DepartureBilbao, SpainSan Sebastian, SpainSt. Jean Pied de PortRoncesvallesArre, SpainEstella, SpainNavarette (12.7km from Logrono)Belorado, SpainBurgos, SpainSan Nicolas del Real CaminoLeonAstorga, SpainPonferrada, SpainPonte CampanaSantiago de Compostela, SpainMuxiaFinisterre, Spain
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Location
León, Spain
2. For a while, I had been thinking of staying in a hotel since this was a big city. The privacy, the no curfew, the later checkout time, the no other people getting up and noisily getting ready starting at five in the morning. But I realized it was one of my last opportunities to stay in a monastery, so I'm in there tonight. Vespers at 7pm and a special prayer session at 9:30 with gregorian chants. I think it'll be calming and interesting which I need because
3. I got in a slight altercation with another pilgrim yesterday because he littered right in front of me. Imagine how much I hate littering and then add the context of my walking and enjoying nature for the last two weeks. I was livid and yelled after him to carry his trash. He responded with a nonchalant "it's trash." Needless to say, we exchanged words several times over about half an hour as he and I exchanged leads culminating with him telling me "lady, are you still mad? This is Europe. You have your opinion and I have my opinion. I respect your opinion. Can you respect mine?" I said no quite huffily (in addition to gesticulating about beautiful nature and how his litter was so small) and blasted off. I didn't want to see his mug anymore. Oh yeah, before this, he had shrugged off my complaint as well as pointed to other litter while saying,"see?" and "what about this?" By the time i got to the city outskirts, I was sweaty from the madcap pace, early, and felt guilty. So, courtesy of my rage, I did 35km because I had kept walking until afternoon. I recalled the escapade to some others this morning and they said I was in the right which makes me feel a little better since they're European. But, I still feel a little guilty so I'll reflect during quiet time tonight.
4. As mentioned, it's been a reunion city. Fantastic thing about this is the various people you meet. Even though you may not talk, exchanging only an "hola!" or "buen camino" or whatever universal greeting because of the various languages, seeing them each time afterwards after seeing them a couple times is like seeing a friend so the "hola!" has more emphasis and joy. With the people you have spoken with, even small talk, it really does feel like a reunion of old friends for the moment and then you continue on your respective paths. Kind of a beautiful expression of humanity. Except for the litterer. I do NOT consider him a friend. :D
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oh no he didn't!
Written by wliu 13 months ago
i can't believe the litterer (and of course you are in the right!) - surprising b/c would think ppl would be MORE conscious about that stuff if they are walking in nature for weeks on end!!! on the other hand, really cool about all the ppl you are meeting! and SO proud of you for making it past the 1/2 way mark!!! WOOHOOO
LOL
Written by deb79 13 months ago
As I was reading this, I could only be slightly thankful that I'm not walking El Camino with you because....well, sometimes I litter. I try not to, but sometimes I either forget or just can't find a trash can. Sorry, don't hate me!! Hope we're still friends. :)
rad
Written by susanjoo 13 months ago
way to stick up for mother earth! :)