A Journey of Reflection: My Camino Walk

I’ve been asked by many friends and family to share my experience on the Camino. At first, I thought it would be a simple record for them, but now as I keep writing..I see it as something much more—a reflection I can return to when I need it most. So, here’s my Camino story.

Reaching Santiago de Compostela: The Lightness of Being

I’ll start at the end, because the feeling of reaching Santiago de Compostela was indescribable. I had left the final 7km of my journey for that final day—I didn’t want to rush. I wanted to savour each step. As I walked, I felt an overwhelming calm, as if all my thoughts and emotions had settled along the way. I had done it. There was no grand sense of triumph, but rather a serene calmness.

The Camino had given me exactly what I needed—a space to breathe, process, and be. Choosing the Camino Portuguese trail was significant to me. Portugal’s history intertwined with my hometown of Melaka (Malacca), and I’d always been fascinated by the shared words—like jendela, garpu, mentega, almari, and tukar—borrowed from Portuguese. Growing up, I admired the spirits of Portuguese sailors and traders who ventured so far and wide, much like my own adventure.

My Why? Finding Clarity

I had chosen the Camino to clear my head and reconnect with nature. Life had become so overwhelming that I craved time to reflect and find clarity. So, I made the tough and informed decision to leave my job and put everything else on hold to figure out what truly mattered. For the first time in a long time, I put myself first. The Camino became my sanctuary. Walking approximately eight hours a day, covering about 25km, wasn’t easy—especially under the hot sun with a heavy backpack. But each step gave me the space I needed. I didn’t expect to be showered with kindness and life lessons that would stay with me forever. It was a gift beyond words—a story for a lifetime.

Lost on Day One: The Path of Trust

I was lost on the very first day, unsure of how to use the Buen Camino app. I wandered until the locals in Custió noticed my confusion. They formed a human arrow to point me in the right direction. In?that moment, with nothing but a little faith and trust, I followed. Later, a kind couple at a café showed me how to use the app, giving me the confidence to navigate on my own. Of course, I got lost a few more times after that! But each time, I found my way back. The lesson? Trust in the path, and when kindness leads you, follow.

Meals Upsized

I probably looked horrible after each day of walking. By the time I reached the hostel, my routine was the same: bathe, hand wash my clothes, and figure out where to eat (usually around 3 or 4 PM). Despite my appearance, I was constantly showered with kindness. My meals were often upsized, and I'd receive complimentary sides at no extra charge at times. I think they felt bad for how exhausted I looked! What touched me the most was how often waiters would check on me, asking if I enjoyed the food, just because I was eating so slowly (go ahead, laughed it off!).

Animo, Animo, Animo! The Power of Encouragement

One of the most beautiful memories happened when I was climbing a steep staircase to my next hostel. I was exhausted and moving at a?turtle’s pace when an elderly Spanish grandpa noticed me. With loud enthusiasm, he cheered me on: “Animo, Animo, Animo!” I hadn’t been cheered like that in years, and I felt tears welling up in my eyes. He saw it and cheered even louder until I finally reached the top.

He hugged me tightly and shouted, “Olé, bravo, bravo!” I cried in his embrace, overwhelmed by his warmth and encouragement. In that moment, I learned the simple but powerful truth of how uplifting another human being costs nothing but can mean everything.

Gifts of Kindness: The Rosary and the Ukrainian Woman

Throughout the journey, I was blessed with unexpected gifts. One day, I met a senior man who gave me his only rosary. We had crossed paths at small chapels leading to Santiago, often the only two people there. On a particularly challenging day, he waited for me in a forest, making sure I was okay. We never spoke much, but his presence was a silent comfort. I didn’t find him in Santiago which was the final stop, but his gift and kindness will stay with me forever.

I met another beautiful soul, a Ukrainian woman who gave me a photo she had printed with her portable printer. It was of the window at a simple hostel where we had sat together, talking about hopes, dreams, and the heartbreak of war. Our conversation was a powerful reminder that war should never happen to anyone—it tears lives apart.?

Sit Still, Mei: A Lesson in Survival

There was a moment when I genuinely thought I might die. I encountered an aggressive dog on a corn farm—barking fiercely just 50 meters from me. Alone, with no other pilgrims in sight, I decided to sit down with my back to the dog, not moving an inch. It barked for 15 minutes before it finally stopped. When I turned around, it was gone.

In that moment, I learned that sometimes, doing nothing is the best course of action. Sitting still, waiting for the storm to pass—it’s a lesson I will carry with me always.

Be Present: People Along the Path

The Camino is a path shared by many, but each of us walks it at our own pace. I met wonderful people along the way—some walked faster, some slower, some I met at cafés for morning pastries or shared wild berries with. Each meeting was a gift, a reminder of the joy of human connection, no matter how brief.?Even, the trees became my best friends, offering a place to rest and just breathe.

We didn’t always finish the walk together—some arrived in Santiago before me, others after, and some didn’t finish at all. I used to think that the Camino was about finding oneself, but I’ve come to realize it’s also about finding everyone else. I had genuine, unforced conversations with so many people,?each with their own story to share.

Family is Everything

I’m incredibly lucky. My biggest supporters throughout this journey were my siblings. They managed things at home so I could focus on the Camino. They checked in on me regularly, and when I felt overwhelmed, they were always just a message away. My younger sister even helped me purchase a regional train ticket when everything was sold out during the busy August season. Their love and support carried me through.

Sharing Malaysia with the World: The Durian Candy Girl

Along the way, I became known as the “Durian Candy Girl.” I carried Tan Kim Hock durian and coconut candies in my backpack and handed them out to fellow pilgrims. With a small Malaysian flag on my backpack, people would ask, “Are you that Malaysian girl?” and I’d smile and share a piece of my home with them. It was a small, sweet way to connect with others and share my heritage.

The Camino: A Journey of the Heart

The Camino wasn’t just a physical journey; it was a journey of the heart. Every step, every encounter, every moment of reflection helped me find what I was looking for—clarity, connection, and a renewed sense of how I see the world (readers...please don't get teary).

To those who have walked the Camino, I hope my story resonates with you. For those who dream of embarking on this journey one day, feel free to reach out if you need any assistance.

And for all the readers, I sincerely hope this article inspires you to embrace kindness in your own lives which includes the corporate setting.?

And there you have it—this is my Camino story.

What's next? -Trust the path-

Sincerely,

Mei