Walking the Camino is a physical endeavor with many rewards. What other trip can you take where people from all over the world walk in the same direction, sleep in dormitories and hang out in pilgrim cafes eating pilgrim meals? The Camino can be a very social experience if you are looking for that type of element. 

As a pilgrim walks, he will often be passed or pass along another pilgrim. It is customary to politely say ‘Hola! Buen Camino!’ as you pass. Speedy pilgrims leave you in the dust. Some start to chat and before you know it, you have walked 2 k and have a new friend.

When you meet someone on the Camino, you know them by first name and home country. Here is John and Kristin from NC, USA. Our paths crossed many times. We had good fun, a meeting of the minds & hearts. They were on a sabbatical as well as to refresh and recharge as new empty nesters. 

This is Elena from Venice, Italy. She was walking her second Camino to find peace in ending a troubled friendship as well as taking time to document what she saw in pen and water colors. What a wonderful way to slow down and to document her experience. 

Here is Tom from New Zealand on the left and Alex from Germany. These two fun loving guys met on the Camino and kept bumping into each other. At some point they sort of stuck together when they realized the Camino was better together. Sharon & I had some great conversations with them several times while on the Camino and they always had such great humor & generous hearts. 

Susie from Melbourne, Australia was our spiritual guide and a  grounding force for us. The time spent with her was especially joyous and enlightening on our journey. Her husband Tony always provided interesting thoughts to ponder about the world and the inner world. Both took such care and time with paying attention to others. 

Elena from Modena, Italy carried a very heavy heart on her journey. She walked with great intention and deliberation. My talks with her reminded me that young people can have such difficult decisions to make and losses to bear. I saw her heart lighten and  healing begin. 

Heidi & Horsht were such a loving couple. They took their time over many years to complete sections of the Camino. Heidi was the planner since this was her dream to walk the Camino. Horsht showed his love by walking along with her. This was to be the section that completed the pilgrimage in Santiago for them. A little bit at a time and the masterpiece of ones life is completed.

So, Jun, Sharon & I became the Trio that stuck together to the end when we found each other again after Cacobellos. Jun used his map app to lead us to an ATM machine the day before. After that, he went off on his way in one direction and we went off in another thinking it was good bye. The next day, Sharon & I took a route less traveled. But we crossed paths yet again. So we decided we had a similar Camino planned and were best off sticking together until the end. We relied on his app ability as well as his gentleman skills along the way. He kept us on time and we helped him learn more English. We learned some Japanese to supplement our Spanish. He was so excited to eat pulpo in Melide. We never would have even thought of eating octopus if it weren’t for his insistence it was legendary. 

This is Brian from Portland, Oregon. He was the last pilgrim we met out in Muxia and he had just extended his Camino out to the Penninsula as Sharon and I had. We all so excited to see each other at the pension and had to share time & wine as we reflected on the aspects of the Camino experience. It was a perfect way to spend our last night in Spain and prepare to move on back into the ‘real world’ after experiencing the Camino Magic. 

Pilgrims were always happy to see other pilgrims and start a conversation. Some chats were short and others went on for many k. Or many days. There is a kinship of knowing and understanding the Camino amongst pilgrims. There is a giving, sharing and affection toward each other. Lessons learned, burdens released and wanderlust quenched together. Why don’t you come join us one day and see how a pilgrim can become a very special friend?