Monday, June 13, 2016
Friday, June 21, 2013
What I have learned on the camino
While on the camino over these last weeks, I wrote this blog.. working on what I was learning, both on the camino, and for life. So much applies to both.
I am safely home, i slept well in my own bed last night, and ready to end this blog, but this chapter of my life will always remain with me.
The camino was a wonderful life experience, one that I am so glad to have done.
1. People throughout the world are generally good. If I asked any fellow pilgrim for help, they were glad to do it. I never felt concerned for myself.
2. You are stronger and more capable than you think you are.
3. Being alone and on your own for a period of time is good for you. You may not be completely content everyday, but it is good for you.
4. I want to become fluent in Spanish. To spend 7 weeks somewhere, it is really helpful to have a good grip on the language. My Spanish became passable during my time on the camino. And most importantly, if people know you are willing to try, they are much happier to help you.
5. In contrast to the above statement, you can usually communicate what you need to, even if you don't know the language. Hand signals really can get you through some of the time, if not most of the time.
6. Don't wear cotton on an adventure type of trip. It holds moisture, and will keep you wet and cold. I didn't bring anything cotton, and I was glad for it. It was very cold in Spain these last weeks, and I saw people whom I thought could easily get hypothermic.
7. Always have dry socks available to you, and take good care of your feet. My feet have been an every day concern.
8. If you need to stay connected, it's ok. It's your decision, and for me, my iPad brought me much comfort.
9. Be careful of what you wish for. The desire to accomplish your wish may be harder than you ever imagined.
10. Almost always there is an uphill. Conquer it. Then it's downhill from there.
But be ready! Cause the next uphill isn't far away...same as in life.
11. Eat when you are hungry. My energy was kept up by eating lots, but my stomach told me to eat. This is something I need to work on when I get home. If you are not hungry, don't eat just cause its time to eat.
12. Be focused on what is in front of you. All of those distractors are just that, distractions. To do any one thing well, you need to focus on that one thing. And to add to this, don't focus on what everyone around you is doing, the only one you can control is yourself.
13. Most important. When you put yourself in God's hands, he will always, always, take care of you, and get you to the place- physically, mentally, and spiritually that you need to be. I have learned that there is only so much that I am in control of, and it's actually very little. God's love is steadfast, never waning, and with us always.
I am safely home, i slept well in my own bed last night, and ready to end this blog, but this chapter of my life will always remain with me.
The camino was a wonderful life experience, one that I am so glad to have done.
1. People throughout the world are generally good. If I asked any fellow pilgrim for help, they were glad to do it. I never felt concerned for myself.
2. You are stronger and more capable than you think you are.
3. Being alone and on your own for a period of time is good for you. You may not be completely content everyday, but it is good for you.
4. I want to become fluent in Spanish. To spend 7 weeks somewhere, it is really helpful to have a good grip on the language. My Spanish became passable during my time on the camino. And most importantly, if people know you are willing to try, they are much happier to help you.
5. In contrast to the above statement, you can usually communicate what you need to, even if you don't know the language. Hand signals really can get you through some of the time, if not most of the time.
6. Don't wear cotton on an adventure type of trip. It holds moisture, and will keep you wet and cold. I didn't bring anything cotton, and I was glad for it. It was very cold in Spain these last weeks, and I saw people whom I thought could easily get hypothermic.
7. Always have dry socks available to you, and take good care of your feet. My feet have been an every day concern.
8. If you need to stay connected, it's ok. It's your decision, and for me, my iPad brought me much comfort.
9. Be careful of what you wish for. The desire to accomplish your wish may be harder than you ever imagined.
10. Almost always there is an uphill. Conquer it. Then it's downhill from there.
But be ready! Cause the next uphill isn't far away...same as in life.
11. Eat when you are hungry. My energy was kept up by eating lots, but my stomach told me to eat. This is something I need to work on when I get home. If you are not hungry, don't eat just cause its time to eat.
12. Be focused on what is in front of you. All of those distractors are just that, distractions. To do any one thing well, you need to focus on that one thing. And to add to this, don't focus on what everyone around you is doing, the only one you can control is yourself.
