Juspassinthru
in our minds, we're vagabonds, you and I
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Francés 2017, Inglés 2019, Aragónes 2024
I'm a regular reader of the Forum and over the years I've (we've) seen all kinds of post. What boots/pack/poles/phone plan/socks? What should I avoid/not miss? What are the best alternate routes? Blisters, shin splints, sun burn, etc. From last week I'd read the thread about Pilgrims behaving badly and the impact that we Pilgrims have on the locals we cross paths with as well as the impact they very often have on us. Personally, during the course of 3 Camino's I've not had a bad interaction with any local residents and only 2 issues with fellow Pilgrims.
So, I'd like to know about the random acts of kindness you've received from a local or Pilgrim on your Camino(s). Conversely, without blowing your own horn, have you provided a random act of kindness to a local or other Pilgrim? I'd be interested in hearing those stories and what impact they had on you.
To kick it off, I'll start:
Early this past spring, my friend and I started our journey across the Chemin de Arles/Aragónes/Francés. On our second day we were walking from Sarrance to Borce, some readers and a few other pilgrims who walked that route may remember that there was part of the GR route washed out around Cette-Eygun requiring either bypassing it by bus/taxi or a dangerous road walk on a busy road with very little shoulder. We walked to Accous where there was a bus stop and hoped to catch a bus to Etsaut, the next stop past the washout.
This was April 2nd and the buses were still running on their holiday schedule which meant hours til the next bus. We went into a small café to see if we could call a taxi but none wanted to come that far from Sarrance. As the bartender was explaining this, a women began talking to him. When she stopped, the bartender said she would drive us to Etsaut in her car.
As we walked to her car, she asked in French if we were Pilgrims going to Santiago, we said oui (she spoke no English) and off we went about 12k to Etsaut. When we arrived we offered to pay her and she refused but asked that we say a prayer for her when we arrived in Santiago. That prayer was said for Jackie [sp] a month and a half later. While we had only a very brief encounter, she could have easily left us standing there and she chose not to. I will never forget her or her random act of kindness.
Maybe I'd paid it forward and I mention this only because I received far more than I gave.
In 2017, coming down from the Cruz. I saw a man sitting on a boulder, looking dejected and totally defeated on part of that wicked descent. I asked if he was okay. He told me they'd just started in Astorga the day before and was not in shape and had not carried enough water or anything to eat. He didn't think he could make it.
I sat with him and talked. I had a banana and an extra bottle of water which I gave him and we talked a bit longer, maybe 10 minutes total, his name is Henry from Puerto Rico. I asked if he was okay and if he wanted to walk with me, he said his friend Juan should be coming along soon. We said our goodbyes and I set off.
Several days later in Triacastela I ran in to Henry cheering and clapping for the Pilgrims coming into town. He told me he owed me a beer, which I accepted. He told me that he'd given me a nickname and that it sounded better in Spanish, I jokingly asked if I really wanted to hear it, he assured me that I did. El ángel del camino de la cabra, the angel of the goat path. I was touched, I did nothing that I think most people would have done and I did not feel worthy of such an honor, I was a bit embarrassed. Henry didn't need the banana or water, he needed some interaction, encouragement and support. I saw Henry and Juan in Santiago, we enjoyed a glass of wine and talked about our Camino.
Later that same year, Puerto Rico was devastated by a massive hurricane and I hoped that Henry and his family were safe. Henry's gift to me will never be forgotten. Henry, if you're reading this, thank you!
Jackie and Henry reminded me of how much we're capable of with kind words or a bit of compassion. A lesson I try to pass on to my grandchildren.
Please, share your stories.
So, I'd like to know about the random acts of kindness you've received from a local or Pilgrim on your Camino(s). Conversely, without blowing your own horn, have you provided a random act of kindness to a local or other Pilgrim? I'd be interested in hearing those stories and what impact they had on you.
To kick it off, I'll start:
Early this past spring, my friend and I started our journey across the Chemin de Arles/Aragónes/Francés. On our second day we were walking from Sarrance to Borce, some readers and a few other pilgrims who walked that route may remember that there was part of the GR route washed out around Cette-Eygun requiring either bypassing it by bus/taxi or a dangerous road walk on a busy road with very little shoulder. We walked to Accous where there was a bus stop and hoped to catch a bus to Etsaut, the next stop past the washout.
This was April 2nd and the buses were still running on their holiday schedule which meant hours til the next bus. We went into a small café to see if we could call a taxi but none wanted to come that far from Sarrance. As the bartender was explaining this, a women began talking to him. When she stopped, the bartender said she would drive us to Etsaut in her car.
As we walked to her car, she asked in French if we were Pilgrims going to Santiago, we said oui (she spoke no English) and off we went about 12k to Etsaut. When we arrived we offered to pay her and she refused but asked that we say a prayer for her when we arrived in Santiago. That prayer was said for Jackie [sp] a month and a half later. While we had only a very brief encounter, she could have easily left us standing there and she chose not to. I will never forget her or her random act of kindness.
Maybe I'd paid it forward and I mention this only because I received far more than I gave.
In 2017, coming down from the Cruz. I saw a man sitting on a boulder, looking dejected and totally defeated on part of that wicked descent. I asked if he was okay. He told me they'd just started in Astorga the day before and was not in shape and had not carried enough water or anything to eat. He didn't think he could make it.
I sat with him and talked. I had a banana and an extra bottle of water which I gave him and we talked a bit longer, maybe 10 minutes total, his name is Henry from Puerto Rico. I asked if he was okay and if he wanted to walk with me, he said his friend Juan should be coming along soon. We said our goodbyes and I set off.
Several days later in Triacastela I ran in to Henry cheering and clapping for the Pilgrims coming into town. He told me he owed me a beer, which I accepted. He told me that he'd given me a nickname and that it sounded better in Spanish, I jokingly asked if I really wanted to hear it, he assured me that I did. El ángel del camino de la cabra, the angel of the goat path. I was touched, I did nothing that I think most people would have done and I did not feel worthy of such an honor, I was a bit embarrassed. Henry didn't need the banana or water, he needed some interaction, encouragement and support. I saw Henry and Juan in Santiago, we enjoyed a glass of wine and talked about our Camino.
Later that same year, Puerto Rico was devastated by a massive hurricane and I hoped that Henry and his family were safe. Henry's gift to me will never be forgotten. Henry, if you're reading this, thank you!
Jackie and Henry reminded me of how much we're capable of with kind words or a bit of compassion. A lesson I try to pass on to my grandchildren.
Please, share your stories.
.
). When I told the guy about my knee he handed over his poles and insisted I use them till we arrived. Upon arrival I have them back and asked the hospi where I might purchase poles. She went into her room and came back with hers. Here she said, take mine. She insisted. 
