Three times today I got hopelessly lost in Melide. Three times an old man appeared wearing a brown sweater, a beret type cap, using a cane. Each time, he'd walk directly up to me and say, "A Santiago?" To Santiago? Each time, I'd say, "Si." He'd then point me in the right direction and walk away. This happened in three completely different areas of the city. Where did he come from? How did he know I was lost? Why did he choose to help me? Hmmm. Camino magic at work once again, I guess.
Yesterday I stopped a little short of my goal. Partly because my heels were hurting from the hills (again). Partly because I was freezing, and I just couldn't get warm. And partly because I was having a hard time finding a place to stay since I'd moved up my arrival in Palas de Rei. Walking fewer kilometers yesterday meant I had to make them up today. It was a little more flat, but still a long day. I'm hoping these feet of mine survive the final 50 km. I'm almost there. Then I can give them a break on a beach at an all-inclusive resort, while sipping port wine, in Portugal. Hopefully that's incentive enough to convince them I need them to last for just a few more days.
Any additional prayers and "heel"ing would be appreciated. They haven't hurt this bad since Burgos.
Wishing you healing and strength to help carry you to your final destination!! Amazing that you are almost there. I looked up the Camino route last week and it is amazing how far you have walked! I am astounded actually. You and your heels have earned some well deserved rest and relaxation in Portugal. Enjoy every minute.
ReplyDeletePrayers that your feel hold up. :-)
Tina LaGreca
Hi Callea, I saw your post on the Compostela forum, and felt moved to follow the link over to here.
ReplyDeleteFirst, and most important -- Buen Camino !!!
Second -- you do have a rather pleasantly-written blog !!!
As I said at the forum : The simplicity that you express [here] is what the Camino is made of
I'm almost moved to write a super super long point by point reaction to many of the most ordinary to the most extraordinary comments that you have been making daily to your blog, as they reflect so well, and so simply, as much the drudgery as the delight of the Camino de Santiago.
Not to "set you right" or anything silly or unpilgrimlike as that, but more as some kind of conversation between your experiences and mine.
I probably won't do it though LOL
The point is that each of your blog posts, unlike many Camino blogs that one sees (that are often quite wonderful in their own particular way), feels like a snippet of conversation overheard at the albergue after a long day's slog, and that I'd feel compelled to join in, for the camaraderie and for the insight and for the love of the Camino.
You've succeeded in bringing me back in my mind into the here and now of the Camino, TODAY, on the 20th of June in the evening, and this is no mean feat !!!
Thank you for your kind words! It really is kind of a conversation I'm having here on this blog. Please feel free to make any points you'd like. I'd welcome your comments and the continuing conversation. Again, thank you. Your words mean a lot.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI too followed the link from the forum. I've only read your post from today but look forward to reading through the rest of it over the weekend when I have a bit more time.
Buen Camino, Peregrina.
Mig
Thanks for reading! I look forward to hearing what you think!
DeleteYou can do this look how far you have come all ready. Buen Camino!
ReplyDeleteLeslie from Canada