Words from B

So as we leave Santiago de Compostela this morning a rush of feelings surrounds us. Up at 6, packing the backpacks, out the door, grabbing a coffee con leche and a roll, then walking for our next stop. All things we share with the 1000s of peregrinos on their "Way". This morning our Way is to the estatione' de train and to Madrid. Ours is now the Way home. In the last 24 hours we have seen pilgrims that we last saw getting on the train in Madrid on April 23rd and we've seen Camino friends from the past few days. All of us now making room for those who are just stepping out of their doors or their comfort zones and beginning their journeys on the Way. Our memories and daily habits are points in conversations and smiles, mostly. For the new pilgrims our memories and habits are lessons still to be attended and experiences to record and possibly worries yet to be. The "circle of life on the Camino de Santiago", so to speak.

The noon peregrino service at the cathedral yesterday focused on telling pilgrims that this was not the end but the beginning of their new journey, their new Way in life. Essentially this is this first day of the rest of your lives. Several conversations in the last couple days have included "what did the Camino mean to you ,,,,,,,?. I cannot say I saw or learned anything extraordinary, maybe there will be a revelation in a few months, beyond "walking sticks are nice", "long down hills on cobble stone ain't nice", "coffee con leche is nice, a days walking in mud and rain is not so nice". Maybe not. Oops,,,revelation. "Waterproof" breathable boots, gloves, pants, jackets -- yeah,,,, NOT - after several a hours trekking in the rain.


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