LIVE from the Camino Live from Camino del Norte, followed by Camino Inglés!

[Caminogoat]

Can you find 5 csmouflaged baby squids in the photo?

 

[Caminogoat]

Couple more photos.

 

[Caminogoat]

On my way to Hospital de Bruma, I stopped for lunch at this very unique restaurant.

 

[Former member 49149]

Can you find 5 csmouflaged baby squids in the photo?

Can you?

 

[Caminogoat]

Can you?

Yeah, cause I saw them moving

 

[trecile]

How was your Korean meal in A Coruña?
I really liked that town. I spent several days there after my 2017 Camino.

 

[Caminogoat]

Well, if they were good I would have posted photos. Although I was starving for Korean foods, I was a bit disappointed. It was worth trying though. I know a good Korean restaurant in Madrid. So I will be all very happy soon.

 

[Caminogoat]

Yeah, cause I saw them moving

The big one is inside the big shell (in a relative term), 3 are near by in a triangular shape. The last one burried herself in the sand so it's impossible to fine it unless you were there seeing her digging in.

 

[Caminogoat]

This morning, leaving Mino.

 

[Caminogoat]

Funny and convincing dog warning signs.

 

[Caminogoat]

I arrived at the Hospital de Bruma as the sun was setting. This segment was long and a bit challanging at times. I think after walking the first, mostly flat segment, I underestimated it. I did make it and checked into a hotel. The hotel has interesting photos on each floor.

 

[Caminogoat]

Does anyone know what this is for? A husband dumper perhaps? You know those husbands who don't put toilet seats down or watch sports channel 24 by 7, eating pizzas and drinking Amstel beer? They should be all dumped onto a planet where there is no TV sports channel. Did you know you might be able to order a husband on Amazon? With a 30-day return policy guaranteed? Just in case mine reads this post I deny I wrote this.

 

[Caminogoat]

The hotel I checked in has unique photos all over, and a lovely wood burning stove in the restaurant. The food is good but the room is just acceptable. The thing is that this is the only hotel around here. The receptionist is from Dominican Republic. So young yet so far away from her home. What a brave girl! I hope she accomplishes what she aimed for and returns to her family soon.

 

[Caminogoat]

Oh by the way this horse came by me, looking at me intently and smiling. He wanted to smell me. At first I thought perhaps by now I smell like a mare, but then it dawned on me that I just ate my pastry that I bought this morning. I think he smelled sugar on my fingers. I actually had a tiny piece left, which I gave to him. He cherished it and wanted to follow me all the way. I know I shouldn't feed someone else's horse, but this one time I couldn't resist the smiling horse.

 

[Caminogoat]

How and where I bought this pastry? This morning, leaving Mino before the sunrise, my thoughts were pure and I intented to dedicate mysrlf to walking the Camino. That is until I saw this tray of fresh baked pastries coming fresh out of the oven at the bakery right across from the street where I was walking. I didn't know I could rise up to the occasion like that, but I ran into the bakery with an Olympic-class-sprinter speed to buy one. So I got this pastry no less precious than an Olympic gold medal, which I shared with that smiling horse. Can horses smell so well like dogs?

 

[Kanga]

Does anyone know what this is for? A husband dumper perhaps? You know those husbands who don't put toilet seats down or watch sports channel 24 by 7, eating pizzas and drinking Amstel beer? They should be all dumped onto a planet where there is no TV sports channel. Did you know you might be able to order a husband on Amazon? With a 30-day return policy guaranteed? Just in case mine reads this post I deny I wrote this.

It's an old concrete mixer. So into the bowl you add sand, cement and water, turn it til it is well mixed, tip the bowl to pour it out, and then plant your husband in the wet concrete. If you are so inclined.

 

[Bala]

Funny and convincing dog warning signs.

Humor goes a long way.

 

[Caminogoat]

It's an old concrete mixer. So into the bowl you add sand, cement and water, turn it til it is well mixed, tip the bowl to pour it out, and then plant your husband in the wet concrete. If you are so inclined.

Good Idea. I will always know where he is and he can't mess up my kitchen.

 

[Caminogoat]

Up and ready to go. From Mino to Hospital de Bruma was not easy like the first day. I hear that this segment is the most challanging part of Camino Ingles. I walked 23.5 miles but spent a lot of caloreis according to my Fitbit. I can make it to Santiago today but I will see how it goes.

 

[SabsP]

@Mera . Enjoy today's walk. An easy walk in terms of elevation. Some parts will be next to the highway but safe distance with a fence in between.

If you prefer to stop in Sigueiro I can recommend this nice hostal !

INICIO | SIGUEIRO HOSTEL - Bed & Breakfast

[Telf. +34.981 973 636 | +34.615 499 071 ] SIGUEIRO HOSTEL - Bed & Breakfast, Albergue de Peregrinos del Camino de Santiago en Sigüeiro. Alojamiento para peregrinos.

www.sigueirohostel.com

 

[Caminogoat]

Oh thank you. I will look it up while I am waiting. it's foggy outside, still dark.