13. Most important. When you put yourself in God's hands, he will always, always, take care of you, and get you to the place- physically, mentally, and spiritually that you need to be. I have learned that there is only so much that I am in control of, and it's actually very little. God's love is steadfast, never waning, and with us always.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Day 43 A Rua to Santiago June 16th
Km walked 24 approximately 14 miles elevation climb about 200 meters (600 feet)
Today was a sunny chilly start to the day and as I sit here in Santiago, I am very glad to arrived, as it is cold and raining. I started this morning about 6:45 and arrived around 2 pm. The walk was good, I had a good pace, and I was in very good spirits, knowing this was it... Hallelujah!
I was so happy, I felt like I could have run to Santiago this morning.
The path went through lots of forest this morning.
I stopped for orange juice and some chocolate croissant, since this is the last day that I have an excuse to eat one.
I got to this sign about 10:30... I still had a long way to go, so don't really know if this was for the outer city limits or what. I was glad to see it....
Ran into some old familiar faces at another break stop. I decided to walk in with them, as they were staying the same place as I am. I'm glad I did, as the walk got harder from there. I met Donna and Sheryl from California, and Maeve and Carmela from Ireland.
We had chilly winds, than I big climb up to mount Gonzo. There is a big sculpture that was placed there when Pope John Paul II visited there. Pretty neat sculpture. We then descended down the mountain, (little one by camino standards) and headed into the city of Santiago. It was inspiring to see John Paul's image on the base.
We had to walk about 2.5 miles through the concrete city of Santiago before we got to the cathedral. I hate walking through cities. They are hard on the legs and boring. We finally arrived to the cathedral. Here I am with Maeve and Carmela. We are staying at the San Martin Hospederia. It is a renovated hospital for pilgrims. Very old, although I don't know much about it. I really like that it was a hospital, and since I am a nurse, it is significant that I am staying here. It's very very basic, but clean sheets, a towel and a bathroom, in a private room. For 23 euros not bad.
I also so my old friend Karla here. We walked together for several days over the last few weeks. She is from Holland. Fun but she's 6 foot and hard to keep up with. So we went separate ways last Monday.
Lots of familiar faces around, so we all went out to eat, and wine of course.
It was a great day. Walking into Santiago was great, although a bit anticlimactic. I wasn't able to make church today, but hopefully will tomorrow, and I will get my compostella tomorrow. I think that is when the tears will flow. Thank you all for your outpouring of prayers for this very difficult journey of mine. I'm glad I've been able to complete it, and my feet are too.
I'm super happy with myself, and I thank God for his never ending love to get me there. I'll keep you posted. I plan to go to Finisterre and Muxia to see the ocean, probably on Tuesday if the weather clears.
I am also moving to a hotel for Tuesday and Wednesday nights before my flight home on Thursday. Need a bit of pampering...
Today was a sunny chilly start to the day and as I sit here in Santiago, I am very glad to arrived, as it is cold and raining. I started this morning about 6:45 and arrived around 2 pm. The walk was good, I had a good pace, and I was in very good spirits, knowing this was it... Hallelujah!
I was so happy, I felt like I could have run to Santiago this morning.
The path went through lots of forest this morning.
I stopped for orange juice and some chocolate croissant, since this is the last day that I have an excuse to eat one.
I got to this sign about 10:30... I still had a long way to go, so don't really know if this was for the outer city limits or what. I was glad to see it....
Ran into some old familiar faces at another break stop. I decided to walk in with them, as they were staying the same place as I am. I'm glad I did, as the walk got harder from there. I met Donna and Sheryl from California, and Maeve and Carmela from Ireland.
We had chilly winds, than I big climb up to mount Gonzo. There is a big sculpture that was placed there when Pope John Paul II visited there. Pretty neat sculpture. We then descended down the mountain, (little one by camino standards) and headed into the city of Santiago. It was inspiring to see John Paul's image on the base.
We had to walk about 2.5 miles through the concrete city of Santiago before we got to the cathedral. I hate walking through cities. They are hard on the legs and boring. We finally arrived to the cathedral. Here I am with Maeve and Carmela. We are staying at the San Martin Hospederia. It is a renovated hospital for pilgrims. Very old, although I don't know much about it. I really like that it was a hospital, and since I am a nurse, it is significant that I am staying here. It's very very basic, but clean sheets, a towel and a bathroom, in a private room. For 23 euros not bad.
I also so my old friend Karla here. We walked together for several days over the last few weeks. She is from Holland. Fun but she's 6 foot and hard to keep up with. So we went separate ways last Monday.
