I was walking through a city for two hours or more today, complaining to myself constantly; wondering why the Camino had to be so much on pavement when I detest that type of walking….blah blah blah. Then I laughed and reminded myself that this isn’t the Camino according to Candi! I am a guest here and trying to learn the lessons this walk has to offer.
So I rejoiced over the first ⅓ of the day and learned that all days offer a challenge and mine was the afternoon. I made it with a bit of energy left. 30 km today.
Giving myself a thumbs up for morning downhill of 10 km. I am not built like a mountain goat for nothing!
Most pilgrims I have met are such kind, caring people. But there have been one or two that act as though the service people are here to make their Camino and choices easier. It seems like they have forgotten that they chose to do a difficult, long hike in someone else’s country and no, the locals shouldn’t be expected to know English or to cater to our every need (although most of them do). The albergue cost 5-10€ a night – it’s not a Hilton! And we sleep 8 to 80 people per room, so there is going to be snoring and other body noises. It is part of the experience. Sometimes it gets to us also, so we crank out 15€ each for a private room, but certainly don’t expound on someone who kept us awake; because we are guilty of a little irritating night noises😉.
We are bunking with two young women from the USA. One of them has been fighting a foot problem and now has to rest for a few days. Lots of injuries on the Camino.
You are too funny, girl! Even though we have similar builds, a mountain goat never crossed my mind. Lol. Also, in the history of the Camino as I understand it, the people were called pilgrims because they made a journey of sacrifice often walking without shoes. The Catholic church has a rich heritage of physical self sacrifice. The journey is not meant to be easy, but a way of forgetting “self”, serving God, and becomming more spiritually aware. If people are looking to be served, they are missing the point completely. Sad. Such an opportuniny to grow. I know I could not do what you are doing. You and Debbie are my heros. Chin up, move on with blessings! Love. Carla
And Candi, remember that before it was pavement it was probably cobblestones. Jim and I rode for 48 kilometers in Bolivia on cobblestones and it was terrible.