Why. What a wonderful question . Why would anyone walk 800+ kilometers on an old path? Why live out of a rucksack with only basic kit for 30-40 days? Why do this in a foreign country, far from home?
The simple answer is 'don't know'. I suppose, one could offer a more acceptable answer such as 'holiday' or adventure' but saying 'pilgrimage' is fun. The look on some people's faces is worth it!
Although everyone is invariably polite, you often see that little flicker in their eyes that seems to say - 'oh oh, he's losing it' or 'poor guy, must be stress in his life - probably things not going well' or 'thought he was a little weird'.
I mean, really, how can you explain this? But, if you have ever talked with people who have done it (as I have on several occasions), it's as if they intuitively know why. Can't articulate it, but the smile is genuine.
Perhaps, I will be able to answer the question when I return. But, then again, maybe not. :)
Ultreya
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
This is the story of my walk on the ancient Camino de Santiago, a twelve hundred year old pilgrimage route. The Camino is 835 kilometers, from the south of France, across the Pyrenees Mountains into Spain and thence westwards to the tomb of the apostle St. James in Santiago de Compostela.