Lots of familiar faces around, so we all went out to eat, and wine of course.
It was a great day. Walking into Santiago was great, although a bit anticlimactic. I wasn't able to make church today, but hopefully will tomorrow, and I will get my compostella tomorrow. I think that is when the tears will flow. Thank you all for your outpouring of prayers for this very difficult journey of mine. I'm glad I've been able to complete it, and my feet are too.
I'm super happy with myself, and I thank God for his never ending love to get me there. I'll keep you posted. I plan to go to Finisterre and Muxia to see the ocean, probably on Tuesday if the weather clears.
I am also moving to a hotel for Tuesday and Wednesday nights before my flight home on Thursday. Need a bit of pampering...
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Day 42 my thoughts about finishing the camino tomorrow
I am sitting here on Saturday night wondering how I am going to feel tomorrow. Happy? Yes I'm sure. A little melancholy? Maybe. Relief? Yes definitely. Ready to come home? Absolutely.
I have been gone from home a long time,a really long time. It's been so good for me, in a personal growth type of way, although I have certainly pushed my body to its limits. This trip was not just difficult physically, but mentally it has been overwhelming in so many ways. I am not a quitter, this I have always known about myself. I am also a really hard worker, who once committed to a project doesn't give up.
There were many days during this trip that I wondered why am I doing this? What constitutes me putting myself through this?
For many the camino is invigorating, an adventure vacation, and so many here truly love each day. Did I enjoy each day? I must say the answer is yes,mostly.
Somedays though I had such physical aches and pains that when I quit walking for the day, it wasn't always pleasant. I also missed having a walking partner like John. The people walking in couples and groups seemed much happier. Although, on the flip side of this is that I think I have become a much stronger, self reliant person to have done this alone. John and I have talked about this and I think it's true. Also, to do this with another person, it has to be someone who is really committed to working together as a team. I saw many friendships not doing well here, because one person was stronger than the other and the weaker one was pushing to keep up. The weaker person has to be the one to set the pace.
When I set out to do this the reasons were many.
I wanted to do a true pilgrimage for God. Something that was a commitment that really was one of true physical and mental suffering.... I spent much time praying and chanting and singing prayers as I walked. Thanking God for everything so wonderful in my life. I prayed for all of my family, and friends. All of you, yes, I had time to think about all of you and pray for you.
I wanted to have meditation time to figure out if I am happy with my life as it is, and who I am. ... The answer to this is yes.
I wanted to see if this Florida girl could rise to the fitness challenge of doing this. It's been crazy hard, but I've succeeded.
Just some thoughts before I walk tomorrow. Please keep praying for me that I get this done... Who knows what the last 10 miles will bring?
Hopefully I will arrive in Santiago safe and well, both mentally, physically, and spiritually. Ultraia. Onward.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Day 42 Arzua to Arca June 15th
Km walked about 20 (12.6 miles)
Elevation change, hilly, up and down nothing major.
I left this morning at 7 am, a bit earlier than I have these last couple of short days. It's been sunny and warm, and I wanted to get the walk in before it got too hot. So with a couple of stops, I made it in 5 hours. Pretty good.
My chest cold and cough have settled down. I did see a doctor yesterday, and she gave me a Rx for albuterol. The visit was brief and free.
So that was pretty good.
As I started out early this morning, the sun was just coming up, and it was really pretty out. As I looked down the trail and into the misty fog, there was a baby deer standing there looking at me. It was pretty cool, and I thought to myself that it was kind of like a patronus..... From Harry Potter...
A good omen for the day.
After a while I stopped at a roadside cafe. There are many along the the
Road, and had one of my favorite breakfasts while I've been here in Spain. Pan chocolate and also called a Neapolitan. Yummy! With some orange juice, for the cold.
Saw lots of dogs and cats today, also saw sheep....who obliged nicely for a picture...
And passed this on my way into Arca. Only 20 km left. Very, very good.
Tomorrow, I will leave really early for Santiago. Probably around 6 to 6:30. There is a mass on Sunday at noon, where they swing the big incense burner, and if I can make it, I would like to. I also have heard that it swings most days due to tourist donations. So if I don't make it tomorrow it is ok.
Although cool to see, it's not the most important part of my day tomorrow. Just arriving is.
