The walk continues to go well! I am in a town called Carrion. I think I am about half way to Santiago at this point! I still continue to arrive in the small towns, enjoying their simple life style, meeting new people from all over the world, and eating all the food I can find. Originally I was planning on somewhat eating a little bit lighter....but who was I kidding. After a day of walking, all i can think about is food! I literally eat all day! With my appetite, and with all the different kinds of food.. I definitely take full advantage of it. However, I am losing a lot of weight!
I have also been going to mass on a regular basis (when I can find it), and have really been appreciating the pilgrims blessings at the end of each one.
The big cities are a ton of fun! They usually have large cathedrals, which pilgrims get to pay a little less to tour. The last cathedral I visited was the cathedral in Burgos. Built over 500 years ago, it still stands (with some renovation of course).
Anyways, the portion of the walk right now is through flat lands. There isnt to much to see besides straw fields. It is rather boring, and has the reputation for being the biggest mental test for pilgrims. We got pretty used to the mountains, and beautiful land features so far...but now its time for just walking....with nothing really to focus on.
I am also seeing a ton of pilgrims either take the bus to their next location, or have their pack transported to the next hostel! CHEATERS! Since the camino is so packed right now, people are literally racing to the hostels to get the cheapest beds first. Since I like to leave early in the morning, I usually dont have to worry about getting a bed because of how early I arrive.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Ages
Im starting to notice that most of the towns I arrive into thrive just on the Camino De Santiago, and the pilgrims that pass through. Without it, these towns would be nothing (most of them at least). Some of them are so small, its just a super market, a couple bars, and a couple of hostels. The smallest one I saw was just a church, and a beat up hostel. Then again, walking 15-20 miles does feel like an eternity...so im sure commuting to work for these people is nothing. Kinda like some of us do.
I have also noticed how huge of an influence the movie "the way" had on people decision to walk this. I am proud to say I have never seen that movie, nor did I hear about the camino because of it. Although, if people did hear about the camino because of the movie, I think thats awesome they were able to walk it. I have talked to a few people walking it for the second time. They explained that they originally did it for a cheap vacation, or they just like to hike. However, each one of them came out agreeing that it was an unexpected spiritual experience.
While I was sitting at the bar drinking coffee, my Italian friend Ottovio, told me he was listening to 50 cent while he was walking today. He then proceeded to ask me how to P.I.M.P, then asked me what it was. After I got done describing the unofficial, more urban dictionary meaning of pimp...he laughed and said he wanted to go to the US and be like this pimp. I laughed pretty hard while he was telling me all this...
Anyways, todays walk was about 26-28km. I started at about 6:30am! It was by far the coldest morning so far. I was originally going to stop in a small town before this, but everyone I talked to told me how horrible the hostel was. For an extra 3km I could stay in a town with a few more nicer hostels. Hostels by no means are fancy, but many people saying a hostel is bad, means it is BAD. So, the place I am staying at now (in the town 3km down the road) is a little nicer. The first hot shower I have been able to take in a while; so far they have been ice cold or struggling to be even a little warm....Ohh well....Its the camino! Its part of the experience!
I am really starting to appreciate stretching and the "siesta" that I resented my first couple days in Barcelona. Literally all the shops close between 3-5:00pm for siesta! Its crazy! I wish I could take a nap in the middle of my work day! Finally though, I am starting to get used to their schedule! I also make a habit of stopping at a panderia each day; usually to construct my own delicious, american size sandwich. The bread here sure is amazing, and another thing europeans pride themselves in (I was informed of this by a european).
Well....My body is still moving on! another blister on my left foot (something going on with that shoe), but I am still able to walk kind of pain free! There are some people here with 5-15 blisters on each foot...so i shouldnt complain too much.
Tomorrow I will be arriving in Burgos! A fairly big city, with some nice places to stay, good food, and a very nice cathedral!
PS: please excuse spelling and grammar....Usually I am rushed....this applies to all future and past! lol! :)
I have also noticed how huge of an influence the movie "the way" had on people decision to walk this. I am proud to say I have never seen that movie, nor did I hear about the camino because of it. Although, if people did hear about the camino because of the movie, I think thats awesome they were able to walk it. I have talked to a few people walking it for the second time. They explained that they originally did it for a cheap vacation, or they just like to hike. However, each one of them came out agreeing that it was an unexpected spiritual experience.
While I was sitting at the bar drinking coffee, my Italian friend Ottovio, told me he was listening to 50 cent while he was walking today. He then proceeded to ask me how to P.I.M.P, then asked me what it was. After I got done describing the unofficial, more urban dictionary meaning of pimp...he laughed and said he wanted to go to the US and be like this pimp. I laughed pretty hard while he was telling me all this...
