Today was a strange day.
That's where I met Joe from Ireland. He asked if he could walk with me into town and though it was my last walk I said sure, why not. We had some great conversation, stopped for a coffee overlooking the last beach before the trail turned inland for him and my Camino came close to the end.
A couple kms of road walking into the city, and then we crossed a very long bridge into town We parted ways when we arrived in Ribadeo, it was early in the day and he had another 10kms left to walk. I found a gluten free pizza for lunch...finally and of course had a celebratory glass of wine.
I found a laundromat, washed my clothes and then found my sexy hotel to pack and prep for my flight tomorrow to Barcelona.
I have very mixed feelings about today. The obvious being excitement and joy at the thought of seeing my kids and my dog in 2 days. Excitement also at seeing my Amigos again tomorrow to celebrate.
The other side of things is the anxiety of what lies ahead. The transition of going from one routine to the other. The end of the trail and back to work. The stress of 3 flights, 4 airports, the covid brain tickle and my visa bill hahaha.
When I did the Camino Frances in 2018, I learned so very much. It brought much change to my life and how I choose to live it. I learned to let go, to live in the moment and that less is more. I learned to love again. I discovered strength and courage, more than I ever thought I had. I learned to believe, the power of will and uncovered my faith. I also learned to accept what I could not change and embrace life and myself with love and hope. I discovered freedom.
I returned home feeling light in spirit and my heart was full.
This time around, I returned to Spain to walk the Camino del Norte and to walk by the sea without expectations of some great epiphany. I haven't lost any of the values or lessons learned from 2018. I have not lost my way but 2020 was a tough year, for all of us. There has been much loss, overwhelming fear, panic and now, division amongst us all.
I came here to Spain after many attempts, feeling tired, heavy hearted and more than anything just in need of reconnecting with myself and the earth. Walking is therapeutic for me. It clears my mind of clutter. It is a peace that I only feel when walking but especially here on this historical trail. The magic of the ruins, the churches and the cobblestone.
I wanted that feeling of freedom and to walk off my worries and maybe even a few pounds. I wasn't searching for anything but I found plenty. I found friendship here, not the fleeting kind. The kind you hold close to your heart and keep with you for always. I found the strength to forgive. To forgive myself and others.
I discovered I do like fish and I do like white wine. I have also determined that 30kms in a day is too much. It hurts more than it used to. I've realized that as much as I enjoy my solitude....some things in life are better shared ❤
Galicia, I love you. I will be back next year to finish what I started.
Barcelona.... I'm on my way 😁🍷
