NAVIGATING THE UPS AND DOWNS OF THE CAMINO

HIGHS

Everything. Particularly the food and wine, the Galician grannies, the people we met along the way, and the modest yet surprisingly comfortable accommodation. But the greatest bonus for me was the companionship. I know plenty of people choose to walk the Camino alone, content in their own company, knowing they will meet like-minded people along the way. In my view, it can be the making of a relationship to experience the journey with someone as excited by the prospect as you are.

LOWS

Aside from not speaking Spanish, it goes without saying that the weather plays a big part in your Camino journey. There were a couple of days that I felt utterly miserable. Those days were grey, wet and cold. It’s then that a little bit of egging on from a companion can go a long way. So again, the company and camaraderie was a key component for me.

LESSONS LEARNED

Long walks in truly comfortable silence can be a very soothing thing. Walking is a form of immersion where you really get to understand the country you’re in and respect it a little bit better every time you go. I found the Camino the ultimate refuge from a hectic world.