:
The Compostela (sometimes incorrectly called a “Compostelana”) is the document that certifies that a pilgrim has completed the Camino de Santiago. The Compostela is awarded by the Church authorities, and can be collected at the Pilgrim’s Reception Office in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This accreditation was created in the 9th and 10th centuries when the pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint James the Apostle was given official status. At first, insignias such as the venera or scallop shell were used to certify the pilgrimage.
Ok.
The kids can stay and walk.
But with youth comes new excitement, new energy! I can’t be all critical about it! I mean they’re excited to be here and I think their escorts are excited to be here too. It’s hard to tell at times.
There’s always joy in teaching younger people the value of hard work. And the Camino is hard. Every day there’s this running joke: “I’m good for three hours and then my feet start hurting and then I’ve got the remaining 3 to 4 hours of walking with sore feet.”
But with this new group there is much more to do or see or hear! For example, the other day I walked into town and instead of just my typical routine of holding out my phone relocated Michael and our Albergue with my GPS, I was greeted at the entrance to the town by local and youth groups who were applauding me as if I had just finished some amazing cross-country race!
It was exciting and so rewarding and just made me giggle and cry all at the same time! I asked Michael when I reached him,
“Did you get applauded?”
He said no, they were still serving beer.
Apparently I got the after-beer applause.
Sharon
Look who made it!!
Ahead of schedule
With fervor
And pride
Parting ways begins early, before Santiago
We are all talking about something we are trying to anticipate: our feelings upon arrival at our destination. Cerebrally we acknowledge that this is completely an impossible task.
“How can we possibly feel something that we haven’t experienced yet?”
We are jokingly talking about needing a post-Camino support group. But the truth is, that’s not a half bad idea! We just experienced something really challenging together, and then suddenly, it will be all over.
Shazam! Poof!”
All done.
Walking ceases.
But the unspoken truth is: we’ve already started our goodbyes.
Varying schedules mean varying arrival dates and ultimately varying departure dates.
We all came into this walk knowing it had a beginning and an end. And so, we’ve begun to acknowledge the end together with early goodbyes.
The Gifts of the Camino
The Camino will provide. We hear this over and over again.
It’s the night before we walk our final 20 km. We sat on a sidewalk cafe around 7:15 p.m. and the heat of the day was beginning to subside. We met Keri (Oregon) there and we were quickly joined by Phoebe (Namibia) and Doris (Germany) for drinks. Within 10 minutes, we expanded the table again for the couple from the UK and Steve from Germany. As we captured our most precious moments and trying struggles along the Camino, we couldn’t help but drink, laugh, sing.
We were loud, let’s just say it as it was!
As people departed for their rooms, pensions, hostels and hotels, the Camino provided us one parting joyful gift: a thunderous rainstorm!
If anyone knows me, they know I love rainstorms. I love blustery weather, I love wind and the unpredictability of a weather pattern.
We were instantly and blessedly cooled.
We ran into the rain to our pension, seeking cover in Pedrouzo. As we rounded the corner, the youth groups ran out into the rain to dance and sing. They celebrated the rainfall, the lightning and the thunderous heartbeat of storm. It was magic!
We now lay on top of the bed covers and cool off our room by propping open the French doors to a small balcony, allowing the smells and sounds of rain to waft into our sleeping quarters.
In the distance is the sound of Spain: music. People are singing in loud harmonious voices joined by clapping hands and more laughter.
Tonight is the Camino’s final gift to me.
The sounds and smells of Spain.