 

[Caminogoat]

I made it to Santiago after the sunset. The plaza is pretty much empty compare to before. Some interesting stories and photos to share later. Food first!

 

[donalomahony]

I made it to Santiago after the sunset. The plaza is pretty much empty compare to before. Some interesting stories and photos to share later. Food first!

Well done. Thanks for your daily inspiring posts and your sense of humour

 

[SabsP]

Congrats @Mera ! Enjoy!

Gorgeous picture.

 

[Caminogoat]

You are all so welcome. I just found a Korean restaurant! There was none before. Of course I am already heading out.

 

[trecile]

While reading your post I was thinking that I had heard of a Korean restaurant in Santiago. I'm glad that you found it, and hope that the food is good!

 

[Bala]

I loved following your journey. Your descriptions and photos brought your pilgrimage to life. Enjoy Santiago and Korean food! Well-earned.

 

[VNwalking]

I made it to Santiago after the sunset. The plaza is pretty much empty compare to before. Some interesting stories and photos to share later. Food first!

Wow, congratulations, aftet a very long day!
Well done.
I hope you got some decent Korean food - food from home is the ultimate comfort food.

 

[deborahbennett]

Thank you so very much, Mera!

I serendipitously stumbled upon your Live from Camino del Norte posts just today and spent this entire evening reading it straight through from start to finish -- and you coincidentally finished today! Congratulations on that, and thank you for all of your wonderful photos, and the vivid, detailed descriptions of your journey with all of its ups and downs -- literally and figuratively.

I agree with the person who said you should write a book about your journeys. I also think you should win an award for the most entertaining, informative, and delightfully humorous Camino posts I have ever read.

You have an absolutely amazing sense of humor. Some of your posts had me laughing so hard I had tears running down my face which is definitely something that hasn't happened since way before the pandemic began.

You made the Camino del Norte totally come alive. I will be doing the del Norte to the Ruta del Mar and down the Ingles next year, and I took many notes about where you stayed and dined and the places that you visited (and where not to fall off of a cliff!) which will make my journey even that much more enjoyable and special.

Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. And thank you for being you!

Deborah

 

[Caminogoat]

Thank you so very much, Mera!

I serendipitously stumbled upon your Live from Camino del Norte posts just today and spent this entire evening reading it straight through from start to finish -- and you coincidentally finished today! Congratulations on that, and thank you for all of your wonderful photos, and the vivid, detailed descriptions of your journey with all of its ups and downs -- literally and figuratively.

I agree with the person who said you should write a book about your journeys. I also think you should win an award for the most entertaining, informative, and delightfully humorous Camino posts I have ever read.

You have an absolutely amazing sense of humor. Some of your posts had me laughing so hard I had tears running down my face which is definitely something that hasn't happened since way before the pandemic began.

You made the Camino del Norte totally come alive. I will be doing the del Norte to the Ruta del Mar and down the Ingles next year, and I took many notes about where you stayed and dined and the places that you visited (and where not to fall off of a cliff!) which will make my journey even that much more enjoyable and special.

Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. And thank you for being you!

Deborah

Dear Deborah, I am happy that you enjoyed my post. Thank you for such kind words. Sadly I am not fluent enough to write a book in English. Since you are planning a journey, I will make a list of all the hotels and restaurants after I return home. Thank you again.
Mera

 

[Caminogoat]

I woke up this morning happy and well. The very first day of rest since October 13th. Before I tell you about things happened yesterday, let me tell you about my hotel, Parador. I don't normally spend this much money on myself. This was a gift from my husband who though that I "suffered so much from all that walking" ; "far away from home"; "with no city comforts and conveniences". Well, yeah that's the idea but I didn’t tell him that, and became a wife who was VERY respetful of her husband's opinions. So I have two nights here and no plan to use that "husband dumper" any time soon. Besides I saw what happens to a wife who tried to do such thing.

 

[Caminogoat]

This is a photo of my husband before I met him and changed him.

 

[Caminogoat]

Yesterday, I sent him this Google photos showing Korean restaurant menu. He was shocked that I ordered this much food. The last photo is what I actually ate. it was good

 

[Caminogoat]

BTY, I saw that "husband dumper" in action yesterday, mixing ciment.

 

[VNwalking]

Besides I saw what happens to a wife who try to do such thing.

I thought it was this.
View media item 8100

 

[Caminogoat]

So back to the Parador. They give 15% pilgrim discount. They gave up their free- breakfast-to-10-pilgrims tradition since COVID out break. I heard in olden days, very long ago, they gave a 3-day-free stay to arrving pilgrims. There was a drama during the check in process, but my breakfast reservation time is in 15 minutes so I will continue later.

 

[Caminogoat]

I thought it was this.
View media item 8100

 

[VNwalking]

I woke up this morning happy and well.

Enjoy Santiago, Mera! I am sorry your posts from the road have come to their natural end, because they have been wonderfully entertaining. But now you get to rest and savor your success. Not to mention eating more kalbi and kimchee.
(Do walk down the hill to the Tertulia, for some good tea or coffee. A favorite breakfast spot...)

