We're headed back - not all of us and not for the whole 500 miles, but Mary and I head back to Spain on Tuesday. We'll fly in to Madrid and then find our way up to Leon. I will then hike for two weeks, about 200 miles, and end up in Santiago. In the meantime, Mary will volunteer at one of the albuerges (like hostels) for two weeks. We'll meet up in Santiago and then we'll both volunteer in the office where folks get their credentials upon completing their journey.
I'm excited to be heading back, excited to know that I'll be walking out in nature for two whole weeks again, and excited to explore more of Santiago and perhaps have a chance to taste more of real Spanish food. The food they serve pilgrims is not the best - starchy, doughy, fried. But because we'll be in Santiago for two weeks, and we'll be working shifts in the office, we can perhaps get to some real Spanish restaurants and eat what the locals eat. When you stay in albuerges and hostels, you have to be inside by 10 pm, and that's really just when the Spanish dining hour and night life is beginning.
I'll ask for your prayers for our safe journeys. The only thing that puts a bit of a damper on things for me is that last year, an American woman was abducted from the Camino and later found murdered. I will need to be more vigilant and intentional about not walking by myself or out of site of other pilgrims. It's something that could happen anywhere, but it does give me some pause for thought. I've got a whistle and borrowed a small air horn from Mary, if TSA will allow me to take it through - and I'm not afraid to use either one!!
I've gone through the checklists and I think I've got everything. Now I just need to pack it all up. Stay tuned for more.
Joan
