Camino de Santiago (part 5)

In order to get the most out of the experience of walking the Camino it is best to drop expectations. The journey is different for each pilgrim and there really is no way to predict how you will respond to the different things that happen to you on your unique journey. A good practice is to remain open to everything that happens and know that there will be highs and lows. It is unrealistic to think it will be wonderful the whole way. Stay open to all the little surprises that rise up to meet you and try not to judge them as good or bad. They are just surprises for you.

We met a young German man, Michael, who was 21. Although it seemed that he would walk much faster than us, we kept running into him, which surprised us. "Why isn't he further along?" we would ask ourselves. Then one day we found out. Michael was on the lookout for surprises and he took the time to savor them. After all,  these were special gifts offered up just for him. Why should he ignore them or not give them his full attention?  

One day he told us, with an elfin twinkle in his eye, that there was a conjunction of three little surprises that caused him to sit down and take his shoes off; butterflies on a flower, the singing of birds, and a perfect rock to sit on nearby. This was an invitation to contemplate the beauty of that special moment; a gift for him. We often would hear how various "surprises" would delay him on his journey. For Michael, the goal was the journey. Santiago was just a point on the compass, a general direction to follow. 

We were captivated by this young man who seemed so connected to the present and so unlike  many who miss the present moment completely, especially at 21 years of age. To us he seemed both childlike and wise well beyond his years. I will always remember the last time I saw him. We bumped into each other at the Cathedral of Saint James in Santiago. He jumped up, threw his arms into the air, and with a huge smile of recognition, hugged both Jane and I with great enthusiasm. His refreshing enthusiasm had won us over for he seemed to embody a kind of childlike curiosity and wonder  for life. For us, he was one of the wonderful little surprises we had during our journey. 

The following photographs have an element of surprise. 

Michal (on left) Penny and Jan, William and Jane.

This pooch observes the commings and goings of the Camino from a second story window. 

Such a beautiful statue of Saint James sits in the open.

The bee hive shape intrigued us and there was no explanation to be found. 

How many pilgrims did it take to create this labyrinth? It was at least 100 feet in diameter. 

The roof over El Cid's tomb (Catherdral of Burgos) seemed light enough to float away

Such a touching bedroom scent for their royal resting place...

...with their little dog eternally at their feet. 

Political graffiti 

So much for electrical code!

These plain trees have joined hands to create a leafy tunnel (when they leaf out that is) 

Last honors for worn out boots

A harbinger of spring

This albergue had an interesting facade 

Inner courtyard adorned with potted plants

I cant imagine how hard it was to paint this wall!

More political/environmental sentiments found on a rock along the way

These bells would ring out the hour...all night long!

A reclaimed rock structure in an abandoned village serves as an make shift albergue. We heard bed bugs might be an issue here, so we passed it up. 

A small offering of refreshment for pilgrims. Take what you need and give what you can. 

Ornamentation on a wall

If you don't have straight boards, use curved ones.

The oldest tree (a Chestnut) on the Camino is more than 800 years old and has protected status. 

A curious horse looks in to our dorm room

These were the happiest cows I have ever seen. 

A little hidden Roman bridge seems magical

Every house has its own rodent proof grain storage 

A morning stroll with the herd

Another beautiful Saint James statue carved from a standing stone

Walking clothesline

Spring effigy figure in Santiago 

Jet contrails and street festival

The halo around Saint James is beautiful

An octopus awaits the final hour in a wine glass