Planting the seed
I recall pondering during work in the COVID era, reflecting on my past experiences and aspirations. The pandemic taught us that life's journey is unpredictable, and I have always felt that we should live each day as if it were our last because tomorrow is never guaranteed. That time heightened my awareness of life's brevity.
During this time, I questioned my life, future, and career. I never want to grow bored with life or have regrets, especially wishing I had pursued my dreams. I desired to travel the world, immerse myself in diverse cultures, and embark on new, and exciting adventures.
One memorable day in my clinic, I met a patient scheduled for follow-up visits over the coming months. She was in her late 60s, beautiful, and had a calm, gentle presence. During those months, we developed a genuine friendship. She was wise and inspiring, thrilled to share stories of her amazing adventures, and experiences while traveling the globe solo. I could sit for hours and listen to her tales.
On each visit, she carried with her an old phone. The screen was shattered, the leather had peeled away, and the stitching had fallen apart. Jokingly, I asked if she thought it might be time for an upgrade, and with a sudden burst of emotion, she replied, "Absolutely not! "This is my Camino Phone"!
This phone was my companion during my travels across Europe. It joined me on the trek from France to Spain, capturing my cherished moments and documenting every part of my adventure. It guided me over the French Pyrenees, through the Basque Country, the beautiful Galicia, and to Santiago de Compostela. It safeguarded me, protected me, and helped me avoid unnecessary kilometers by keeping me on the correct path.
She tells me that that worn-out phone reminds her daily to be fearless, adventurous, and strong. Being so sentimental, she just can't seem to part with it, at least not while it is miraculously still working.
In the months that followed, we spoke endlessly about the Camino, listening to the tales of her most unforgettable experiences. She also recounted some less pleasant moments, such as snoring and sleepless nights in the Albergues. Sunburn, chaffing, blisters, burning muscles, and exhaustion. She had walked in pain and witnessed many injuries along the way.
She shares some of her incredible photographs from her adventure with me. I can't even imagine embarking on such an incredible journey through those remarkable cities.
She recounted her experiences traversing a country and indulging in some of the most amazing French and Spanish cuisine. I was captivated.
I had become fascinated by this "walk" and eager to hear the stories about her experiences on this renowned pilgrimage. I began to study it, calculating how many km, and how many weeks it would take to finish.
I began to wonder, could I even walk that far?
Across 2 countries, and my first time in Europe? What if I got injured? What if I got lost? I was already renowned for having absolutely no sense of direction.
What amazed me about her stories was that before embarking on the famous Camino in Europe, she had never traveled anywhere! She hadn't even left her own state. I loved it—what an incredible woman.
She says that the Camino St Frances, ranks among her most cherished adventures, and as many who have embarked on the journey will attest, it was transformative. Describing to someone who hasn't experienced this walk what makes it so enchanting is challenging.
The reason is that everyone who undertakes this walk
will uncover their own unique magic.
"I think you need to do the walk", she said.
"Easy, prepare your backpack, fly to France, put on your shoes, and off you go.
Start walking".
"Walk the Camino like a true pilgrim"
"It will change your life"
And with that, the seed was planted.
That was it, "I am going to Europe", I told myself.
I am going to do the walk and see for myself why they say there is
magic on the Camino St Frances
After 2 years, finally but slowly the countries began to reopen, and it was all speed ahead.
I decided that if I was going to Europe for the first time, not only would I go to walk the Camino, but also to see as much as I could in my 90 days. Never one to enjoy carrying around a load of luggage, I decided after leaving Indonesia and reaching my next destination, I would drop my case, and travel with my backpack. I would enjoy the freedom of traveling light and preparation for the Camino.
I started researching what I needed for the walk: Merino socks, weather-appropriate gear, and a lightweight, breathable backpack. I needed to purchase my boots and break them in well before the walk.
With countries finally open and flights resuming, I booked flights and made a few reservations, told the family I was going on an adventure (I'm sure none believed), left my job, and I was ready.
I started my journey by spending a week surfing in Bali, followed by a trip to Sumatra, before heading to Switzerland to visit a very close friend, then continuing over to Europe. It was incredible to finally have a plan after being confined for years due to the pandemic.
I hope my forthcoming blogs inspire you and that you accompany me on my European journey. Delight in the tales of adventures and mishaps along the Camino Saint Frances.
Did I reach the finish line,
or where did my travels truly conclude?
Inspire Your Wanderlust
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