I thought I came to the camino to be alone and think about my vision of life - and what I wanted to work with. This is still true, but today I discovered a deeper insight. The way of the camino is special to each individual that walks it, and the camino seems to adjust to the needs you have. I thought I should walk alone and reflect. Instead I have met incredible individuals with whom we have shared thoughts and emotions, and I have had interesting adventures.
I am sure that most that walks the camino can nod in recognition to the above, but it can be very difficult for people at home to understand what effect the camino has on you, and sharing thoughts and insights in writing can be misunderstood. I have therefore edited this post from the original to keep personal insights out of the blog - and I will share my personal learnings in a final blog post when I have arrived at home.
That was a lot of reflection to begin with. Yesterday, Colin and I had been lucky to share a two person room in the hostel, so it was just the snoring from one person that I had to stand out with. We got out later than normal and were the last ones to leave the hostel at 8:00. It was nice to get a long nights sleep and we both felt energized and in good moods - very different from yesterday where we were so tired.
We walked for about 2 hours before getting to the first coffee place. This was a hostel 2 km outside a town and was run by a couple that started it just one year ago. We got a really good omelet and coffee and had a loong morning breakfast for 2 hours before continuing.
Another 2:30 hours walk and we ended up in Castrojeriz, the end destination town and a 22 km walk. During the walk we met a group of 40 wemen cycling the camino for charity for breat cancer, and they had a hole support team cooking for them.
Castrojeriz is a really nice town next to a hill with a ruin of a castle.
We went directly to a restaurant where the most of our group already were, and we got a pizza for lunch. After that Louis, Ciara and I went to the guesthouse where we had booked a nice three persons room with own bathroom. Really nice. Chiara is from London and Louis is from Columbia, two great members of the Camino Family that I enjoy spending time with.
We the went to the castle ruin, which was 10 minutes tracking uphill and we got a fantastic view.
And watch this video made by Louis, an upcoming Instagram star.
After the walk we went to the supermarket to get supplies for tomorrow’s 44 km walk, and then we went for dinner. The restaurant - or more the bar - had on item at the menu which was a burger, so choice was easy. We had a good dinner with most of the Camino family and friends of the family. Rachel, aka the Princes of the Camino had bought presents for each of the Camino family members and shared what she thought was so special about each of us. Such a lovely gesture of appreciation.
