That's nice to read. As a non-native speaker of English, I often struggle to find the right words and then write an entirely different sentence just to be sure it is acceptable. But writing often in the past few years has helped me to get more confident in my writing. It's been a quite a journey.
Very touching story emphasizing the compassion you and other pilgrims share freely on the Camino. Another bit of beauty to enjoy in what feels like our increasingly uncompassionate world. Thanks!
There are moments of hope in this uncompassionate world. I find many of those moments when walking the Camino, where nationality, age, ethnicity, or religion plays no role in the bonds we form. But I'm also inpired by two election victories this week in the UK and, especially, France. Let's hope for more positive news this year in a time when we desparately need more good news.
So many wonderful tales from Camino! I look forward to your Camino number three. This story is an admirable testament to your insights and understanding of individuals who travel alongside you.
The history of this young man made him an easy target for bullies who can smell weakness and glory in making life miserable for one so poorly equipped for self defense.
Claus very likely was drawn to your kindness and gentleness as well as an admiration for what he saw in you - someone who was vastly different from himself in every way. I’d love to hear his story of having met you and what he drew from your conversations. I hope he gathered the strength to galvanize himself to break the dependence on a smothering mother who clearly ruled his life. Her love for what is probably her only child was an albatross that held him back.
This is a wonderful story written from your gracious and benevolent heart. I loved reading every word. Your temporary break from writing may have sharpened your senses and caused you to yearn a bit for the literary creativity you stored up for a couple weeks. Your writing genius hasn’t suffered a bit in the interim!
On a solo trip through Mexico, I took a taxi late one night in Acapulco to see the Cliff Divers on the rugged Cliffs of La Quebrada. I stood in awe of the beauty before me. My mind clicked. I remember the smell of the sea, majestic cliffs in moonlight and death-defying diver's holding torches as they dove 135 feet into the dark waters below. This was a different culture, people, language and food. I loved it all. I was traveling at the pace of what is real. Your Camino stories remind me how important it is to stop the noise. Thank you.
The Camino seems to be a similar reality. Images of people, places, food and culture that stay in your mind. A band of brothers, if you will, on a timeless journey of discovery. A magical story, Alex. I believe we are a part of all we have met. Your fellow pilgrim, Claus, whose reality may be different than yours, found his humanity in your kindness. I think in the end, The Camino is no respecter of persons and all roads lead home.
We could use some of The Camino humanity in these troubling times. I fear our hearts and minds are so polarized that they have become small, hard and full of meanness. I would like to stop this train and get back to the sea. Like turtles we have landed on our backs; we need to turn and roll toward the sea; towards life. Gracias, Alex. Su historia es importante.
What a beautiful comment, Sharon. Your mentioning of Acapulco reminds me that it was once a destination for me, but I never made it that far up north on the Mexican, Pacific coastline. Instead I ended up in Puerto Ángel, and I still have the memories of days spent lazily on the local beach in the most hippie-like setting I remember from traveling in Mexico. There is beauty in slow-travel; the faster global developments create more chaos, the slower I want to travel. Walking instead of flying or driving, and stopping for an extra day instead of pusing for a deadline defined by a flight back home. The slower you go, the more time you have to observe details, and thus, the easier it becomes to forget about the bigger picture. In a world of increasing challenges, there is stability, beauty, and continuity in the details. World leaders should all take a month of and walk the Camino, together. This maybe stuff for another story. I hope the desert's sunset will be beautiful today. Retreating into the desert has created world some of the world's main religions; it must be inspiring.
Con gratitud, Alex. Our stories define us and yours never cease to amaze. There is indeed beauty in slow travel. We can always put it on our resume but will have experienced and lived through nothing.
The desert is brutal right now and unforgiving, but its beauty remains timeless. I find my solace in these magnificent sunsets; they are life affirming.
It is a very pleasant read and full of anecdotes thanks to your keen sense of observation of landscapes and people.
It reminded me of my pilgrimage, long ago, which marked the end of my university studies and my entry into the world of work.
I keep few specific memories, apart from joyful moments as well as the pleasure of hikes, meetings and our discussions in the evening, gathered in a small group or around a large table...🤗
I really enjoyed your narrative... Thanks much Alex! 🙋♀️🙌
Those are great memories. In a way, pilgrimages haven't changed too much over the centuries. We may have added smartphones and gps, but the concept of shared experiences, stories told, and friendships made, is still very much alive.
What a lovely story of human interaction on the Camino. I wish the best for Claus; a lack of self esteem or confidence can limit what might be otherwise a full and accomplished life. Estella in photos is quite beautiful. I very much appreciate the opportunity for virtual travel especially with you as the guide. Plans for a third Camino in the making? Your will and stamina are quite impressive. I will look forward to hearing more about those plans. Thank you for this! 😘
Thank you Anne, I love it when my writing gives readers the feel of joining in a walk. I hope to walk another Camino route next year and will try to share the experience again. Enjoy your real walk later today!
What a marvelous read!
I love your stories. Even more, I love your insightful perceptions and how beautifully you express them. Excellent!
That's nice to read. As a non-native speaker of English, I often struggle to find the right words and then write an entirely different sentence just to be sure it is acceptable. But writing often in the past few years has helped me to get more confident in my writing. It's been a quite a journey.
