What comforted you?

[scikowski]

With the ongoing conversations about whether or not to bring phones and cameras on the Camino, I started thinking about why I felt it was important to me to bring my phone. Besides the safety reasons and possible need to connect with my daughter/walking companion should we be separated, I realized that having daily communication via text messages with my husband back home comforted me on some very challenging and painful days. I suspect that everyone probably has something that comforts them in times of discomfort and fatigue and helps them carry on. I'm hoping that others will share what has been comforting to them. (I also found comfort in a pair of lightweight fleece socks that got me through some very chilly nights!)
Suzanne

 

[mspath]

Two simple acts always gave comfort. At each day's end it was a great pleasure to remove my pack and just sit! While on cold nights in unheated albergues wearing my wooly hat to bed was a must. Both actions helped me to continue and keep up the good fight.

Margaret

 

[Pieces]

Tea, music & the knowledge that everything will pass...

 

[sulu]

Taking off my pack and my boots and having a shower! After that everything seemed much better.
Many times it was also seeing familiar faces around me

 

[Sagalouts]

for me is was lying there snug as a bug in my sleeping bag at the end of the day eating those last pieces of chocolate saved from the days walk-bliss
Ian

 

[dazzamac]

The soles of my boots were too thin for the gravely Spanish roads and the ball of one foot had started to blister. The simple addition of some toilet roll to the inside of the boot gave me enormous comfort and relief. I figured it was too late to buy new footwear on the Camino but I did buy some fluffy insoles instead!

 

[yogabanana]

My new down sleeping bag gave me comfort...... Gorgeous color and very cozy. The birds in the early mornings, those giant chocolate bars with almonds, and those terrible/delicious cookies with the chocolate filling, we're all amazing as well !

 

[tyrrek]

My newly found friends, beer, and bocadillos de jamon. In that order...or maybe beer first.

Buen Camino!

 

[scruffy1]

It is said that one arrives in Santiago on the wings of prayer and yes that helps, for me it was coffee, the Spanish solo and the Portuguese bica. When the sun has passed the yard-arm I must agree with Tyrrek, the beer is a treat and the thought that somewhere at any given minute the sun has just passed a yardarm.

 

[FrancesK]

Whilst out on the track for the day my music comforted me greatly. I didnt use it all the time, just when i was alone or needed a pick me up. A bit of Cat Empire will put anyone in a great mood (and possibly lead you to dancing and singing along the camino...hence why i only put it on when alone hahaha).

At the end of the day, friendly faces was the most comfort. Nothing beats walking out of the rain into a warm albergue and hearing your name called out from the top of the stairs or hiking into town to see a cold beer waiting for you at the first bar

 

[MichaelB10398]

I relate to so many of the things that have been said and they all provide differing degrees of comfort at different times. However, when I first read the opening comment it got me to thinking of the darkest times. For me the Camino is a true pilgrimage and is always primarily a spiritual journey. For me, is always that Light that ever shines and mends my broken heart. Even in my failure as a disciple of Christ I am renewed by his love and his sacrifice for me. Knowing that it is for Him that I walk, to strengthen our relationship, to improve the manner I may emulate his example.

As I walk it is meeting and coming to know so many wonderful people. Those who share a kind word with another; who notice the one that lags and yet extend a hand to assist; the people who serve the pilgrims as they hear the same whine for the hundredth time time day and retain a smile. In these I find the face of our God; the poor wayfaring man of grief may we ever serve him, remember him, and know him.

 

[fraluchi]

I suspect that everyone probably has something that comforts them in times of discomfort and fatigue and helps them carry on. I'm hoping that others will share what has been comforting to them.

Right you are! Look at my avatar picture, taken during our walk to Santiago in September 2011. The hottest rainless month since many years. Global warming :roll: :?:

 

[wayfarer]

The thought that my wife would be in Santiago to welcome me back.

 

[Ajda]

First thing i can remeber is COLD SHOWER in the alberge (it is sad so may albergs have showers whic cannot aloud to regulate heatnes of wather.

Second - ice, for which a ask at the local bar, when i rested. And a basin of really cold water at the end of my walking.

3. My camino friends, who were wiling to talk about bad news from my home (it was really hard to me not to be at home at that moment).
And of course - my camino friends who helped me a lot, i mean A LOT when my legs didint cooperate with me.

 

[MCVet]

My mp3 player, because I walk alone more often than not, catching up with people in the towns, and listening to the clack of my stick nor my tinnitus is all that great.

Also my tablet because it lets me keep in touch with home every now and then.