Reclaiming our true self | Blog | Ode Magazine

Reclaiming our true self | Blog | Ode Magazine

After Camino #1

Back a week almost already, I have been slowly getting back into the rhythm of life back in Queens NYC.

My sleep is all over the place, keep waking up early like in the Albergue's (Alberkerky's!!) , but no snoring :-)

Had quite few dreams about walking, and the first morning I really didn't know where I was when I woke up. And 1 night I was definitely walking to Finnestere!!

I think I had a lot of romantic notions of doing the walk, and my dreamer side of me imagined such a lovely walk in the country..

It actually delivered in some respects, It was beautiful scenery going through Galacia, and sometimes, usually in the beginning of the walk, I really appreciated the out walking in nature etc.

The Hills were somehow overlooked!! I don't remember reading about those, and there was quite a few!! One hill had me so tired when I reached the top, even resting several times on the way up.

I probably could have slowed down a bit , but I learned you really do what you do on the day and

there isn't much you can do except go with the flow, and trust yourself on the day.

I feel like I really learned something from the experience, but honestly I am one of those people where it slowly sinks in, and I have been wondering what I really have learned or gained from the camino.

I dare say maybe you really need the full Camino..to gain those special insights that I read about,

but I am referring to just what in general most pilgrims take back with them after it's all over.

More patience,more honesty,more understanding and more appreciation for the simplest things that we all take for granted.

I could be still in Getting back to normal mode as anyone does be after a vacation, so hard to tell what the camino has been for me. I definitely found it a challenge but not so overwhelming like climbing Mount Everest, although getting to O Cebreiro felt a little like it!! haha

I think my best experiences were in the first 5 days, been a Gemini I get easily bored and did start to feel it was getting repetitive after that. yes every day was different but the general plan was much the same every day.

I should have nipped it in the bud when I realized that, and started doing things completely different. I actually didn't do too much deep thinking on the Journey, I was more immersed in being in the moment, and paying attention to what was around me. Perhaps I should have rented a bike for a day?!

In the end I walked for 9 or 10 days ?( I thought it was 9 but adding now it looks like 10??!!) a total of about 266KM.

More * more better..

My first stop was Astorga (266Km) stayed at Albergue de Peregrinos San Javier (***), walked to Rabanal Del camino (244Km) stayed at Refugio Gaucelmo (****),

Then from there to Molinaseca (218KM) stayed at Municipal (**),

Then from there to Villafranco del Bierzo (188Km) stayed at Ave Fenix (**),

Then from there to La Faba (162.5KM) stayed at Refuge run By German Confraternity (****),

Then from there to Triacastela (137km) stayed at Refugio de Oribio (**),

Then from there to Morgade (107Km) stayed at Cafe/bar (****),

Then fro there to Hospital de la Cruz (86Km) stayed at same name as stop, (**)

Then from there to Melide (56Km) stayed at Municipal (*),

Then from there to Santa Irene (24Km) stayed at Municipal (**),

Then from there to Santiago !! last stop..

266 km finished.

Got into Santiago today at 2pm ,earlier but took about 30 mins to get to church. Not as was envisioning the walk in, very busy outskirts ,and big city look, until you reach the heart it then looks more like the towns I have walked through on the way.

We didn´t have any supplies this Morning leaving Saint Irene, so were all Hungry and walked much slower. Somehow we walked a good 13Km before we found a Place to sit down and eat.

Things don´t open here too early, and the Bars are spread apart a distance.

We parted ways after breakfast, I think we all wanted our space for the last Km´s into Santiago. I haven´t seen Juan,Angelica or Frances since I got here. Mind you I had to rest , shower and been dealing with my stomach Issues.. Wasn´t feeling the Joy today when I got in, felt more sick than anything. Got some meds at farmacia and now feel better. The place I am in is really Nice, a whole Bathroom to Yourself when you use it !!! Yehhh

Any pilgrim will know what that means.. And they are serving free Sangria at 7pm. Well Just a small glass before I head out will be ok..I hope..

Maybe will bump into more Pilgrims later on, or in the Morning when I go to Church. It was too busy today and I still had to look for a bed for tonite. The first 2 places I checked were full and this was a godsend..

Not to far from centre also so is good.

1 stop before Santiago

Got as far as Saint Irene´s last night and stayed at Municipal Albergue, was dubious of doing it because the night before in Pulpo town (Melide) it was awful..

The mens and ladies was mixed and no doors?? water was cold..and had to walk through a different room than our own to get to it!! Really odd way of everything there.