So excited. Mission completed... Almost.
Friday, June 14, 2013
Day 41 Melide to Arzua June 14th
14 km (8.6 miles) traveled. Elevation climbed about 100 meters (300 feet) up and down and up again..
First of all, I would just like to say that I can hardly believe that I only have 2 days of walking left. I am very, very happy. My body is telling me that it has had enough. The walking itself has gotton easier, and easier, but the toll over all has been in many ways good and bad.
The good is that I am feeling really fit. I can climb up big hills easily. Well maybe not easily, but easier... My body has changed. I have no idea how much weight I have lost, but my pants are bigger on me. I don't think it's been so much as weight loss, but shape change. My German thighs are ever present. Thanks Grandma Dolly!
The bad is that my feet are in pretty bad shape. I will probably lose at least 2 more nails. My blisters on my heels are now dried and scabbed. I was extremely careful on the downhills today to avoid toe jam. Criss crossed all the way down.
Each day is a progression for me. Each day is a challenge. Each day I am a stronger woman who realizes that I can get through pretty much anything, moment by moment, day by day. This is how life is. We continue on, and learn how to get through trials each and every day. Sometimes little things, sometimes big ones.
Mentally, I am in a good place. Tired and starting to feel relief that this pilgrimage is almost over. I am sure all pilgrims who have sacrificed have this same feeling. I will miss the simpleness of life on the camino. I am excited to get home to John and my own bed.
Yesterday I walked with a guy Norman who has walked from Sarria with his 79 year old mom Thelma. They are both nurses. He does occupational health, and she was an instructor. They are from Arizona. They are following about the same plan I am, only their day is longer. We will be at the same place tomorrow night. A hotel for my last night before finishing.
Last night some other pilgrims and I went out for dinner at about 6. Melide is famous for octopus. We couldn't find a restaurant that was open to serve until 9:30. We ended up going for chicken...which was really ok with me.
On the way, we passed this car. The men made a big deal out of it, so here is a pic. It's called a Citroen.
Spanish customs take a lot to get used to.
Everything closes at 1 to about 4:30 each afternoon for siesta.
They work really long hours then because of it. Most people work until 8 or 9 and they eat at 10 pm. So very different from us in the U.S.
This was the first thing I saw as I came out of town this am. This cross gave me inspiration for the day.
I slept well, didn't cough much, but this cough has turned out to be a reactive airway thing. It was cold this morning. Fresh.. And I was coughing like I am a smoker. A little albuterol would be good....
It was cool and misty
One of the towns had a church dedicated to Saint James. I went in to check it out and say a prayer. They gave me a prayer card. Very nice.
This is a picture of him
Another km marker... Only 40 to go.
And these trees, which were so bare at the beginning of my trip are blooming now. So pretty.
I'm going to visit the church here this evening. It should be open. I missed mass last week, no churches were where I was.
The next 2 days will each be about 20 km days. Some hills, but no mountains. The weather is supposed to be great tomorrow, rain predicted for Sunday, my day to walk yo Santiago. Oh well... All will be well, God provides.
Have a Good Friday everyone!
First of all, I would just like to say that I can hardly believe that I only have 2 days of walking left. I am very, very happy. My body is telling me that it has had enough. The walking itself has gotton easier, and easier, but the toll over all has been in many ways good and bad.
The good is that I am feeling really fit. I can climb up big hills easily. Well maybe not easily, but easier... My body has changed. I have no idea how much weight I have lost, but my pants are bigger on me. I don't think it's been so much as weight loss, but shape change. My German thighs are ever present. Thanks Grandma Dolly!
The bad is that my feet are in pretty bad shape. I will probably lose at least 2 more nails. My blisters on my heels are now dried and scabbed. I was extremely careful on the downhills today to avoid toe jam. Criss crossed all the way down.
Each day is a progression for me. Each day is a challenge. Each day I am a stronger woman who realizes that I can get through pretty much anything, moment by moment, day by day. This is how life is. We continue on, and learn how to get through trials each and every day. Sometimes little things, sometimes big ones.
Mentally, I am in a good place. Tired and starting to feel relief that this pilgrimage is almost over. I am sure all pilgrims who have sacrificed have this same feeling. I will miss the simpleness of life on the camino. I am excited to get home to John and my own bed.