 

[Caminogoat]

Enjoy Santiago, Mera! I am sorry your posts from the road have come to their natural end, because they have been wonderfully entertaining. But now you get to rest and savor your success. Not to mention eating more kalbi and kimchee.
(Do walk down the hill to the Tertulia, for some good tea or coffee. A favorite breakfast spot...)

Thanks! I too enjoyed posting and reading feedback. I felt like we were on this Camino together. Hope to meet you on the Camino someday.

 

[Caminogoat]

So here is the drama I wanted to tell you.
When I walked into the Parador, there was no "Welcome how may I help you?" of any kinds. The receptionists just staired at me in silence like "What are you doing here?". I am not easily discouraged by such behaviors because it's their ignorences, not mine. I get this sort of treatment often in snobish places. I just ignore back their ignorences and go about with what I need. So I booked 2 nights and followed a "maid" to my room. The hotel is so big you can't possibly find your room on your own, at least not for the first or possibly the second and third time. I really think that Google should map the interior of this building.

So I walk in and open the drapes, found the wall of a next building. The street in between was so narrow that I could bang my head to that wall, which I briefly considered doing. I instantly felt claustrophobic. That was just enough. I swong my faithful backpack right onto my back. I marched on to the hotel desk with a look that could make my grown children fear for their lives and my husband pretends he is not home at the moment. Now it was my turn to stair at them for a few moments. Somehow, my Spanish 101, 102 and 103 all showed up instantly. I explained to them why I would not pay what I was supposed to pay just so I can open the window and look at the other building's wall all night and the next day, too. I told them they can give me a better room or cancel the booking I made 5 minutes ago or else they will read about this on ALL of the hotel-related websites, including but not limited to, Google, Facebook, Instragram, and what have you. One of them got on the phone with at least 3 different people in a hushed voice, occasionally glancing at me. After about 20 minutes, I got a large 4th floor room with a roof-top view, but above the roof top was a view (although tiny, it's still a big improvement) of the Catedrales. Whew again.

 

[Caminogoat]

Here are the features I like about my room.
An excellent tooth brush. Really better than any I have ever used. There were 3 and I am taking them all. I disguised myself when I was putting them into my backpack, into the deepest inner pocket.

 

[Caminogoat]

Need to go to the pilgrim mass. I will tell you more later.

 

[jpflavin1]

Just a brief note anout COVID concerns. But for the masks I see everywhere, I would have thought there is no COVID here. People are going about with their lives as before. Signs are posted everywhere to keep 2-meter distance but none really follows. Restaurants and bars are packed with people drinking and eating like before 2020. Some people actually wear masks over their noses and mouths, but most people wear them just over their mouth or on their wrists. It's no wonder that Spain has such high rate of COVID. Perhaps they decided to jusy live with it. I was fully vaccinated and thankfully no problems so far (I just knocked on my head).

I just finished the San Salvador/Primitivo and part of the Madrid. My experience was very different than your regarding Masks. Almost every town I entered people were wearing masks just walking down the street. every restaurant or bar people wore mask upon entering and then removed them when eating or drinking just like here in the states. the Albergues were all partially empty due to Covid protocols. Every store I entered everyone was wearing a mask.

 

[Caminogoat]

I just finished the San Salvador/Primitivo and part of the Madrid. My experience was very different than your regarding Masks. Almost every town I entered people were wearing masks just walking down the street. every restaurant or bar people wore mask upon entering and then removed them when eating or drinking just like here in the states. the Albergues were all partially empty due to Covid protocols. Every store I entered everyone was wearing a mask.

.

I just finished the San Salvador/Primitivo and part of the Madrid. My experience was very different than your regarding Masks. Almost every town I entered people were wearing masks just walking down the street. every restaurant or bar people wore mask upon entering and then removed them when eating or drinking just like here in the states. the Albergues were all partially empty due to Covid protocols. Every store I entered everyone was wearing a mask.

It was very strict in Galicia, but not so much in other rural areas.

 

[deborahbennett]

Dear Deborah, I am happy that you enjoyed my post. Thank you for such kind words. Sadly I am not fluent enough to write a book in English. Since you are planning a journey, I will make a list of all the hotels and restaurants after I return home. Thank you again.
Mera

That's very kind of you, Mera.

Please keep the idea of writing a book as a possibility. You write well enough in English to tell an absolutely fabulous and entertaining story that is such a delight to read, which is the most important thing of all and a rare talent to have.

There are story development editors like Beth Jusino who wrote the Camino book Walking to the End of the World who can help you flesh out your stories into a marketable book. I think she'd love to hear from you even if you just wanted to share a link to your posts and ask how she might be able to help provide some direction. Her email is bethjusino@gmail.com. And there are copy editors that she could put you in touch with who can polish up your English as a second language.

Or you can just keep enjoying your Camino adventures, and hopefully continuing to share them with this very appreciative audience here on Live from the Camino!

Best wishes to you!

Deborah

 

[Sunopo]

That's very kind of you, Mera.

Please keep the idea of writing a book as a possibility. You write well enough in English to tell an absolutely fabulous and entertaining story that is such a delight to read, which is the most important thing of all and a rare talent to have.

