LIVE from the Camino Thank You

[jcruz1027]

I'm ending my last day. Its been an incredible journey. Tomorrow I board the bus back to Santiago. Thank you to everyone who has ever posted their Camino journey; they all played a part inspiring me to take a walk. From Porto to Santiago to Finisterre. It was worth every km, every blister, every tear and every moment of frustration. All worth it. I truly don't know how I'm going to explain any of this to my friends and family when I get home.

 

[domigee]

You won’t, they won’t understand! That’s why we’re here
Congratulations and safe journey back.

 

[naplesdon]

Domigee is right, about a minute into your conversation their eyes will glaze over and they will ask if you have anything else to tell them that is news worthy. Show them pictures and they scroll through for a few frames and end up saying, "oh, that's nice shot" but never where was that? It's hard, long slog making converts to the Way. Don't want to be a bummer but after eight years I know the routine.

 

[alexwalker]

...From Porto to Santiago to Finisterre. It was worth every km, every blister, every tear and every moment of frustration. All worth it. I truly don't know how I'm going to explain any of this to my friends and family when I get home.

You can't. And you know it.
CU around next year (and in here in between, of course). The calling will return.
Well done!

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Next up: Camino Frances. We´ll see you then!
Congratulations!

 

[mspath]

There is no way to explain to others all that you have seen and lived. However you can remember and savor your precious memories until the end of time.

 

[naplesdon]

It is too bad there is not a "love" button for post from Reb and Meredith. You are the best!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I love the photo of you at the "0" km marker in Finesterre...you look so entirely happy!

 

[CPilgrim]

biarritzdon
When their eyes glaze over I just smile and move on! I know they don’t understand and I don’t mind. I’d like to think that the memories and feelings, the good, bad and ugly ones, are all mine and that’s good enough for me! One thing that I am thankful for is the people in this forum who continually inspire and give advice!

 

[nycwalking]

Next camino route?

Congratulations!

 

[jcruz1027]

I was indeed! There were days along the way that I didn’t think I’d make it or that 0.0 even existed.

Thank you.

I love the photo of you at the "0" km marker in Finesterre...you look so entirely happy!

 

[jcruz1027]

I really enjoyed Portugal. The next one will either be from Lisbon or The Frances Way.

Next camino route?

Congratulations!

 

[VNwalking]

I truly don't know how I'm going to explain any of this to my friends and family when I get home.

You can't, but never mind. But you can blather on all you like here: we do get it.
To friends and family just say you had a great walk.
Because you did. Big time.

Congratulations, peregrino! Next?

 

[David]

Wisdom explained always sounds like foolishness - you can't as your inner world and their inner world are no longer the same and never will be again

as for photos - to you they hold meaning, to others they are just pictures not as good as a postcard - ordeal by photos ... don't do that to them

 

[Rex]

Agree that most people you will tell will listen politely and be unmoved, but don’t stop telling your story. When I finished the first CF in 2013, I was so moved and excited, I told all my friends, my family, even some of my neighbors about the trek. One lady I told was in my triathlon club, but for family reasons I had to drop out of that training group. Two years later, at a retirement party for a mutual friend, she rushed up to me and gave me a huge hug and said, “My husband and I just finished the Camino with our oldest son, all because you were so enthusiastic about the experience.” Mind you, I didn’t know these people well, but that seed gets planted and sprouts in some unlikely places. Likewise, a neighbor of mine stopped me on my morning walk about two weeks ago and told me he was leaving this week to walk the Camino from Leon to Santiago because I keep telling him how much he’d enjoy it.
So, come Tuesday morning, I’ll be on a plane to Lisbon to tackle the CP. And I found out the triathlon lady and her husband and daughter will be following me about three days later. Don’t ever get tired of telling your story; you never know who’s really listening until much later.
Congratulations on your journey, and on to the next Caminho.

 

[jcruz1027]

LOVE this story! Thank you for sharing!

Agree that most people you will tell will listen politely and be unmoved, but don’t stop telling your story. When I finished the first CF in 2013, I was so moved and excited, I told all my friends, my family, even some of my neighbors about the trek. One lady I told was in my triathlon club, but for family reasons I had to drop out of that training group. Two years later, at a retirement party for a mutual friend, she rushed up to me and gave me a huge hug and said, “My husband and I just finished the Camino with our oldest son, all because you were so enthusiastic about the experience.” Mind you, I didn’t know these people well, but that seed gets planted and sprouts in some unlikely places. Likewise, a neighbor of mine stopped me on my morning walk about two weeks ago and told me he was leaving this week to walk the Camino from Leon to Santiago because I keep telling him how much he’d enjoy it.
So, come Tuesday morning, I’ll be on a plane to Lisbon to tackle the CP. And I found out the triathlon lady and her husband and daughter will be following me about three days later. Don’t ever get tired of telling your story; you never know who’s really listening until much later.
Congratulations on your journey, and on to the next Caminho.

 

[Ghislaine]

Since 2006, I walked 4 caminos and always enjoy sharing my experiences with friends and family. They surely not totally understand the whole experience and the way it makes me feel... neverthless, it did inspired and still do, some of them to hit the road and walk the camino... so... we never know. Congratulations for this Camino and all the others.

 

[movinmaggie]

It's like trying to describe what an orange tastes like.....