Anyways, todays walk was about 26-28km. I started at about 6:30am! It was by far the coldest morning so far. I was originally going to stop in a small town before this, but everyone I talked to told me how horrible the hostel was. For an extra 3km I could stay in a town with a few more nicer hostels. Hostels by no means are fancy, but many people saying a hostel is bad, means it is BAD. So, the place I am staying at now (in the town 3km down the road) is a little nicer. The first hot shower I have been able to take in a while; so far they have been ice cold or struggling to be even a little warm....Ohh well....Its the camino! Its part of the experience!
I am really starting to appreciate stretching and the "siesta" that I resented my first couple days in Barcelona. Literally all the shops close between 3-5:00pm for siesta! Its crazy! I wish I could take a nap in the middle of my work day! Finally though, I am starting to get used to their schedule! I also make a habit of stopping at a panderia each day; usually to construct my own delicious, american size sandwich. The bread here sure is amazing, and another thing europeans pride themselves in (I was informed of this by a european).
Well....My body is still moving on! another blister on my left foot (something going on with that shoe), but I am still able to walk kind of pain free! There are some people here with 5-15 blisters on each foot...so i shouldnt complain too much.
Tomorrow I will be arriving in Burgos! A fairly big city, with some nice places to stay, good food, and a very nice cathedral!
PS: please excuse spelling and grammar....Usually I am rushed....this applies to all future and past! lol! :)
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Belorado
Finally! I have found the best coffee so far! Since the Italians I meet up with often wont let me drink coffee with milk in the afternoon, I have no choice but to resort to plain black coffee. I think it might equal to .5oz. They say coffee with milk in the afternoon is blasphemy..hah! All this talk about coffee...but the Spanish sure take pride in it! Surprisingly, it was pretty good! Another thing I have had to do with these Italian folk is have "italian breakfast", which I think takes a total of 2 minutes. One croissant and a cup of coffee, and there good till the middle afternoon (complete insanity in my opinion)!. Super Fast! They make fun of me for how much we eat in the morning...gotta love mixing cultures!
The walk today was pretty long, and I managed to get my first blister! Thankfully its in an area where I cant really feel it. As a result, my pace does not change, and it doesnt hurt to walk.
So far Ive loved stopping in all the random churches. Every single one is just the most beautiful buildings I have seen. Especially the inside! What makes it more amazing is how old they are. Sometimes new, sometimes a few hundred years old. The history of every town and building just fascinates me. Not to bag on American history, but I can now justify being bored in all my US history classes. The towns are also very authentic. They are all very condensed, and very green. Very unique to Spain!
The hostel yesterday was great! For once, I had a bedroom, and there were only 2 beds total in each one! I knew my roommate, so it was nice not to have to worry about all my stuff, and I didnt have to hear a choir of snoring pilgrims at 2am.....You would be surprised how little ear plugs can sometimes do.
Anyways, I continue to walk, pray, and of course eat....a ton.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Navarette and Azofra
Im walking at a fairly good pace! The plan was to go a little bit further today, however my body was not going to let me. My stopping point today is the small town of Azofra.
Naverette was my stop yesterday. I ended up arriving to this town a little late because of the running of the bulls in Viana. I didnt get to see the actual bulls run through the city, because I was afraid of arriving late to the next city and not getting a place to sleep. However, I did get to go to mass and see the ¨pre-party. It was amazing to see; the culture is so different, and so much fun. The tradition is very old, so people of all ages were out celebrating. Anyways, upon arriving to Navarette late (getting lost in Lagrono is also my reason for being late) i was unable to find a place to sleep! Thank god one of the private hostels was nice enough to offer me the couch in the community area. I gratefully accepted. In a way it was like my own private room, where I didnt have to hear a ton of other pilgrims snoring. Unfortunately the couch was maybe 4ft long.
The next morning was an early one! I was up and out the door my 6am. This entire hostel seemed to have the same idea of getting up at 530am, so sleeping in was clearly not an option. I said goodbye to the people I met and was on my way, with the possibility of seeing them on the next stop (pilgrims on the camino can either follow the planned stopping schedule, or they can walk not as far, or farther...I chose to skip the major citites and stay in the smaller cities, essentially and longer walk each day). I did get to pass through a city called Najaro. This city was up againt what looked like a red rock mountain. It reminded me a lot of Sedona, AZ. A very beautiful city. Other than that, most of the walk was through vinyards. The grapes are delicous (I doubt im supposed to pick them....but on these long walks the occasional grape is pretty good), and im sure the wine if pretty good as well (ill leave it to other people to let me know how it tastes).
