Welcome to my first post from the Camino. I am right now in a teeny tiny little village in Galatia (Spain) called ´´Barbadello´´ . I have walked approximately 20K today and my feet are feeling it big time!
It is hard to know what to say and where to start as there is soooo much that has happened here already. I feel as if I´ve lived a lifetime in the 5 days I´ve been here. I guess I´ll start by letting you know that when I arrived at this little ´´auberge´´ today, the first three people that I met were from OTTAWA! I almost fell over from pure shock! And none of the three knew each other before now! Unreal!
I have walked between 15 and 20 K each day so far...give or take a few here and there. I wish I could adequately describe the beauty of this place...it is impossible. Each day I climb mountains, walk through fields, forests, tiny ancient towns that, if I were to try and describe them you probably wouldn't believe me. As many of you know I have been to Europe quite a few times and seen a whole lot...but there is nothing that has compared to this experience.
There are pilgrims here from every corner of the world and I meet new people every day. It is fascinating...and astonishing how some of the 60 to 80 year olds are kicking my ass in terms of their supreme ´´walking´´ abilities! I kid you not.
So far I have acquired a couple of blisters, feet that are beyond sore...and other physical discomforts, but the advantages to walking ´¨the way´´ far outweigh the pain. And I am slowly coming to realize that the discomfort is all a part of the experience. I am actually appreciating learning to walk through the pain. There is a certain satisfaction that comes with that.
OK - so since it is impossible for me to say all that I want to say here are some highlights:
- First night, Anton, Spanish bar owner personally driving me to find a hotel as everything in the tiny place I was starting at was full. He took me to a fresh spring to fill my water.
- My first 2 days literally in the mountains of Galatia in the morning of my first day on the Camino walking through clouds.
- Having Octopus bought for me on the house by random Spanish stranger at a Tapas bar...and fresh cheese that had been made that day. Wow.
- Last night staying in one of the oldest monasteries in the western hemisphere!
- Meeting 2 amazing semi retired Canadian women and laughing till we cried talking about their adventures on the Camino. Hilarious.
- Going to a mass in an ancient church where the priest played a rousing Spanish song with the refrain ´´Ole, Ole, Ole!!!!´´ during the Eucharist!! While passing the peace he forced us all the hug each other - which was especially awkward for the German pilgrims! Ha!
- Stopping for ´´Cafe con leche´´ every 5 K! Best coffee ever in the universe. Seriously.
- Realizing that I can actually speak pretty decent Spanish! Who knew? (Thank you April and Tony!)
- Drinking wine with strangers every single night. There is not a night that has gone by where I haven't consumed a whole lot if it. Dirt cheap here. I love this land.
- Tonight's shower...best one yet.
- Watching a soccer match on TV with a bunch of Spaniards. You havent lived till you´ve seen this.
- Reaching the top of a 12k climb straight uphill. Euphoria. There have been many moments like this.
- Feeling suddenly part of a transient world family. Its amazing how close to people you are without even really knowing them. I have had so many amazing encounters with strangers.
- The amazing feeling of walking through the mountains and feeling like you are the only one there. I´ve never in my life had this feeling before.
- Knowing that every single day is a brand new adventure. Literally.
OK ' I could go on and on but I need to go wash my clothes and hang them and drink wine and eat dinner with the Ottawa contingent! Craziness!
Much love to ya´ll from ´´El Camino´´.
-Julia
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