#39-Walking the Camino-May 30, 2016

Reminiscing

1 - What we really liked about the Camino-

DAD

It was nice to be together all the time. 

It was a physical challenge

It was interesting to meet the people

I loved all the colors-grass, sky, flowers

MOM

I loved the vast emptiness of the meseta. 

I loved discovering new things like silage, horreos, grape vineyards, rape seed fields

I loved all the flowers along the path

I loved meeting the Allreds. 

2- what we really did not like on the Camino

DAD

I didn't like it when I got blisters.

I didn't like the crowded albergues when we had bunk beds in a big room with strangers. 

I didn't like that we needed to reserve ahead of time and couldn't be spontaneous 

MOM

I didn't like not being able to eat when I wanted to. Breakfast is at 7:00. Dinner is at 7:00 to 9:00. If you want a sandwich for dinner, it's impossible because it is not lunchtime. 

I didn't like that our conversations with all, except the Allreds was: where are you from, what kind of work do/did you do, why are you doing the Camino?

I didn't like reserving rooms ahead and the anxiety of making the reservations. And then when you get to the next place, you aren't really sure you bed hasn't been sold to someone else. 

3- three things you won't forget about the  pilgrimage

DAD

It really is possible to do hard things

Every hill has a top as long as you keep going

Sometimes it's easier to go up instead of coming down

MOM

I loved getting up in the morning and knowing we had to walk (press forward) even if it was cold or windy or rainy or sunny or warm. 

I loved the delineated purpose to the day-we had to walk a certain distance to a certain town to keep on schedule

I loved being outside most of the time. 

4-What did I expect to get out of the Camino

DAD

I expected a great adventure and it was. 

We just started walking and did not stop. We don't do that at home. 

MOM

I expected to be able to walk easily, after all I am a hiker. But it was difficult to do it on a daily continuous basis with a certain number of miles that needed to be covered

5- what were your concerns before starting the Camino

DAD

One part of me was afraid it would be too difficult, but I felt if we pressed forward we could do it

MOM

I really had no concerns

6- What did you think about while walking

We thought about our children and wondered what they were doing. We looked forward to their texts and emails. 

7- in what ways are you looking forward to going home

DAD

In all ways. I have a lot of things to catch up on

MOM

I'm looking forward to our summer activities with our grandchildren. 

8- if you were to do the Camino again, what would you do differently

DAD

make sure my feet were in better condition

MOM

it would be nice to do it with another couple like a child and their spouse

9- how will you celebrate when you get home

DAD

Go to podiatrist

MOM

Eat a hamburger!

10-what did you learn on the Camino

DAD

I gained a greater appreciation for my family and my country 

I learned that I can put everything I needed in my pack and then walk and not depend on anything else. We were able to exist in whatever the situation. We lived very simply. But I do love the Internet!

I got a greater perception of distance and time. I would see a hamlet in the distance and realize that in two hours we'd be there. In a car, it'd be ten minutes

MOM

I learned that when you are trying to get to the Tree of Life, it really is better to hold on tightly to the Iron Rod. Pay attention, look for the signs, follow the map, think, have a strategy, but don't let go because sometimes it hard to get back if you become lost 

I learned that you need to be flexible. If things become difficult, you shouldn't just quit. Maybe you need to adjust your goals, change your perception of success. You always need to be supportive. 

I had never before walked completely through a town. It's a totally different perspective from driving a car. Like when we left Burgos and walked three miles in an hour or so just to get to farm land.

I learned that sky blue and field and forest green are still my  favorite colors