There are story development editors like Beth Jusino who wrote the Camino book Walking to the End of the World who can help you flesh out your stories into a marketable book. I think she'd love to hear from you even if you just wanted to share a link to your posts and ask how she might be able to help provide some direction. Her email is bethjusino@gmail.com. And there are copy editors that she could put you in touch with who can polish up your English as a second language.

Or you can just keep enjoying your Camino adventures, and hopefully continuing to share them with this very appreciative audience here on Live from the Camino!

Best wishes to you!

Deborah

Actually if I may, I find the English quirkiness to be part of the charm and entertainment, a play on words. Mera, you definitely get my vote for the most entertaining journal here.

 

[Caminogoat]

Actually if I may, I find the English quirkiness to be part of the charm and entertainment, a play on words. Mera, you definitely get my vote for the most entertaining journal here.

With your kind encouragemrnt I will give some thoughts when I return. Thanks!

 

[Caminogoat]

Again, what I liked about my room was it's cast iron radiator which was very useful for other purposes.

I am still going to post about my last day of walking from Hospital de Burma to Santiago. A lot happened that day. Leaving for Madrid this morning.

 

[VNwalking]

I am still going to post about my last day of walking from Hospital de Burma to Santiago. A lot

Safe and pleasant travels to you!
I hope you are taking the train, because it is a fantastic journey!

 

[Former member 49149]

Hospital de Burma to Santiago could be quite a trip!

Again what I liked about my room is it's cast iron raditor which was very useful for other purposes.

I am still going to post about my last day of walking from Hospital de Burma to Santiago. A lot happened that day. Leaving for Madrid this morning.

I do so love your style. I recently had a request to produce some words for a journalist. I am ok with one to one. One to many? I am a chicken!
Just stay as you are... of course, I think the poster who suggested you write a book tiene razón (has a good point), but not in a forced way.
Thanks again, your posts have been so refreshing.

 

[Caminogoat]

At the Santiago train station, I met two pilgrims. Arnoud, who reminded me of the former president Carter, was from Netherland. He had walked various Caminos for more than 100 times. He last walked for a person who couldn't do it due to a serious health issue. He said although his feet were attached to his body, they really belonged to his friend during the walk. After finishing the proxy Camino for his friend, he and his companion were headed to Ponte Ulla, Camino Sanabres, Via de la Plata. Just to be clear, and also thankfully for Arnoud, he got his feet back after he obtained the certificate for his friend. What was so amazing was that he compiled and classified more than 1000 flowers, per his claim, he encountered on various Caminos. Here is Arnoud's website: "floresdeloscaminosasantiago.eu". I was so delighted to meet the two. I gave them some grapes I had, which made them happy although then they had carry a plastic bag like I did (not in Prada fashion, right?). Their joy at the sight of the freshly washed grapes made me happy. In the high of our shared happinesses, we posed for photos for each other. I noticed their maskes were falling apart and looked way too small. Perhaps those maskes visited the same dryer where my clothes got shrunk. I gave them two Korean N95 maskes. They were amazed at how comfortable the masks were. I was so happy that they were happy, so we all posed for a photo yet again.

 

[Caminogoat]

I have rented an apartment in Madrid for 4 nights, which is a whole another adventure story to write about. Let me just say that I suffered a lot, more than when I got lost by erroneously following a goat trail. I got my COVID test with a disappointing result. It was negative so I have no excuses to stay longer. I am writing about this because I found the most reasonable lab in Madrid. I know the one at the airport charges around 145 Euros. See how much others are charging (photo one). After calling around all the labs listed on the US Embassy site I found out that this lab only charges 40 Euros for a rapid PCR test. It was ready in 45 minutes. I hope someone broadcast this information to everyone.

 

[Caminogoat]

As an added bonus, this lab is just 2-minute walk away from the famous Retiro Patk. I strolled in the park waiting for the result.

 

[Caminogoat]

In the park, a man was trying to get his dog to pose for a photo with Kirmit the frog, but the dog had another idea. It went something like this.

Man: Be a good doggie, go sit with the frog.
Dog: What? Are you crazy? I am NOT going near that green thing with no teeth. My mama always said never trust any creature that has no canine teeth.
Kirmit: Come on and sit by me. Why can't we all be friends and give a lovely smile to each other.
Dog: No way, don't touch me, no, nope. Oh, don't say I didn't warn you. You really crossed the line when you touched my butt. Bite!
Kirmit: aaaaaaaaaaouch!

 

[trecile]

I got my COVID test with a disappointing result. It was negative so I have no excuses to stay longer.

 

[Caminogoat]

I had to console the poor Kirmit. I sat down and we talked for a while. I taught him how to make a heart sign by crossing two fingers(index and thum) together. It's a big thing in Korea now. Everybody does it when photos are taken. I taught a bunch of Spanish pilgrims how to do it. After a much practice, now Kirmit can do it.

