The Camino de Santiago (The Way of Saint James) is, among many things, a Mother F#$%!.
The first day, I hiked 22 miles. The second day, 15 miles. Way too far. Way too fast.
I am carrying a backpack weighing approximately 18 lbs. It felt like a 1000 lbs. I sent the rest of my luggage ahead on a mule. It was actually in a hatchback.
Two days in, and the only spiritual experience I have had is praying Jesus stops by working as an Uber driver.
Let’s add in my bunkbed accommodations with shared bathroom facilities to remove what little shred of humanity I had left.
During the course of the day’s hike and especially towards the end, the smell I emit should be banned by Geneva Convention. Lordy.
In summary, I am walking too far, too fast, carrying too much for too long, and when I arrive at my destination, I have to share too much with too many people while smelling dreadful.
Yet, all along the way, everyone from the ice cream vendors to the other hikers to the old ladies with canes to the little kids on bikes riding in front of their parents say the same thing to you as you pass:
“Buen Camino” or “Bom Caminho”
Wishing you “Good Way” on your journey.
The first time you hear it, it surprises you. The 50th time it sustains you.
I can’t quit now. I’ve got too many people invested in me.
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