Your "non-native English" is better than many Americans! :)))
So true! 👍
Such a touching, profound, beautiful Camino sharing. I shall be thinking about Claus. ❤ Thank you 🌻
Thank you, Rena
Very touching story emphasizing the compassion you and other pilgrims share freely on the Camino. Another bit of beauty to enjoy in what feels like our increasingly uncompassionate world. Thanks!
There are moments of hope in this uncompassionate world. I find many of those moments when walking the Camino, where nationality, age, ethnicity, or religion plays no role in the bonds we form. But I'm also inpired by two election victories this week in the UK and, especially, France. Let's hope for more positive news this year in a time when we desparately need more good news.
So many wonderful tales from Camino! I look forward to your Camino number three. This story is an admirable testament to your insights and understanding of individuals who travel alongside you.
The history of this young man made him an easy target for bullies who can smell weakness and glory in making life miserable for one so poorly equipped for self defense.
Claus very likely was drawn to your kindness and gentleness as well as an admiration for what he saw in you - someone who was vastly different from himself in every way. I’d love to hear his story of having met you and what he drew from your conversations. I hope he gathered the strength to galvanize himself to break the dependence on a smothering mother who clearly ruled his life. Her love for what is probably her only child was an albatross that held him back.
This is a wonderful story written from your gracious and benevolent heart. I loved reading every word. Your temporary break from writing may have sharpened your senses and caused you to yearn a bit for the literary creativity you stored up for a couple weeks. Your writing genius hasn’t suffered a bit in the interim!
The photos are magnificent!
On a solo trip through Mexico, I took a taxi late one night in Acapulco to see the Cliff Divers on the rugged Cliffs of La Quebrada. I stood in awe of the beauty before me. My mind clicked. I remember the smell of the sea, majestic cliffs in moonlight and death-defying diver's holding torches as they dove 135 feet into the dark waters below. This was a different culture, people, language and food. I loved it all. I was traveling at the pace of what is real. Your Camino stories remind me how important it is to stop the noise. Thank you.
The Camino seems to be a similar reality. Images of people, places, food and culture that stay in your mind. A band of brothers, if you will, on a timeless journey of discovery. A magical story, Alex. I believe we are a part of all we have met. Your fellow pilgrim, Claus, whose reality may be different than yours, found his humanity in your kindness. I think in the end, The Camino is no respecter of persons and all roads lead home.
We could use some of The Camino humanity in these troubling times. I fear our hearts and minds are so polarized that they have become small, hard and full of meanness. I would like to stop this train and get back to the sea. Like turtles we have landed on our backs; we need to turn and roll toward the sea; towards life. Gracias, Alex. Su historia es importante.
What a beautiful comment, Sharon. Your mentioning of Acapulco reminds me that it was once a destination for me, but I never made it that far up north on the Mexican, Pacific coastline. Instead I ended up in Puerto Ángel, and I still have the memories of days spent lazily on the local beach in the most hippie-like setting I remember from traveling in Mexico. There is beauty in slow-travel; the faster global developments create more chaos, the slower I want to travel. Walking instead of flying or driving, and stopping for an extra day instead of pusing for a deadline defined by a flight back home. The slower you go, the more time you have to observe details, and thus, the easier it becomes to forget about the bigger picture. In a world of increasing challenges, there is stability, beauty, and continuity in the details. World leaders should all take a month of and walk the Camino, together. This maybe stuff for another story. I hope the desert's sunset will be beautiful today. Retreating into the desert has created world some of the world's main religions; it must be inspiring.
Con gratitud, Alex. Our stories define us and yours never cease to amaze. There is indeed beauty in slow travel. We can always put it on our resume but will have experienced and lived through nothing.
The desert is brutal right now and unforgiving, but its beauty remains timeless. I find my solace in these magnificent sunsets; they are life affirming.
Beautiful story.
Thank you, Mischa
Always your beautiful photos!👌
It is a very pleasant read and full of anecdotes thanks to your keen sense of observation of landscapes and people.
It reminded me of my pilgrimage, long ago, which marked the end of my university studies and my entry into the world of work.
I keep few specific memories, apart from joyful moments as well as the pleasure of hikes, meetings and our discussions in the evening, gathered in a small group or around a large table...🤗
I really enjoyed your narrative... Thanks much Alex! 🙋♀️🙌
Those are great memories. In a way, pilgrimages haven't changed too much over the centuries. We may have added smartphones and gps, but the concept of shared experiences, stories told, and friendships made, is still very much alive.
Yes ! It’s so right 🤩
What a lovely story of human interaction on the Camino. I wish the best for Claus; a lack of self esteem or confidence can limit what might be otherwise a full and accomplished life. Estella in photos is quite beautiful. I very much appreciate the opportunity for virtual travel especially with you as the guide. Plans for a third Camino in the making? Your will and stamina are quite impressive. I will look forward to hearing more about those plans. Thank you for this! 😘
This year, I won't have time for another Camino, but I dream of walking another one next year. Let's hope dreams come true.
Oh, Alex, what a beautifully written piece about something that can so often be solitary. My one walk a day with my
“service dog” Cadbury does wonders for my mental and physical well-
being! It’s MY Camino…
Thank you for clearing my head today!! (And I haven’t even had my walk yet!)
♥️
Thank you Anne, I love it when my writing gives readers the feel of joining in a walk. I hope to walk another Camino route next year and will try to share the experience again. Enjoy your real walk later today!