 

[Caminogoat]

I will post one more time, but after I return home. So much happened during that last walk from Hospital de Bruma to Santiago. Among other things, a local man poured his heart out for about an hour, about: loss of his mother at 10 and his father's quick remarriage. Then his brother fell in love with the new stepsister causing an uploar. The stepmother took everything after his father's death, leaving him and his wife with nothing. As he was describing his mother's death, he cried. After for more than 65 years, the loss was still fresh. I cannot talk about his story lightly. So I will sit down at my desk and write with all my concentration. I hope to convey at least some of his feelings. In spite of all that happened, he remains a kind hearted person. I will tell you the reason why I came to this conclusion. So this is a good bye until then. Thank you all for reading my humble post, and cheering me on. Warmest wishes to you all.
Mera

 

[Caminogoat]

Oh, I forgot to tell you that Kirmit is okay thanks to his long sleevs. He feels fine and sends you this song. He said it would be okay to change Kokomo to Camino.

 

[norelle]

Thank you Mera for sharing your camino! I have enjoyed your posts very much! Safe travels and buen camino

 

[Caminogoat]

Thank you Mera for sharing your camino! I have enjoyed your posts very much! Safe travels and buen camino

Thank you so much!

 

[Caminogoat]

A tragedy occurred in the dryer. I had mistaken 80 Celsius to 80 Fahrenheit. With close to 200 degree in Fahrenheit, all my clothes were down sized by two sizes. I wasn't sure whether I should cry or laugh. At least I have one pair, thanks to my good sense, still fits. If you ever see a pilgrim who looks like wearing her child's clothes that will be me. A hand-me-down will be very much appreciated. Anyway, those shrunken clothes still requires getting dried so here I am attacking them with a hair dryer.

Do you remember this tragedy? Since then I kept stretching my pants every time I washed them. They still look like this.

 

[Caminogoat]

It’s time to write about my last day of the Camino walking from Hospital de Burma to Santiago de Compostela. I kept postponing it as if this will somehow let me live a bit longer in the land of Camino. Arriving in Santiago has always been a moment of initial happiness, and then it is followed by a sadness. I am thankful for a safe arrival. I am grateful for all those moments I have experienced whether they were beautiful, good, bad, or hard. Nevertheless, I can’t help feeling sad because now I must leave the Land of Oz and have to wake up in Kansas, my reality. Please don’t think my reality is bad or I do not appreciate what I have. My husband is loving and my two grown children are good people. In spite of my happy life, leaving the Camino is a sad occasion and thinking about my next Camino always makes me feel thrilled.

 

[Caminogoat]

I started my last day very early because it was going to be over 40 Kilometers long. The morning started out very foggy but it soon cleared up and I enjoyed seeing many beautiful gardens. Then I saw this sign saying “the last bar before Sigueiro” but somehow I missed it probably I was excited to see hórreos that were open. I have seen hundreds of them before but they were always tightly closed so I had no idea how things were stored inside. So here it is for those who have never seen inside.

 

[Caminogoat]

In the village where they had open hórreos, very luckily I ran into a truck vendor. I bought two persimmons. There was no market in this village and many ladies were in line to buy fish, vegitable, or bread. I also got in line but these kind ladies unanimously let me go first. One of them even took me to her house, which was next to where the truck was parked, so I could wash the persimmons, which tied me over until I got to Sigueiro. Having had two persimmons that filled me up, which in turn lifted my spirit even higher up, the trails after the kind village looked and felt absolutely tranquil and beautiful.

 

[VNwalking]

Mera's back!
Your posts are a delight.
Gracias!

 

[Caminogoat]

Then I saw a peculiar scarecrow. A scarecrow with a mirror. Of course I took a photo first and then found the owner, Antonio, who happened to be working in the field. I just had to ask about the mirror because I didn’t know what to make out of it. Are the crows in Spain scared of their own reflections in the mirror? Does the farmer want the crows hit the mirror and get a concussion that will teach them a lesson or two? This is Antonio who set this up. The reason? Well, Antonio’s scarecrow used to have legs but they were badly damaged by a severe storm. So instead of leaving the badly damaged scarecrow, Antonio brings this mirror out when he is working in the field. Why? He said he lived in this village all his life. In fact he was born in a house that is very near from the field. Antonio said he welcomes all the pilgrims passing his village and wanted to give them something little to be amused. His words describing his kind thoughts melted my heart. So we started talking about our lives and I ended up staying there for an hour. That is a whole another story of its own that I will have to continue, perhaps tomorrow because I have to start dinner now. Yes, I am back home with all the daily works that “somebody” has to do.

 

[Caminogoat]

I should be finishing up my post, but have spent the last two days writing Christmas cards to people who were kind to me on the Camino. One person took me to his home so I could charge my phone, which had my hotel information in Bilbao. I was lost in the city and couldn't even ask a direction because I didn't remember the name of the hotel that I already payed for. Some fed me lunch before their restaurants' opening time. I must have had a expression of a person dying of a starvation. Some were incredibly paitient with my inadquate Spanish. It is a way of expressing my sincere gratitudes to those who were so kind toward this peregrina; their priceless pure kindness toward a total stranger. The owner of a Korean restaurant in Madrid gave me so much extra foods when I told her that I had Korean foods only 3 times during the Camino. I shamelessly dug in. See the befor and after photos

 

[donalomahony]

Actually if I may, I find the English quirkiness to be part of the charm and entertainment, a play on words. Mera, you definitely get my vote for the most entertaining journal here.

