We had two days and two half days in Santiago before our flight on the 10th and we did all of the usual things: we attended Mass and bought souvenirs and gifts, we had our first (and somehow only) chocolade and churros of this Camino and we went into the square and sat there as people arrived, slightly envious of them but mainly joining in their joy at their arrival.
All Caminos are special - all are different not just because of the route we walk but the people we meet and the people we walk with and here I was, as always, blessed to have my wonderful and strong Dad walk beside me always there for me as I know he always has been in my life and will continue to be.
I wondered as I walked this time why it is that I keep returning, this is my ninth Camino after all, and the truth is that there are a variety of reasons. My Christian faith is undoubtedly at the top of these, I do not believe that it is necessary for me as a Christian to walk but I find that it gives me time to time and to be with God away from the bustle of everyday life so for me it is a valuable part of life.
Time with my family is another reason: me and Becky have a lot of laughs as we walk and have made so many wonderful memories as have I with Dad and Mum.
While I was unemployed it definitely gave me a confidence boast (as it does now) to know that I could walk this distance, that I could talk to people and make friends on Camino.
The simple joy of walking is another reason - I have always loved to walk but never did any long distance walks before the Camino, had never considered doing any others until the end of that first Camino.
The simplicity of the Camino is appealing too - carrying everything that you need, finding places to eat and sleep as you go and the freedom of it all is very good.
There are other reasons that I walk too I am sure, reasons that I have not worked out myself yet all that I know is that I enjoy is for all of the blisters and troubles of the Way and that I am already planning next year's walk.
All Caminos are special - all are different not just because of the route we walk but the people we meet and the people we walk with and here I was, as always, blessed to have my wonderful and strong Dad walk beside me always there for me as I know he always has been in my life and will continue to be.
I wondered as I walked this time why it is that I keep returning, this is my ninth Camino after all, and the truth is that there are a variety of reasons. My Christian faith is undoubtedly at the top of these, I do not believe that it is necessary for me as a Christian to walk but I find that it gives me time to time and to be with God away from the bustle of everyday life so for me it is a valuable part of life.
Time with my family is another reason: me and Becky have a lot of laughs as we walk and have made so many wonderful memories as have I with Dad and Mum.
While I was unemployed it definitely gave me a confidence boast (as it does now) to know that I could walk this distance, that I could talk to people and make friends on Camino.
The simple joy of walking is another reason - I have always loved to walk but never did any long distance walks before the Camino, had never considered doing any others until the end of that first Camino.
The simplicity of the Camino is appealing too - carrying everything that you need, finding places to eat and sleep as you go and the freedom of it all is very good.
There are other reasons that I walk too I am sure, reasons that I have not worked out myself yet all that I know is that I enjoy is for all of the blisters and troubles of the Way and that I am already planning next year's walk.
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