I got my first Snoring Pilgrim!! right under my Bunk Bed..LOL He was really annoying, I couldnt get back to sleep after 3am. So was out walking for the first time under the Moonlight!

But not for too long..twilight was approaching, just as well with my tiny Flashlight was helping me just a little.

Pulpo was nice, little salty (still uncertain if it was spice on top or the fish itself?). They slice it up for you, drench it in Olive Oil and sprinkle a spice on top, and serve with bread and Toothpicks..

Of course I had a whole Bottle of White wine for myself, couldn´t find a pilgrim when you need one LOL to help me drink it. I was tipsy going back to Albergue. It was the first and last time I will eat Octopus though,,sorry It was diffucult to look at and eat. My friends will testify to that..Never been a shellfish lover.

Walked most of the way with a Dating Couple from Madrid and Toleda, Juan and Angelica. I ran out of clean t-shirts at Saint Irene , but got one to wear and keep from Juan. I got him a t-shirt at bar 1 km away!! when had my dinner. The Owners son about 8 years old did the selling with me. Funny kid ,really business like ,it was all good fun especially after a huge beer and more wine.. The french Fries were delicious and first time to have salad. It was drenched in Olive Oil and Vinegar, was strong but also good.

My lips are breaking out in cold sores, anything but that please. Sore feet I can handle but sore lips ,,the worst... Couldnt find a Farmacia on the way, so it´s major Breakout!!

Pulpo Town

Have arrived at Melide about 49km from santiago, could make it there in 2 days but probably 3 as planned.

Melide is popular for Pulpo (Octopus) I hope it´s like Calamari? I will try as I am in spain!!

Had nice walk today, tok it easy and have tended to walk alone more. I feel I can stop more and move faster etc when I want to, but is a little more lonely when you arrive at destination. I havent seen others that I walked with or met earlier, only a couple from spain who have been making the same stops as myself since morgade. If I see them again I will go to dinner with them. The town has a few places to stay so others I might bump into later.

I kind of am ready for the walk to be over, 6 days was enough !! LOL Maybe the last 3 days I will walk with more people and slow down more.

Stayed last night at Hospital de la Cruz, it was far from been a hospital, just an Albergue!! I needed a doctor to tend to my feet, I was a hopeless doctor for my feet. I am not sure what to do? All you can do is put band aid´s etc..no more blisters for me which is good.

For the most part my feet have held up, I have sen others with lot´s more Band Aid´s, and my knees have been good. So all in all I am staying fit and Now I am bvery confident to finish, almost can´t wait. I know it is the journey to enjoy and I have been enjoying every day that comes, but we get tired of walking,getting up early, the list might go on..is the grumpy david coming back? Maybe I need some good wine tonite!! Oh that reminds me last night´s Menu del dia was one of the worst, and the wine was like water and wine mixed. Note Pilgrims: do not have Menu at bar next to hospital de la cruz.. even the waiter had me all confused (more than usual haha) and all was terrible, from soup to flan..

I have had some really nice food up until last night, hopefully it wont happen again before I leave? But that´s life up´s and downs like the many hills of Galacia of Spain :-)

Late posting..no Internet at last 2 stops

On Sunday I walked from Triacastela to morgade , the most km so far I have done and will do!! I had a bad stomach all day so I really should have taken it more easy, somehow the km´s went fast except near the end. I wanted to make it to that point but it took forever to reach at the end.

I was needless to say very tired, a lesson learned. I think it may have been the wine, it is said too much of the wine(cheap wine that is) makes you sick. I am still not certain it was the wine? But am better now as I write this.

I met Nick along the way,born in Kenya and lived in england. I hope that´s correct. He was going on to Cambridge England after the Camino.

The place we stayed at was really nice and I went to bed really early. No wine that night!!

Have been thinking that day about the girls That I have met, where are they now?? Funny enough you meet people you have met before you might not be expecting to meet again. Some who walked further one day , and you meet them, I think it has a lot to do what time they start walking also.

I met a few others today who were planning to stay the night here also, but maybe not in Albergue. It looks full already. I think next time I will stay in small town, small Albergue. Every day brings surprises, and new ways of doing things.

