In various levels of disrepair, with blisters, swollen feet, swollen knees, and some pretty serious hat head – but high spirits – we arrived in Santiago de Compostela, and have completed our pilgrimage! The wet walking shoes can now be stowed in suitcases, and the stinky socks will probably only come out again stateside, directly into a waiting washing machine. …
Author: Claire Ziamandanis
Silly Suffering
Today, Tuesday, was our longest day on the Camino de Santiago – some 30 kilometers, thankfully with less rain than predicted. Our group has begun to feel the effects of walking for days on end: one pilgrim down (hopefully back tomorrow) with a sprained knee (Liliana C), one pilgrim with serious blisters on her heel (Amanda V), one pilgrim (Lindsey…
Boots as Bookends
The best parts of the day on the Camino de Santiago are when you lace up your walking shoes early in the morning, and the moment you tear those same shoes from your feet when you arrive at your destination. Excitement and anticipation reign in the morning, pride and accomplishment at the end of the day. In between those “boot…
Walking to Inexistent Castles
20 kilometers doesn’t sound like much to walk, especially if it is mostly downhill. 20 kilometers on the Camino de Santiago, however, is probably more like 23 or 24 kilometers. The markers are not very accurate, and they lull you into thinking, “I’m halfway there!” or “Only two more kilometers to go!” Both thoughts are serious mistakes, and will get…
A Second Lesson in Cultural Adaptation
It appears my place in life is to be harangued by bus drivers in front of my students! Yesterday class met at 9 a.m., with the primary goal to practice following the yellow arrows that show you “the way” as you walk. As a group we followed the Camino through Burgos, ending behind the Cathedral. Students took on new conversation…