Left home and took the subway to the end of the line (Kipling Station). Walked back with a full ruck. 18.12 kilometers in 4 hours. A good, average pace.
Walking half way across Toronto (I live downtown) is like a trip across cultures. Polish, Ukranian and Maltese bakeries wafting rich aromas of fresh breads and rolls, intense discussions in sidewalk cafes about the demise of the Soviet Union and the Ukraine's place in the world, churches with names like St. Stanislaus and St. Casimir.
A little further along, the language and accents change to the more sibliant sounds of Portuguese and Italian. Groups of men standing outside cafes and bars arguing and discussing everything from politics to 'the old country'; soccer games from Europe flickering on silent screens (and cold Moretti beer that I can almost taste).
Passing on my way, I see the signs changing to Korean. Blocks later comes Chinese. All these neighbourhoods just run together creating a vibrant city. And, this is the best place in the world to be during world cup!! As I passed a churasquiria, there is still a flag waving. Spanish spoken under a Mexican flag. Makes you wonder why people can't get along elsewhere - and it worries me when people bring all their disputes and problems here.
Soon into busy main streets by the university. Late evening shoppers hustling about and trendy cafes. Such a contrast between these glass and chrome bars and the more basic plain rooms with open fronts and animated groups surrounding the tables.
And on down through the neighbourhoods towards home. I think my feet know they are getting closer to home! Sore, but no blisters.
And finally, the pleasure of slipping a heavy ruck off aching shoulders and easing boots off tired feet. That cold beer splashing against the back of my throat was much appreciated! Bet I'll sleep well tonight.
Ultreya
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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.