Independence Day

Our Big challenge today was walking not just uphill but also downhill a long long way..It seemed to never end to reach the town of Tricastela. Set within the mountians a lovely place slightly more people and shops etc..
It was a long walk today and wouldnt have been so bad only for the long stretch of downhill. There was some amazing views coming down.It really looks like Ireland so much here. We have been blessed to not have rain.yet..it has to come sooner or later? It can rain a lot in this area of spain.
I walked with Melinda & Michele today and had lots of fun, we love drinking wine..lol and are so tired tonight, I want to finish my blog soon as need to hit the hay myself. Had chicken tonight and vegetable soup (actually more like Cabbage and Potatoe soup- the only veg I found!!) funny for me ,,yes michael if you are reading i am getting my spuds!! :-)

And dessert was like a Vienetta, Ice cream cake..with wine all for 8 Euro.
We just got here in the nick of time beds were very scare in the town when we arrived, the girls got the last 2 bunk beds, and I have a pull out one for tonight. I don´t mind at all, it feels great.
People were looking for beds all over after we had checked in, It might be like that the rest of the way now. Busier and busier, which can make things more competetive to get to the next place to stay and find a bed.
I mailed my mat on to Santiago a while ago (second time) and hope I won´t miss it..!! I am doing quite well with finding a place to stay, but that might change.
Tomorrow want to get up early and maybe get a good 25km or less..not sure yet. It is very safe to walk here , can´t imagine doing it USA ..People are very helpfull and the path is easy enough to follow.
Until next time , bye for now.

Climbing The Mountains

Missed Yesterday,s Blog as was no Internet on the Mountain. Stopped at a Beautiful Place called La Faba for the night, very small village.
Walked up slowly and was exhausted when I reached the top.
Stayed at a really nice refuggio run by a German Couple I think?

Missed the mass at Church which was right Beside our Refuggio, I actually thought it was on at 6pm? but was on at 8pm .
I met 2 Girls from Indiana who met on the Camino ( both are form the same town (what are the odds) .We were drinking quite a bit of wine with dinner..this time I had Eggs and Bacon..yum and Got a whole Bottle of Wine for myself, but moved to table with girls to help finish the wine. Dinner and whole bottle for 10 Euro..can´t beat that..!!

The weather much cooler as we are entering Galacia part of spain..very like Ireland.!!
After a the long walk nothing like a cool beer..San Miguel By far is the best. Being getting very good at packing my bag in the Morning in the dark..but now also learned to pack outside.It´s much easier and you don´t need a torch (flashlight)..
Actually there was a guy who told me to leave the room , He wanted to sleep..I did seem him later and was walking on up the hill further at 10pm!! Quite odd..It was another 2 hours to the top. But everyone does the walk differently..some take a siesta and then walk on further, some walk at night,,and most tend to stop around 2-4pm or even earlier.
No pics again I am on Dial up and old cptr..

3rd stop completed

phew..it was a long walk today. I am now in VillaFranco a mere 188km away from Santiago!!

I walked today with A girl from Canada , Guylaine and I walked all the way together from Molinaseca (correct spelling this time). It was a long walk but not as bad as yesterdays, there was no mountains but there was hills..lots of them!! but we had fun. We walked through Vineyards and accidentally found a Cheery Tree when we were getting peckish.

We are both staying at another refugio , they seem to be getting more and more ,how shall i Put it? Cheaper and not as fancy!! LOL
Tonight I am on the floor but do have a mattress, It,s like in a boot camp. I think it will be very warm tonight. Last night we are in a converted church, it was nice ,but definetly the nicest so far has been the first one I stayed at in Astorga.

Time seems to be flying.. I am trying to Imagine what it will be like in a few days, or even when I get to Santiago. Will it be worth all this walking.. Why is anyone doing this? especially if you are not Catholic.. I am sure there is many who are not. People do it for lots of reasons it seems.

No Menu del Dia tonight, I had pizza, and went shopping ...and went a little overboard!!!
I bought some things I really need, and then a few maybe not so much. In the evening we have to do our shopping as nothing open in the morning, for the morning walk or for your breakfast if the Refuggio is not doing breakfast.
I got some Chocolate, bread and cheese, wine for later!! and Juice..it looked funny , I seemed to have wat too much..But gonna drink some of it later and other stuff for morning walk.

No pictures again as the usb this time doesn´t fit.

I have loads of time on this machine tonight so will do some catching up on my e-mail.. Buenos Noches.

What a day..