Yesterday I walked with a guy Norman who has walked from Sarria with his 79 year old mom Thelma. They are both nurses. He does occupational health, and she was an instructor. They are from Arizona. They are following about the same plan I am, only their day is longer. We will be at the same place tomorrow night. A hotel for my last night before finishing.
Last night some other pilgrims and I went out for dinner at about 6. Melide is famous for octopus. We couldn't find a restaurant that was open to serve until 9:30. We ended up going for chicken...which was really ok with me.
On the way, we passed this car. The men made a big deal out of it, so here is a pic. It's called a Citroen.
Spanish customs take a lot to get used to.
Everything closes at 1 to about 4:30 each afternoon for siesta.
They work really long hours then because of it. Most people work until 8 or 9 and they eat at 10 pm. So very different from us in the U.S.
This was the first thing I saw as I came out of town this am. This cross gave me inspiration for the day.
I slept well, didn't cough much, but this cough has turned out to be a reactive airway thing. It was cold this morning. Fresh.. And I was coughing like I am a smoker. A little albuterol would be good....
It was cool and misty
One of the towns had a church dedicated to Saint James. I went in to check it out and say a prayer. They gave me a prayer card. Very nice.
This is a picture of him
Another km marker... Only 40 to go.
And these trees, which were so bare at the beginning of my trip are blooming now. So pretty.
I'm going to visit the church here this evening. It should be open. I missed mass last week, no churches were where I was.
The next 2 days will each be about 20 km days. Some hills, but no mountains. The weather is supposed to be great tomorrow, rain predicted for Sunday, my day to walk yo Santiago. Oh well... All will be well, God provides.
Have a Good Friday everyone!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Day 40 Palas De Rei to Melide
15 km (9 miles) no elevation change
Today it was a rainy day as I set out. I knew it was going to be a relatively short day, because of how all of the rest of the days are being spaced out.
There are two stretches with very few places to stay, so I have taken everything into consideration, and am going to finish on Sunday. Good, appropriate day of the week to finish.
There are many, many pilgrims on the Camino. Some in tour buses. There are many doing the last 100 km to get their compostellas. We are like a bunch of fish swimming up the stream to their goal. Nice, kinda more crowded than I am used to, but it's all ok. Everyone does their own thing in regards to a pilgrimage, and all of it is ok. To each their own, I spoke with many today, and it made the time pass quickly.
Because of the rain, I didn't take many pictures. Don't want to ruin the iPad..
I passed the town of Casanova, and wondered if he still lives there....
And this very strange little house. Looks like a bird house.
An old bridge going into Melide...
And the beautiful ancient church in Melide.
Many of the churches I have walked past have been locked up. Don't know why, maybe because of theft?
Don't know. Anyway, I said some prayers for my parents today, and lit a candle.
It's been good today. I'm in a small hotel for the night. Cough is better, although I coughed a lot laying down last night. Not much during the day. Going to keep on going on. 3 more days of walking. I can hardly believe it.
Going to get some good sleep tonight on this cloudy rainy day.
Happy Thursday!!!
Today it was a rainy day as I set out. I knew it was going to be a relatively short day, because of how all of the rest of the days are being spaced out.
There are two stretches with very few places to stay, so I have taken everything into consideration, and am going to finish on Sunday. Good, appropriate day of the week to finish.
There are many, many pilgrims on the Camino. Some in tour buses. There are many doing the last 100 km to get their compostellas. We are like a bunch of fish swimming up the stream to their goal. Nice, kinda more crowded than I am used to, but it's all ok. Everyone does their own thing in regards to a pilgrimage, and all of it is ok. To each their own, I spoke with many today, and it made the time pass quickly.
Because of the rain, I didn't take many pictures. Don't want to ruin the iPad..
I passed the town of Casanova, and wondered if he still lives there....
And this very strange little house. Looks like a bird house.
An old bridge going into Melide...
And the beautiful ancient church in Melide.
Many of the churches I have walked past have been locked up. Don't know why, maybe because of theft?
Don't know. Anyway, I said some prayers for my parents today, and lit a candle.
It's been good today. I'm in a small hotel for the night. Cough is better, although I coughed a lot laying down last night. Not much during the day. Going to keep on going on. 3 more days of walking. I can hardly believe it.
Going to get some good sleep tonight on this cloudy rainy day.
Happy Thursday!!!
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