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Day 13 of walking: Palas de Rei to Boente, 20.5 km

Rand and I both had unexpected opportunities and challenges come up with our jobs today. Initially we weren’t excited that these came up during our Camino. We were hoping to spend our 3 weeks without thinking too much about home and work (other than the 5 deadlines I have while we are here!). But after walking a bit, and having nothing to distract us from exploring how we thought and felt about these issues, it became the perfect space to talk these through.

It makes me think that this would serve us well, once we return home, to make space for conversation. Real space. Without all the distractions of the world. To talk through our thoughts and feelings when challenges and opportunities arise.

“Home” was also very present in the people we met today. 

An obviously pregnant woman walked by us mid-morning and Rand said, “Rock star.” 

“It’s not that hard,” she replied in English. 

“With an attitude like that, you must be American,” Rand said. 

“California, San Francisco,” she said with a laugh. We told her we were practically neighbors. She currently lives in Madrid and has walked the first 10 stages of the Camino (there are 33), but realized that she needed to jump ahead a bit if she was going to reach Santiago before the little one was born. “Maybe someday he’ll walk the Camino,” she said, “and he’ll be able to say he already walked it once with his mom.”

Later, at our Albergue for the evening, we met a couple from Napa who live outside Yosemite National Park, where he works as a biologist. They walk because she "just really loves Spain."

And as much as we are enjoying the gorgeous scenery here, it’s making us even more appreciative that we have so many of the same views at home. On our hikes, walks, drives, and even at the park across the street. From vineyards to mountains to rivers to varieties of trees and flowers and fruits and vegetables. And always plenty of people out enjoying the beauty. 

“I’m not going to be as sad to go home this time,” I told Rand. I think the shorter amount of time we have spent here is a real factor. And the lack of deep connections with others. But namely I am less sad because this time we get to go home together.