Im finally adjusting to the eating style on the camino. I hit up the local supermarkets, buy a loaf of bread for .55 euro (best bread ive ever tasted is here in Spain), some jamon y queso, or some atun...with a ton of mayo obviously. Makes for a pretty good lunch. Besides dinner, my average lunch is around 2-4 euro.
Im still loving the walk, sometimes it becomes a burden and I want to throw down the white flag, but I find that a consistant surrender keepe me going!!
times up! miss you all!
Naverette was my stop yesterday. I ended up arriving to this town a little late because of the running of the bulls in Viana. I didnt get to see the actual bulls run through the city, because I was afraid of arriving late to the next city and not getting a place to sleep. However, I did get to go to mass and see the ¨pre-party. It was amazing to see; the culture is so different, and so much fun. The tradition is very old, so people of all ages were out celebrating. Anyways, upon arriving to Navarette late (getting lost in Lagrono is also my reason for being late) i was unable to find a place to sleep! Thank god one of the private hostels was nice enough to offer me the couch in the community area. I gratefully accepted. In a way it was like my own private room, where I didnt have to hear a ton of other pilgrims snoring. Unfortunately the couch was maybe 4ft long.
The next morning was an early one! I was up and out the door my 6am. This entire hostel seemed to have the same idea of getting up at 530am, so sleeping in was clearly not an option. I said goodbye to the people I met and was on my way, with the possibility of seeing them on the next stop (pilgrims on the camino can either follow the planned stopping schedule, or they can walk not as far, or farther...I chose to skip the major citites and stay in the smaller cities, essentially and longer walk each day). I did get to pass through a city called Najaro. This city was up againt what looked like a red rock mountain. It reminded me a lot of Sedona, AZ. A very beautiful city. Other than that, most of the walk was through vinyards. The grapes are delicous (I doubt im supposed to pick them....but on these long walks the occasional grape is pretty good), and im sure the wine if pretty good as well (ill leave it to other people to let me know how it tastes).
Im finally adjusting to the eating style on the camino. I hit up the local supermarkets, buy a loaf of bread for .55 euro (best bread ive ever tasted is here in Spain), some jamon y queso, or some atun...with a ton of mayo obviously. Makes for a pretty good lunch. Besides dinner, my average lunch is around 2-4 euro.
Im still loving the walk, sometimes it becomes a burden and I want to throw down the white flag, but I find that a consistant surrender keepe me going!!
times up! miss you all!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Estella
Today I made it to the town of Estella from Puenta La Reina. I was kinda glad to get out of that last hostel! It was kinda dirty, noisy, and had evidence of bed bugs crawlin around....yess I knowingly went to sleep in a bed that I knew could have have had bed bugs! O well....Its the camino! It isnt supposed to top notch living!
Anyways, another day of walking alone. It is sometimes difficult, but for the most part, find myself preferring it. Just listening to nature, or whatever else is around at the time seems to be enough. "Listening to my soul", as some people I know would put it. However, i did have a few small conversations with people. Whether I walk alone, or with someone else...I try to look at both as a gift. Its pretty cool knowing that God puts the right people in your life at just the right time.
Just when I thought I was all back to normal, my body still felt pretty tired. Partly because of the heat, and because my body is finally finding a pace that is good for it. Not as fast as I would consciously like, but not to slow. Its enough to where I don't have to think about it. My feet are tired, and I find that most people are having the same types of aches and pains. The fifth day seemed to be pretty hard for everyone that I talked to.
For once in my life, I find myself actually wanting to say the rosary. Usually I have to fight it, but this time I find it incredibly relaxing. The spiritual experience thus far has been incredible.
Puenta De La Reina
Okay, im going to redeem my last blog. I was being a little on the lazy side...but hey, ive been trekking all day!
anyways, sometimes its not always possible for me to get internet, so those will be the days I wont be blogging.
Until about thirty seconds ago, it was a beautiful sunny day in Spain! Now, out of nowhere...its stormy. Since were in the middle of monsoon season, i guess this can be expected... Thank God for REI rain jackets!
The past two days have been pretty awesome. The walking has been significantly easier than it was on the first day. For the most part, it has been flat. Only this time the heat is what is getting to us. i dont think anything is above 90 degrees, but carrying that pack and being in the sun really intensifies the climate.
