The Journey to Santiago de Compostela makes you a Pilgrim. The Camino is not a trail to be walked or a destination to be reached. The Camino is a parable and a reality at once. It is done within and without each day.
The question has been asked is the Camino Life or is Life a Camino? It is both. As a parable, century old churches contain artifacts used to illustrate spiritual lessons. Amazing carvings and paintings have told stories to tens of thousands for hundreds of years. The architectural genius of the builders of the the great cathedrals of Burgos, Leon, and Santiago is unbelievable. Even those in ruin such as San Anton refuse to stop inspiring. It’s very existence is something to be contemplated.
As a reality, the Camino makes you simpler, brings you close to nature, and connects you to the people of Spain and other pilgrims. A light pack carries all you own; a change of clothes, rain gear, snacks, and water. As you see the sunrise each morning, the songs of birds greet the day, and the breeze moves a sea of wheat. The morning walk brings on hunger. Then an open Spanish bar run by a welcoming Spaniard appears. Experiencing that first coffee Americano, zumo de naranja, croissant, and tortilla is heaven. When you turn around somebody you met a day or two before appears. Nourishment for body and soul.
Why did we make this journey? In the beginning and even now it was and is an expression of gratitude. However, 42 days later it is much more. The Camino is Life and Life is a Camino. The answer is paradoxical and can be understood by our experiences on the Way.
Thank you for following us on our journey. We are reminded that Life like the Camino is a journey not a destination. The understanding we bring home is to cherish the beauty and challenges of each day’s journey in life as on the Camino. Live in the Present.
Somewhere Along the Way 