So about 6 years ago, when my mate Kate told me about the Camino… over a glass of wine at Brisbane Power House- I got instant goose bumps! Something resonated with me and 6 years on- her I am…
So this blog is intended to plant a seed to anyone wanting to experience this incredible journey of Camino Del Santiago. This is my experience to date and is by no means ‘the way’ to do it- it’s just been the way it’s flowed for me….so far!
I’m a visual kinda gal, so let me paint a pilgrim picture for you from morning to evening.
I hope one or all of you end up opening a new barefoot investor account called ‘Camino baby’ like I did- and start saving for your trip!!
6am- wake up in either a top or bottom bunk, pull out your ear plugs and try to remember where you are!!
As quietly as possible pack up your belongings, put your clean (yet slightly stinky) clothes on for the walking day ahead! Wash your face- and get aquatinted with the ‘il naturel’ version of yourself as you brush your teeth!
Check your feet (blisters/Band-Aids etc) fill your camel pack with water and wish your fellow Albergue mates a Buen Camino!
6:45am- start the journey ahead! Your day may consist of anything from 20km- 30km of walking. Walking as the sun wakes up is my favourite!! Especially on my own..!
8am- my first stop- Breckie!!! This is what seriously gets me out of bed! A fellow pilgrim told me he thinks I eat a lot for a lady! I told him that’s rude to say and to stop flirting with me ha…! (Jokes)
“Un Pocadio con jamon en un cafe Americano con poco latch porvorim”….. or something like that!
8-12pm- cover some serious km. Walking through gorgeous fields, up hill, down hill, cobblestones, bush, roads and small villages! ‘Is it too early for a twix I ask myself!???’ NAH…., go for it girrrrl!!!
During this time you get to meet gorgeous people, share a chat or not, wish them well and know you’re never alone! Follow the shells all the way home! Breathe, feel your body and LOOK UP!!
12:30pm- is when we usually decide where to sleep that night. So far it’s been someone who speaks Spanish amongst the crew, who makes a reservation at an albergue. There’s instant relief that you have secured somewhere to sleep that night!
2pm- Arrive at your ‘new home’ with 50 other pilgrims, pay 10-15€ for your bed, check your bed for bed bugs (which I plan to never meet), have a much needed shower, get your ‘I’ve finished walking for the day’ clothes on and go out for a beer! And more delicious food!
4pm- siesta. I’m getting into this nap business! I find this such an important time to stretch, have some quiet down time! Oh yeah…wash some of those stinky clothes!!
6pm – onwards is just fun in the Spanish sun! New friends, incredible chats, food, wine and awkwardly funny cross cultural chats about anything and everything. This is one of my favourite parts of the day!!!
9-10pm- Before you know it you’re knackered and it’s bed time (nonna style)!! Plug in those ear plugs, put your buff over your ears, wish your mates ‘buenas noches’ and I usually just ….. fall straight to sleep with a massive smile on my face!!
Simply BLISSful.
-X-
SimBLISSity 