Camino Lessons

Hello All,
I have not been able to update the blog as not all auberges have internet facilities and if it is available, you can imagine the line of people waiting to use it.

I slept in Azofra last night and will write another post about the last few days of my journey.  Todays´post however is about things that I have learnt.

Lesson 1 : Honour Your Body, Be Kind to Your Body, Listen to Your Body.
The first 4 days or so I was not really walking my own camino.  I started out walking with Sara K, who has become a treasured friend and companion, but she is fitter and faster than me.  I tried to keep up with her but realised that I was not doing myself any favours.  I needed frequent breaks and was pushing myself way too hard.  I have chicken pox feet (visualize all the blisters!!) to show for that, not to mention the excruciating pain on the balls of my feet - but more about that later.  I have now slowed down to my own pace honouring the Camino saying of ¨"The Best Pace for the Camino is Your Own Pace"  Every now and again me and Sara meets up and connect over dinner, but then we each go our own pace again.

Lesson 2 - Give Attention to Nagging Pain in Your Feet.
In Estella, I went to an orthopedic store where I was fitted out with a temporary metatarsal support - I have had this nagging pain in my feet - even wearing normal shoes, but contributed it to the fact that I stand so much.  It now transpires that I need special orthotics that includes a custom support for the bridge under the ball of my feet.  The temporary ones are relieving some of the pain and walking is much more bearable.

Lesson 3 - Allow Life to Happen (or put differently - Learn to go With the Flow)
When I started planning this journey I read many blogs, where people opted to use a bus or have their luggage transported.  I had a very judgemental attitude about this, because after all the pilgrimage is about the walk!!!  Well, I am learning that the pilgrimage is not about the walking at all, but about all the other things that are happening.  I have used the bus twice now, yesterday was one day to get to Azofra - because I want to visit two monasteries close by and do not want to get there on a Saturday and find them closed.

Today I will be paying the astronomical amount of about R250 to taxi to the monasteries as it is off the Camino Way - from there I will walk to Ciruena.

On Saturday I will be going to Santa Domingo de Calzada where I plan to spoil myself and book into a private pension.  Oh to imagine the bliss of a room and hopefully bathroom all to myself - what luxury!!!

Lesson 4 - We Do Not Need So Much Stuff!!
In my pack I have a pair of zip off pants, a strappy stop and a shirt, 2 pairs of liner socks and 2 pairs of thick socks, 2 x sarongs, 2 sets of underwear, my sleeping bag, sheet, pillow case, towel, very basic toiletries, a travel washing line, sewing kit (for draining blisters) travel plug, first aid kit, set of thermal pants and top, rain pants, rain jacket, fleece top and thin poncho.  I also have a pair of slops for showering and walking around in the evening.  On my body, another pair of zip off pants, t-shirt, pair of underwear, liner socks and thick socks.  My pack is still too heavy.  On top of this, I have to carry my food for the day and at least one and a half litres of water.

I plan to mail my raingear on 10 days at a time to relieve the weight of the pack a bit.  The heavy pack also contributes to my feet getting sore, so I will do anything to alleviate that.  Many old Spanish gentleman have walked past me commenting - "Mucho Peso, Mucho Peso for the Camino"  I just laugh and say Si, Si. . .what can I do, I will be here covering the change of season and have to be prepared for the rain.

Lesson 5 - Sharing Bedrooms and Bathrooms = It is nearly two weeks into my walk and I am surviving!!  I am not specifically enjoying this part of the learning but I am certainly none the worse for it.

I have met some amazing people so far - some only walking for a week or 10 days, others doing the whole journey.  I will meet some of them again on the way, others I will never see again.  That is the way of the Camino. 

Look out for my post about Spanish Fiestas and the routine of a pilgrim!!

Until then, thank you for the emails, you bless me with each one that I receive, much love to everybody!!

Ultreia!!!!  On I walk. . .

Willemien  (with tears in my eyes because I am also realising what wonderful people I have in my life!!))

xxxxx