She is a great storyteller...

 

[VNwalking]

but have spent the last two days writing Christmas cards to people who were kind to me on the Camino.

Beautiful. You obviously got names and addresses along the way, which I am ashamed to say I rarely do.
This is really inspiring.

See the befor and after photos

Hey, Mera! You left some shrimp!

 

[Caminogoat]

I went to the post office this morning and mailed Christmas cards to my Camino friends. Most of the time, I just know the first name and the address. When I ask them if it’s okay to mail them a card for their kind help, they didn’t hesitate to give me their addresses. If it is a lodging, I address it to the “Owners” of such such hotel. If it was a check-in clerk, I write down their first name only. If it is to a restaurant, I always tell them how good the food was. Once, the owner of the Hostal/Restaurante Parajes (it’s on the Camino del Norte, at Playa de Penarronda, before Ribadeo. The hostal room is basic but it’s located on the top of the beautiful Penarronda beach and the food is really good.) sent me a handwritten recipe for my favorite seafood soup. The process was so complicated just reading it made me exhausted. I concluded that going back there is much easier way of getting the soup. Knowing how much preparation it requires, now I have more appreciation for “la sopa de mariscos”. I did go back there this time on 11/05, only to find out that they are closed from November through March. I missed it by just 5 days!




I know people who helped me were not expecting anything in return but it is my way of letting them know that it meant so much to me. I tell them the date I met them and where. I thank them again and give them my warmest wishes.

Each time I leave home for a Camino, I leave with a great anticipation and excitement toward unknowns. For me, each day’s walk is like entering into a tiny unknown universe where a small-scale adventure awaits: beautiful sceneries, good food, sometimes-bad weather, or a difficult climbing. Above all, the most endearing memories of each Camino that I bring back home come from people I encounter. Again and again, I come home thinking that this world is full of good people and everyone is mostly kind natured. Such conclusion would have been unthinkable during my career. I was working in the area of the laws. My job required me to look into everything and everyone with suspicion until they prove their innocence. I know from my experience that all people are capable of lying or breaking laws when it comes to their own, or their family’s livelihood. I understand that, yet my job gave me very little room to take mitigating circumstances into a decision making process because no one is above the laws and the laws have to be applied equally to everyone.

Only on the Camino, I open up to people and not afraid to show my vulnerability under an assumption that everyone is essentially good. Okay, I was overcharged for something or looked down and called China, Chinese” in a taunting way a few times, but that was few and far between. So far, people have been incredibly kind toward me. I would have never met these people or felt their loveliness had I not ventured out to walk the Camino. This is the magic of the Camino for me. I come home with renewed faith in humankind. Humming “it’s a Wonderful World"

I also come home thinking of Paul Coelho’s book “Alchemist”. The boy “Santiago” had to go so far and away, experience so much, only to realize the treasure he was seeking was at home, all along in his heart. Like Santiago, I too came home to my treasure knowing that I am blessed with so much. I seek nothing more. That is, I mean, until next time. Thank you all for reading my posts. I wish you all good health and joyful days.


F.Y.I. There are 3 Gears I used and Recommend:

Hiking (Chrome) full-size umbrella (6.6 oz). I buy from Gossmer Gear but there are other brands. You can buy bungee attachment and hand-free clamp to attach it to your backpack and it becomes hand free. I use it for sun, rain, and snow. It’s especially great against the sun. I could not have walked in August without this umbrella. My daughter and I both had it and people called us “the Umbrellas”.



Almond Shampoo by L’Occitane: I have used this product for a long time but didn’t realize how little I needed to wash my long hair. I took a small bottle, so naturally I used sparingly. To my surprise, about ¼ of the amount I normally use was sufficient to wash my long hair.

AONIJIE Women & Men‘s 5 Toe Socks for Running Hiking: I always used 5-toe socks to prevent blisters, but this was the first time using this particular brand. From the very first time, they felt great. They use a fabric called “Coolmax,Lycra,Nylon,” which is moist wicking, odor-resistant, breathable, and fast drying. I had no hot spots or blisters. They held up great against repeated washing.

 

[maruska89]

Hello, finally after 2 years of waiting, I will be walking the Norte. Flying into Madrid on 10/12. I will keep you posted. Please pray for me. BTY, I purchased a new app called Guthook. I like its hybrid map that gives me a 3-dimential areal views. If this map is accurate, I will never get lost. I called several of the lodgings I liked in 2019, but sadly quite a few of them were no longer in business.

From what I've read a lot of long distance hikers use Guthook so you're in good company. Buen Camino!

