We often think of burdens as a physical object or heavy emotional item, but doubt, worry & uncertainty - all burdens pilgrims carry on the Camino. Myself included, calm Camino Kevin, the experienced pilgrim, things are just not happening right and I'm all Zen, "The Camino provides, it will work out.".. Except when it comes to securing lodging, the Camino has exploded in popularity and I cannot complain, but it has caused a strain on the lodging system and exposed my hidden burden - anxiety over lodging... Proved, at least for tonight, as unfounded. Plenty of beds available in my Albergue and actually, many Albergues have significantly reduced the number of reservable beds - first come, first served....
Luckily, I'm a fast walker. But that still exposesa burden I have been unnecessarily caring around with my, and in all honestly opens Camino to the method I like best, just walking and pick a place!
The Camino provides!
Speaking of the Camino, I have been so blessed to meet so many people from such different backgrounds and ethnicities, all walking with a common goal.
There is a young couple with two young girls, one knows French, the other Spanish and the parents are bilingual as well. They are taking a 1 year break and exploring the world while homeschooling the children along the way. Those girls are going to have a real life education no school can ever teach.
The former Chinese now American, on his 9th Camino, attending morning mass every chance he can.
Several older French ladies, all polite as can be. Two come to mind in particular. An older one with just a great of gold, very little English but we make do and a middle aged one who by all accounts should have but made it over the Pyrenees but did and with a smile.
A young couple from Texas, liquidated everything and struck out exploring the world working on farms thru a program. Outward they looked "different" but talk to them, and you see the brightness inside.
There are so many others, too many to try and list, but it is exciting to be sharing this moving experience with these people. Waking into an Albergue only to have then shout out our names. The world may be big on maps, but here it is tiny.
So how am I doing? Good! I have my own Camino goals, and boy has the Camino been "helping' me with them. Of course we use a saying, you get the Camino you need not the one you want.
Physically, I passed the two week stress test!
Mentally it is just beginning but I believe I passed an early trial of self doubt on of this particular trail was where I should be, but the Camino provided that answer - YES! Yes, this is the trail and the time I am to be here, how do I. I stopped trying to control the dynamics and left myself open to the Camino and it has provided a wealth of answers and guidance... I still struggle with the burden, but it is getting lighter.
And, for those wondering, most menus consist of
Starter, usually a choice of salad, soup, or pasta. A second plate, a meat plate with fries. Water or wine (I think law requires a new unopened bottle each time) and a dessert.
That said, Burgos is tomorrow and they have TAPAS!!!
Here is a quick distinction between the two:
Tapas = little plates you get with a drink, sometimes free, sometimes ordered, more common in Castile/León.
Pinchos = Basque/Rioja style, food on bread with a toothpick, you pay per piece.
👉 Tapas = drink + snack.
👉 Pinchos = bite on bread, paid.
It is all good! Tomorrow, Tapas bar crawl!
Tonight, early bed for very early rise so we can walk in the dark and cool air, hopefully burning some kilometers before sunrise and mid 90s temps.
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