Today was more tiresome, left at 7am and didn´t arrive until 2pm. Was pretty tired and developed my first blister.
It finally hits me that I have long way to go!!
I have met some really nice people along the way, tonight we all had dinner together. We had the Pilgrim Menu for 8.95 Euro´s which was good value. I had fish soup (huge Bowl) and quite good. I had fish also for main Plato..( I thought I ordered steak, oops), but got some steak to try from a lady at the table.
I have also met a really lovely girl from Quebec ,she speaks very good english and french. She helped me today with my blister and very helpful with a lot of things.
We also get wine with the pilgrim menu..tonights was really good..more please..if i did have more i don´t know if i would get up as early.. 6.oo am rising again tomorrow. I am sticking to a schedule a little bit now,,but can slow later when I am doing well.
So far the 2 legs I have done have been what most are doing, some have been doing more even much more!!

No pictures today as no usb port here. My camera did something funny earlier I hope it´s not breaking down?!!

I am ready to go to sleep now, you do get tired early enough. I am also very thirsty right now.
Town is very beautiful, Molinska set in the heart of the mountains. Small town but a good few bars, yet only 1 Shop I seen so far. I think other people sell Ice-Cream from there homes, and you can get it in bars also.

Big walk tomorrow, 28 KM, today was about 25 so should be ok, less hills, today was very hard going up and then down over rocky areas. So maybe tomorrows journey will be better. I sure hope so. :-)
Bye for now.

Arrived at First stop

Left the Refuggio at 7.30 am this morning and arrived at Noon, 4 1/2 Hours later. Some people continued walking as was early to arrive. Most Refuggios don´t open until 2pm. But this is a popular place to stop.It´s a big climb tomorrow as Pilgrims reach the highest point on the camino.

I had my breakfast of toast and a muffin and did not get to hungry on the way, I did remember to buy some thing the night before as shops do not open early here..I had a really delicious peach and a Banana on my way here. The coffee this morning I had was served in a bowl ! I was waiting for the Cereal !! Cafe con Leche is the best thing to ask for, they tend to have a number of ways to make coffee, so best to know what to ask for.

The refuggio I am staying at is really nice, it was good I arrived early. It has nice garden, laundry Facilities, Kitchen , hot water..etc.. I think Most Have Hot water etc..But some don´t serve Breakfast or have hot water.

My Bag felt like I was carrying Bricks a few times too many..I have downsized more times and at a loss as to how to make it lighter? I have to find out what others are doing? It does look like most people may have the same weight I do.

As penace for my arriving early I have to read a Prayer at 7pm in the church..The good part is they will have Gregorian Chant after, most if not all the Pilgrims will be there. I am wondering if it is Recorded..as they only have a population of 27 during winter months, but does be higher in summer.

I have to leave soon as time is almost up on cptr.. and have to go back to get my prayer soon.

I am going to Have the ¨Menu del Dia¨tonite..I need some food Pronto..

Arrived in Astorga

Have arrived in Astorga, my beginning location. Felt a little lost at first..not sure what direction 2 go? But found a refuggio fairly quick as I was in to Astorga early..but that´s not really why i got a room so easy. I think also I had to pick one that is more expensive, it´s still cheap, just not the most cheap. It´s actually perfect because i really needed to do laundry and take a shower,with a bathroom all to myself. And yes I am shaving, i couldn´t get used to the beard thing!!

The bus Journey took over 4 hours long..and watched the Abba movie..with meryl Streep etc..funny as had spanish voice-overs and sand in the original english. I got some words refreshed for me, and it helped pass the time.

Interesting thing happened, I have always had number 32 in my life..for 1 reason or another..and the bus lane was 32, and the seat number I had to sit in was 32!! and to top it all off we pulled out of the station at 9.32am..

I think it might be a way of the Universe (not reading ger until i get back to ny LOL) telling me I am meant to be here..I was really beginning to think I might have picked the wrong vacation plans!!

Between New York and here I went to Paris and Madrid for a brief time. Both was lots of walking.practise much needed. And I have to say Madrid won me over more, very relaxed at places, very very clean and Modern subway. And clean all over, also Beautiful city.

Paris was also very beautiful but much more busy and expensive.

I barely needed the 10 Metrobus ticket as was fairly easy to walk around Madrid. I met up with students who had me out the first nite for a while, a big hello to Thomas ..you are very nice person, I hope you are having fun in barcelona..

And hello to Margerite, I almost passed on the bike ride (did 2 Bike Rides, in Paris and Madrid)
but glad I did it.It was fun and lasted a good long time so was good tour.

Now for trying to upload a picture or two..

Well having trouble with making the picture upright!! and can´t seem to delete..maybe i will figure out later.