 

[Former member 49149]

I went to the post office this morning and mailed Christmas cards to my Camino friends. Most of the time, I just know the first name and the address. When I ask them if it’s okay to mail them a card for their kind help, they didn’t hesitate to give me their addresses. If it is a lodging, I address it to the “Owners” of such such hotel. If it was a check-in clerk, I write down their first name only. If it is to a restaurant, I always tell them how good the food was. Once, the owner of the Hostal/Restaurante Parajes (it’s on the Camino del Norte, at Playa de Penarronda, before Ribadeo. The hostal room is basic but it’s located on the top of the beautiful Penarronda beach and the food is really good.) sent me a handwritten recipe for my favorite seafood soup. The process was so complicated just reading it made me exhausted. I concluded that going back there is much easier way of getting the soup. Knowing how much preparation it requires, now I have more appreciation for “la sopa de mariscos”. I did go back there this time on 11/05, only to find out that they are closed from November through March. I missed it by just 5 days!

View attachment 114256View attachment 114258


I know people who helped me were not expecting anything in return but it is my way of letting them know that it meant so much to me. I tell them the date I met them and where. I thank them again and give them my warmest wishes.

Each time I leave home for a Camino, I leave with a great anticipation and excitement toward unknowns. For me, each day’s walk is like entering into a tiny unknown universe where a small-scale adventure awaits: beautiful sceneries, good food, sometimes-bad weather, or a difficult climbing. Above all, the most endearing memories of each Camino that I bring back home come from people I encounter. Again and again, I come home thinking that this world is full of good people and everyone is mostly kind natured. Such conclusion would have been unthinkable during my career. I was working in the area of the laws. My job required me to look into everything and everyone with suspicion until they prove their innocence. I know from my experience that all people are capable of lying or breaking laws when it comes to their own, or their family’s livelihood. I understand that, yet my job gave me very little room to take mitigating circumstances into a decision making process because no one is above the laws and the laws have to be applied equally to everyone.

Only on the Camino, I open up to people and not afraid to show my vulnerability under an assumption that everyone is essentially good. Okay, I was overcharged for something or looked down and called China, Chinese” in a taunting way a few times, but that was few and far between. So far, people have been incredibly kind toward me. I would have never met these people or felt their loveliness had I not ventured out to walk the Camino. This is the magic of the Camino for me. I come home with renewed faith in humankind. Humming “it’s a Wonderful World"

I also come home thinking of Paul Coelho’s book “Alchemist”. The boy “Santiago” had to go so far and away, experience so much, only to realize the treasure he was seeking was at home, all along in his heart. Like Santiago, I too came home to my treasure knowing that I am blessed with so much. I seek nothing more. That is, I mean, until next time. Thank you all for reading my posts. I wish you all good health and joyful days.


F.Y.I. There are 3 Gears I used and Recommend:

Hiking (Chrome) full-size umbrella (6.6 oz). I buy from Gossmer Gear but there are other brands. You can buy bungee attachment and hand-free clamp to attach it to your backpack and it becomes hand free. I use it for sun, rain, and snow. It’s especially great against the sun. I could not have walked in August without this umbrella. My daughter and I both had it and people called us “the Umbrellas”.
View attachment 114259View attachment 114260


Almond Shampoo by L’Occitane: I have used this product for a long time but didn’t realize how little I needed to wash my long hair. I took a small bottle, so naturally I used sparingly. To my surprise, about ¼ of the amount I normally use was sufficient to wash my long hair.

AONIJIE Women & Men‘s 5 Toe Socks for Running Hiking: I always used 5-toe socks to prevent blisters, but this was the first time using this particular brand. From the very first time, they felt great. They use a fabric called “Coolmax,Lycra,Nylon,” which is moist wicking, odor-resistant, breathable, and fast drying. I had no hot spots or blisters. They held up great against repeated washing.

Thank you for one of the most enjoyable camino threads I have read. Your way of expressing your experience is clearly part and parcel of who/how you are. That explains why you found so much goodness and kindness! (I had to go looking for who wrote the lyrics - when I was teaching English before retiring, it was a favourite song to use for vocabulary. The best part of my search was rediscovering other versions, including this one that always stops me in my tracks!)

 

[donalomahony]

I went to the post office this morning and mailed Christmas cards to my Camino friends. Most of the time, I just know the first name and the address. When I ask them if it’s okay to mail them a card for their kind help, they didn’t hesitate to give me their addresses. If it is a lodging, I address it to the “Owners” of such such hotel. If it was a check-in clerk, I write down their first name only. If it is to a restaurant, I always tell them how good the food was. Once, the owner of the Hostal/Restaurante Parajes (it’s on the Camino del Norte, at Playa de Penarronda, before Ribadeo. The hostal room is basic but it’s located on the top of the beautiful Penarronda beach and the food is really good.) sent me a handwritten recipe for my favorite seafood soup. The process was so complicated just reading it made me exhausted. I concluded that going back there is much easier way of getting the soup. Knowing how much preparation it requires, now I have more appreciation for “la sopa de mariscos”. I did go back there this time on 11/05, only to find out that they are closed from November through March. I missed it by just 5 days!

View attachment 114256View attachment 114258


I know people who helped me were not expecting anything in return but it is my way of letting them know that it meant so much to me. I tell them the date I met them and where. I thank them again and give them my warmest wishes.