My body is still in overall good condition. Random muscles are pretty sore, but so far no blisters, cuts, bruises, scrapes or anything.
I am really enjoying walking on my own, or in silence. I find walking really puts my mind into a mode of contemplation. Contemplation...just enjoying what I have around me at that very second. I dont find myself being hounded by my worries, problems, character defects, or anything for that matter. I get to just appreciate myself, and learn to be happy with the person I am. The only connection I have during that moment is that with God. The only one that I am learning is truly important for me.
Meeting the random people is pretty cool, but I find that I have little interest in socializing with everyone I see. Dont get me wrong, it is very nice after being by yourself for a while to talk to someone, but for the most part I think I have different motives. Today, God put the people in my life that I needed to talk to. One woman, from denver, who is a united methodist pastor, was who i spent some time with. I met her in Catholic Mass. I really enjoyed everything she had to say about life. She was widowed several years ago, and felt Gods call into service. Her story was a lot like every prophet you read about in the bible. I guess we all have to fight. Talking to her really helped me to look into my own possible call into religious life. It helped me to almost accept it, and really enlightened me. Fighting it seems to be so much wasted energy. Its amazing what happens when its only me and God out there. Literally...I picture myself and God...both with boxing gloves...in a ring...Ha!
Anyways, I met another man from minnesota. A lawyer, business owner....Just a successful person. He began to talk about his struggles with his father and how he began to overcome them. One thing he said that really stuck out was, "you know Mike, some things are just not meant to be resolved...they are meant to just be absolved". That statement really hit home. We continued on for a little bit, talked about St. Frances, and St Ignatius. Two of my favorite saints. I can relate to both their stories, and could only hope to be the two men they were.
already, I find myself being a little restless. however, instead of directing energy somewhere else, I have no choice but to face the source of restlessness. What a great blessing.
Well, here in the hostel....I paid a whopping 4 Euros! Im in a town called Puenta De La Reina. Small, but very nice. I am really enjoying the stay so far!
Miss all my Friends back home who are taking it one day at a time with me!
Michael
anyways, sometimes its not always possible for me to get internet, so those will be the days I wont be blogging.
Until about thirty seconds ago, it was a beautiful sunny day in Spain! Now, out of nowhere...its stormy. Since were in the middle of monsoon season, i guess this can be expected... Thank God for REI rain jackets!
The past two days have been pretty awesome. The walking has been significantly easier than it was on the first day. For the most part, it has been flat. Only this time the heat is what is getting to us. i dont think anything is above 90 degrees, but carrying that pack and being in the sun really intensifies the climate.
My body is still in overall good condition. Random muscles are pretty sore, but so far no blisters, cuts, bruises, scrapes or anything.
I am really enjoying walking on my own, or in silence. I find walking really puts my mind into a mode of contemplation. Contemplation...just enjoying what I have around me at that very second. I dont find myself being hounded by my worries, problems, character defects, or anything for that matter. I get to just appreciate myself, and learn to be happy with the person I am. The only connection I have during that moment is that with God. The only one that I am learning is truly important for me.
Meeting the random people is pretty cool, but I find that I have little interest in socializing with everyone I see. Dont get me wrong, it is very nice after being by yourself for a while to talk to someone, but for the most part I think I have different motives. Today, God put the people in my life that I needed to talk to. One woman, from denver, who is a united methodist pastor, was who i spent some time with. I met her in Catholic Mass. I really enjoyed everything she had to say about life. She was widowed several years ago, and felt Gods call into service. Her story was a lot like every prophet you read about in the bible. I guess we all have to fight. Talking to her really helped me to look into my own possible call into religious life. It helped me to almost accept it, and really enlightened me. Fighting it seems to be so much wasted energy. Its amazing what happens when its only me and God out there. Literally...I picture myself and God...both with boxing gloves...in a ring...Ha!
Anyways, I met another man from minnesota. A lawyer, business owner....Just a successful person. He began to talk about his struggles with his father and how he began to overcome them. One thing he said that really stuck out was, "you know Mike, some things are just not meant to be resolved...they are meant to just be absolved". That statement really hit home. We continued on for a little bit, talked about St. Frances, and St Ignatius. Two of my favorite saints. I can relate to both their stories, and could only hope to be the two men they were.
already, I find myself being a little restless. however, instead of directing energy somewhere else, I have no choice but to face the source of restlessness. What a great blessing.
Well, here in the hostel....I paid a whopping 4 Euros! Im in a town called Puenta De La Reina. Small, but very nice. I am really enjoying the stay so far!
Miss all my Friends back home who are taking it one day at a time with me!
Michael
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