On the day the world's news outlets all paid attention to the devastation caused by climate change, I ended my month-long journey to Santiago de Compostela, a tale of my world in beautiful Galicia and our troubled planet on that day.
Excellent piece, Alexander. I could genuinely feel your emotions through your words, and I share the mixed feelings of frustration with our global inaction while truly enjoying the beauty and mystery of the natural world on our amazing planet. Feeling lonely amongst the masses of pilgrims was quite evocative, and made me reflect on how many people must feel that way every day - a reminder to me to smile and be kind whenever possible (which should be always). I am happy for you that you have successfully navigated the Camino Frances once again, and send best wishes for the remainder of your journey. It has been a pleasure to join through your writings and photos.
Thanks Mike, I wish I could write more but this journey was a good reminder of the limitations of what is possible. On the plus side: it leaves me with many more stories to tell :-)
You write :«The dichotomy between enjoying the planet's beauty while it lasts and fighting to preserve all we may lose will likely stay with me for a long time. I am still looking for answers, but following this 800-kilometer-long route has given me new motivation to continue on the track that I am already on. » and that’s it !
Thanks for this, your commitments and many wishes for a happy birthday today.
You exude nothing but positivity Alexander, via your momentous journey, all the while no doubt keeping in mind your loving concerns and positive intentions for our planet. Your journey will replenish you, in mind and spirit, on the path forward.
Thank you, Mary. Yes, I did find a lot of inspiration during my journey, feom beautiful views to interesting discussions. Walking a Caninonhas often been described as transformative, but it takes some time before I can look back and see how it influenced me.
Felicidadas en tu dia, Alex!! Congrats on a journey well taken. This tale of two worlds has now merged at the Compostela and the world grows. The world grows each time you share your knowledge, and we realize we know very little without each other. The world grows every time you share your path with strangers; each time you face your fears & courage steps up.
We all benefit from your steps. Now rest knowing that The Camino will continue to impart its wisdom to the masses. It is a mystery to me why this Pilgrims Way is so enticing but sometimes just giving thanks for the mystery of it all brings everyone closer.
"Walk long enough and we all trade places." Thank you, Alex, for letting us trade places with you on your journey to The Source. Our world has grown because of you.
I’m sure all of us are in this battle with you daily, playing whatever part we can. The dichotomy of the beauty we enjoy and the rapidly changing climate are so very sad, and yet we are grateful for the opportunity to share your visions and stories as you travel. Carry on, soldier! ( The way I think of you.)
This is exquisite; so very well done. Unable to say more at present but temporary I hope. Do enjoy your birthday wherever you land this day; the years grow short very quickly before we are ready to pass the torch to the children of our generations. Later my friend. Thank you for this. 🌊🕊️
Reading that was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster and I have a feeling writing it must have been too. A very well written piece. This is one I'll bookmark and come back to. I so felt that when you said you just wanted to end your walk. And your writing reflected that determination to make it to Santiago de Compostela even if it meant walking 58 km. That smile in the end though. A huge WELL DONE, both for your achievement on the Camino and for writing this so beautifully.
Excellent piece, Alexander. I could genuinely feel your emotions through your words, and I share the mixed feelings of frustration with our global inaction while truly enjoying the beauty and mystery of the natural world on our amazing planet. Feeling lonely amongst the masses of pilgrims was quite evocative, and made me reflect on how many people must feel that way every day - a reminder to me to smile and be kind whenever possible (which should be always). I am happy for you that you have successfully navigated the Camino Frances once again, and send best wishes for the remainder of your journey. It has been a pleasure to join through your writings and photos.
Thanks Mike, I wish I could write more but this journey was a good reminder of the limitations of what is possible. On the plus side: it leaves me with many more stories to tell :-)
You write :«The dichotomy between enjoying the planet's beauty while it lasts and fighting to preserve all we may lose will likely stay with me for a long time. I am still looking for answers, but following this 800-kilometer-long route has given me new motivation to continue on the track that I am already on. » and that’s it !
Thanks for this, your commitments and many wishes for a happy birthday today.
Thank you Aida 😊
I so agree with your comment, Aida!
Thank you, best to you.
You exude nothing but positivity Alexander, via your momentous journey, all the while no doubt keeping in mind your loving concerns and positive intentions for our planet. Your journey will replenish you, in mind and spirit, on the path forward.
Thank you, Mary. Yes, I did find a lot of inspiration during my journey, feom beautiful views to interesting discussions. Walking a Caninonhas often been described as transformative, but it takes some time before I can look back and see how it influenced me.
Thank you again for taking us with you. Beautifully written, a pleasure to read.
Happy birthday again, Alexander. Wishing you a beautiful year ahead.
Dank je wel Ricardo!!!
Felicidadas en tu dia, Alex!! Congrats on a journey well taken. This tale of two worlds has now merged at the Compostela and the world grows. The world grows each time you share your knowledge, and we realize we know very little without each other. The world grows every time you share your path with strangers; each time you face your fears & courage steps up.
We all benefit from your steps. Now rest knowing that The Camino will continue to impart its wisdom to the masses. It is a mystery to me why this Pilgrims Way is so enticing but sometimes just giving thanks for the mystery of it all brings everyone closer.
"Walk long enough and we all trade places." Thank you, Alex, for letting us trade places with you on your journey to The Source. Our world has grown because of you.
Thank you, Sharon. That’s so nice to read. My journey never ends and I’ll continue sharing it with all of you.
I am with you in this battle. Thank you for your commitment.
Thank you Rena 😊
I’m sure all of us are in this battle with you daily, playing whatever part we can. The dichotomy of the beauty we enjoy and the rapidly changing climate are so very sad, and yet we are grateful for the opportunity to share your visions and stories as you travel. Carry on, soldier! ( The way I think of you.)
This is exquisite; so very well done. Unable to say more at present but temporary I hope. Do enjoy your birthday wherever you land this day; the years grow short very quickly before we are ready to pass the torch to the children of our generations. Later my friend. Thank you for this. 🌊🕊️
Thanks Judy. I spent my birthday in beautiful Porto :-)
I corrected that! Your feet are faster than my brain! 😂
Reading that was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster and I have a feeling writing it must have been too. A very well written piece. This is one I'll bookmark and come back to. I so felt that when you said you just wanted to end your walk. And your writing reflected that determination to make it to Santiago de Compostela even if it meant walking 58 km. That smile in the end though. A huge WELL DONE, both for your achievement on the Camino and for writing this so beautifully.
I just noticed the title - I mean noticed it properly.
Love that you called it "A tale of two worlds". That would be a good book title ...
So that leaves only the book to be written ;-). I hope I’ll ever find the time.
I'd like a signed copy, please 😉.
Exquisite reflections.
“Fijne verjaardag. vriend! 🎒 🎂 🌻 🚶
Dank je wel Marian!
Thank you Lizzie, for all support. I’ll still have to write about Porto and more