Each time I leave home for a Camino, I leave with a great anticipation and excitement toward unknowns. For me, each day’s walk is like entering into a tiny unknown universe where a small-scale adventure awaits: beautiful sceneries, good food, sometimes-bad weather, or a difficult climbing. Above all, the most endearing memories of each Camino that I bring back home come from people I encounter. Again and again, I come home thinking that this world is full of good people and everyone is mostly kind natured. Such conclusion would have been unthinkable during my career. I was working in the area of the laws. My job required me to look into everything and everyone with suspicion until they prove their innocence. I know from my experience that all people are capable of lying or breaking laws when it comes to their own, or their family’s livelihood. I understand that, yet my job gave me very little room to take mitigating circumstances into a decision making process because no one is above the laws and the laws have to be applied equally to everyone.

Only on the Camino, I open up to people and not afraid to show my vulnerability under an assumption that everyone is essentially good. Okay, I was overcharged for something or looked down and called China, Chinese” in a taunting way a few times, but that was few and far between. So far, people have been incredibly kind toward me. I would have never met these people or felt their loveliness had I not ventured out to walk the Camino. This is the magic of the Camino for me. I come home with renewed faith in humankind. Humming “it’s a Wonderful World"

I also come home thinking of Paul Coelho’s book “Alchemist”. The boy “Santiago” had to go so far and away, experience so much, only to realize the treasure he was seeking was at home, all along in his heart. Like Santiago, I too came home to my treasure knowing that I am blessed with so much. I seek nothing more. That is, I mean, until next time. Thank you all for reading my posts. I wish you all good health and joyful days.


F.Y.I. There are 3 Gears I used and Recommend:

Hiking (Chrome) full-size umbrella (6.6 oz). I buy from Gossmer Gear but there are other brands. You can buy bungee attachment and hand-free clamp to attach it to your backpack and it becomes hand free. I use it for sun, rain, and snow. It’s especially great against the sun. I could not have walked in August without this umbrella. My daughter and I both had it and people called us “the Umbrellas”.
View attachment 114259View attachment 114260


Almond Shampoo by L’Occitane: I have used this product for a long time but didn’t realize how little I needed to wash my long hair. I took a small bottle, so naturally I used sparingly. To my surprise, about ¼ of the amount I normally use was sufficient to wash my long hair.

AONIJIE Women & Men‘s 5 Toe Socks for Running Hiking: I always used 5-toe socks to prevent blisters, but this was the first time using this particular brand. From the very first time, they felt great. They use a fabric called “Coolmax,Lycra,Nylon,” which is moist wicking, odor-resistant, breathable, and fast drying. I had no hot spots or blisters. They held up great against repeated washing.

Bravo!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

The big one is inside the big shell (in a relative term), 3 are near by in a triangular shape. The last one burried herself in the sand so it's impossible to fine it unless you were there seeing her digging in.

I only found the big one snuggling in the shell. I didn't know they could survive out of the water, or are they in water?

 

[Caminogoat]

I only found the big one snuggling in the shell. I didn't know they could survive out of the water, or are they in water?

To my best knowledge, squids can't survive outside the water. The baby squids in my photo are all under water. They are the smallest ones I have ever seen. They were hatched there at the aquarium. You can see a tiny squid in the small shell on the left. The other ones dug into the sand. They were changing colors as they were swimming. I could have spent all day observing them. After watching their amazing survival skills, I felt remorse for eating so many fried calamaries.

 

[Bala]

I went to the post office this morning and mailed Christmas cards to my Camino friends. Most of the time, I just know the first name and the address. When I ask them if it’s okay to mail them a card for their kind help, they didn’t hesitate to give me their addresses. If it is a lodging, I address it to the “Owners” of such such hotel. If it was a check-in clerk, I write down their first name only. If it is to a restaurant, I always tell them how good the food was.

This is such a lovely, thoughtful gesture. I will be sure to do the same going forward. Thank you for sharing this, and for all your interesting, insightful posts from your Caminos. I enjoyed every one. All the best to you!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

To my best knowledge, squids can't survive outside the water. The baby squids in my photo are all under water. They are the smallest ones I have ever seen. They were hatched there at the aquarium. You can see a tiny squid in the small shell on the left. The other ones dug into the sand. They were changing colors as they were swimming. I could have spent all day observing them. After watching their amazing survival skills, I felt remorse for eating so many fried calamaries.

I have snorkeled in the Caribbean numerous times and they are creatures that are fascinating to watch.
I love eating them, too and enjoyed many meals in Portugal prepared in different ways...yum.

 

[Caminogoat]

This is such a lovely, thoughtful gesture. I will be sure to do the same going forward. Thank you for sharing this, and for all your interesting, insightful posts from your Caminos. I enjoyed every one. All the best to you!

Thank you so much for reading my post. When I go back and read some of my posts again, I realize my writing is incomprehensible sometimes. I thank you for your understanding and patience. Your kindness and understanding are like those ones I have encountered on the Camino.

 

[Caminogoat]

This is such a lovely, thoughtful gesture. I will be sure to do the same going forward. Thank you for sharing this, and for all your interesting, insightful posts from your Caminos. I enjoyed every one. All the best to you!

Thank you, you are so kind.