🎶 People

🎶Our journey has taken us over 400 kilometers. The people of Spain, as well as from around the world, have been a joy to meet.

Rosa and Orejas

Rosa, from the tiny village of Castildelgado, who loves cats. Her cat is inside the house looking out the window. Rosa is here with Orejas (Ears), a little white cat with a black ear. Close by is companion Solita (Alone), an elusive little cat (seen, but not pictured). These are village cats, cared for by all of those in the village.

When we met Rosa, she was heading off to talk with the woodcutter to ask for a supply to warm her house. When talking with us, though, it was as if she had all of the time in the world. This seems to be common to the people of the villages here. People spend time talking to other people.

A lot of time.

We have met people from around the world;  Spain (both on and off the trail), Italy, U.K., 

Uruguay (wearing their flag on their packs), France, Spain, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Belgium, Reunion Island, Venezuela, Netherlands, Korea, Holland, Romania, Netherlands, Ireland, West Africa, and more. 

From the U.S., Alaska, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Oregon, Montana, Washington, Maine, Pennsylvania. We met Ralph, from San Diego, at Orisson the first day.

Lili from France

Anne from Kenya, with cart that has carried her backpack more than 1000 kilometers.

Sabine and husband Uli (not pictured) from Germany, who run  a small lovely alburgue

Casa las Almas

Then there are the people you meet for seconds,  passing on the road afoot, on bikes. Almost everyone with a "good morning" in various languages, wishing a "Buen Camino," as they pass, and you wishing them one in return.

 Because the journey is long, and sometimes painful, this becomes an  encouragement to continue going forward.

Michelle from Florida

There is no real way to impart the impact that the people of the Camino have made. 

Anne, Lili, and Linda, each walking the Camino Frances solo.

Some touch your heart in an instant. 

Together, you may spend a few days meeting one another by chance; walking together for awhile, sharing communal meals and conversation. When sharing stories together, it feels you have all the time in the world. Then, an overwhelming sadness washes over when you realize, though you are all moving in the same direction, you may never see one another again.

You share a sincere parting "Buen Camino," complete with eyes that are no longer dry, realizing these are people you won't easily forget.

Then, you move your feet to see what the Camino brings next. 🎶

This journey confirms and strengthens my faith in the goodness that resides in the heart of each of us.

If we are able to quiet our heads.