Memories That Last: My Journey on the Camino de Santiago

Embarking on the Camino

After watching the movie The Way few years back, I became intrigued by the Camino de Santiago walk, which is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain.

What drives people to embark on this journey? Some seek spiritual awakening, others aim for personal reflection, a few are up for the physical challenge, and many are there to bask in nature's beauty of the picturesque Galicia region of northwestern Spain.

For me? it was just a deliberate attempt to pause and focus on ONE thing for days, WALKING.

And isn't it serendipitous? While browsing LinkedIn to read about Camino experience of others, I came across a group of adventurous souls from Australia in search of a companion to join their Camino journey. It felt right like a sign. So, I jumped in! And we created some unforgettable memories together on our 120km walk of the classic French Way (Camino Frances) from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela from Sep 28 to Oct 04, 2023.

Insights Along the Way

Embracing Uncertainty: The Camino taught me not to worry excessively, to have a basic plan, and to figure things out as I went along.

One Step at a Time: The challenging parts of the path taught me the true meaning of taking things one step at a time.

Gratitude in Solitude: Although I didn't set out for deep self-reflection, but the act of walking miles after miles without distraction forced to contemplate. It led me to a sense of gratitude for having the physical, financial, and most importantly, the intentional capacity to be open to new experiences.

A Day-by-Day Overview

Day 1 - Sarria to Portomarin - 22.17km - 7hr 15min

This section leads through small villages, tranquil tree-lined roads, scenic farmlands, and charming woodlands of beech and oak.

Day 2 - Portomarin to Eirexe - 17.54km - 3hr 51min

This section passes through a mix of fields and woods, with lots of shaded tree-lined stretches.

Day 3 - Eirexe to O Coto - 16.32km - 6hr 12min

This stage mainly uses paths and crosses two rivers. It goes through fields and woods, offering a pleasant and easy walk with gentle slopes.

Day 4 - O Coto to Arzua - 22.60km - 8hr 3min

This stage is pretty challenging with a mix of earth and stone paths, small roads between villages, and gentle hills and flat sections.

Day 5 - Arzua to Salceda - 11.02km - 3hr 40min

This stretch goes through meadows and diverse forests of oak, pine, and eucalyptus, passing by small villages. It follows dirt tracks, occasional secondary roads, and paths alongside the road.

Day 6 - Salceda to Lavacolla - 19.33km - 6hr 52min

This stage is quite balanced in terms of hills and flats, and also passes through forests of oak, pine, and eucalyptus.

Day 7 - Lavacolla to Santiago de Compostela - 12.28km - 2hr 38min

This part starts on dirt tracks and then goes mostly on paved roads. It includes two uphill sections and a fairly long walk from the outskirts of Santiago to reach the cathedral.

Highlights of Camino Experience

Authentic Village Life: Camino offers a unique glimpse into local village life, from traditional houses to farms and vibrant community activities.

Culinary Delights: Camino is a food lover's paradise with Spanish delicacies like Pulpo, Padrón, and refreshing drinks like Tinto de Verano.

Diverse Accommodations: From basic albergues to boutique hotels and historic stone houses converted into B&Bs, Camino offers a range of lodging experiences.

Spiritual Encounters: Countless village churches and the mesmerising final cathedral provide the religious pilgrims with the opportunities of spiritual reflection and daily masses.

Pilgrim's Passport: Collecting stamps along the route is a fun and essential part of the Camino, required for the completion certificate and also recording memories.

Camino Completion Certificate: The Camino completion certificate, often referred to as the "Compostela," serves as a recognition of the pilgrim's journey and is often treasured as a symbol of their accomplishment. It includes the pilgrim's name and the route they walked, and it is traditionally written in Latin.

Aha Moments

Walking the same path as fellow pilgrims, sharing stories with strangers, and feeling a sense of community among everyone on this journey were truly remarkable. There were countless "aha" moments, like meeting a father and son walking the Camino together, where the dad aimed to teach his son that the journey, not the destination, was the most important aspect of life. I also encountered a 60-year-old retired mother walking the Camino alone, creating memories that she could cherish and look back to when she would be unable to do much else in her old age. I met a 70-year-old grandpa from Mexico who referred the experience as a car wash of his soul that he is continuing in every few years and the list can go and on. ??

Embracing the Camino Spirit

My Camino experience has been a remarkable experience filled with beautiful memories and unforgettable connections. As I take these lessons and cherished moments with me, I'm reminded that the Camino, in many ways, mirrors life itself. In life, we must continue moving forward, and we are stronger when we journey together.

If anyone wants to know more about the journey as they plan to do it, please reach out. I am happy to share more.

Buen Camino!