Even if you are just walking the Camino to enjoy the hike,
you get called a pilgrim. In this way, everyone, no matter how ignoble or
utilitarian their motivation, is transformed by the Camino experience.
As you
walk along, the regular greeting Buen
Camino is exchanged at least 10 times a day, often to the same people as you pass each other and then get passed. Although people walk at different
speeds, you get to see some of the same faces each day. Some you get to know
over a beer and some you just recognize from their silhouette or their attire.
Seeing pilgrims up ahead is good thing. It’s a reminder that you are not lost and that you are never alone in case a helping hand or a supportive word is needed. You also get to recognize a lot of backs and a lot of backpacks. And a lot of limps.
Seeing people sitting at the side of the trail gazing at their bare
feet brings enquiries of health (Que Tal) and offers of help. Everyone is
desperate to reduce the weight of their bag by using up medical supplies, not
on ourselves but on others. We all are potential Florence Nightingales
dispensing relief to those suffering from blisters, pain, thirst, sunburn and exhaustion.
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