From El Camino - Nunsense

[AccountDeleted]

I think this might be one of my last posts on this thread as the Camino pilgrimage is now over. I noticed that there is another thread on the Camino that has my name on it and has two pages of posts - I didn't start it and don't know what it's about so I'm posting here.

 

I left Burgos at 4am on Monday 15th July by bus to Madrid airport and got there close to 7am. I spent some time trying to figure out which terminal I needed and once that was sorted out, I had breakfast and then checked in to Lufthansa for the flight to Frankfurt (strange routing, but at least it wasn't via Istanbul which was the first way that United wanted to send me to San Francisco!)

 

Lufthansa was great - so efficient and friendly these Germans! It was a good flight and only took a couple of hours. Then I had to wait in Frankfurt for the United flight to SFO, but first we had to check in again and go through more security questions - maybe they don't trust the security from Madrid airport? Anyway, it was finally all done and we boarded - and I was squashed into one of those really tiny economy seats, but the couple who sat next to me were very nice and didn't seem to mind when I had to get up and stretch my legs from time to time. All the walking on the Camino made my body rebel against the enforced stillness for all those hours and my legs started getting all twitchy and crampy. So I walked around a bit and that helped a little.

 

I got into SFO around 8pm local time on Monday night (and by this time I had been awake for more than 24 hours) - but Passport Control was quick and easy and Customs didn't even check anything - just waved me through. My brother and sister-in-law met me and it was so good to see them again - the last time was just over a year ago when I left Our Lady of the Rock monastery and headed off to England the first time.

 

So after a day or two of rest, I got to work on the laptop again and managed to locate a place to live when I get back to Melbourne, and the landlords are going to pick me up at the airport as well! I think God has been listening to some of my very practical and worldly prayers this time - lol :) Now the only thing left to do is to find a part-time job of some kind to pay the rent for this new place on an ongoing basis!

 

Today I have to go buy a couple of winter items for my wardrobe as all  have left in the world are two pairs of slacks and two blouses ... both summer weight. Maybe a long sleeved top or two and perhaps even a winter jacket? It's weird not to have any clothes but finally after all these years of travelling, I am doing it LIGHT! :) I hate lugging around suitcases at airports but now all I have is the backpack and a small carry on handbag. Sweet. Owning nothing is scary but it also feels very free-ing in a way.

 

So, I might write one more post in this thread when I get back to Oz, but then I think the Camino thing needs to go into the memories box. Such a lovely experience but it was basically a foundation for the rest of my pilgrimage through this life.

 

You have all been wonderfully supportive. Thanks everyone.

[maximillion]

Thinking of and praying for you at this time nunsense.......

[AnneLine]

Nunsense.... I am glad you had a good trip back to the States, and continuing to pray that you continue to harvest the graces of the Camino for a long, long time.

 

I do have a question for you -- and perhaps for some of those who have been following this thread over the time you were walking.  

 

I am wondering if there is any interest in my continuing the virtual pilgrimage part of it on a DIFFERENT thread (with perhaps a link to this one for those who didn't start with you) so that those who felt they were traveling the Way themselves will be able to finish the journey?  I'm feeling drawn to do it... but don't want to do it if it would in any way be difficult for you.  But it might be a good way to transition this thread into the future... and perhaps let you follow along if you have any interest.

 

Do you have a strong feeling about this?

 

And does anyone else think this would be useful/helpful/interesting to them?  St. James' feast day is next week (July 25) so it might be nice to start a day or so before that if there is interest.

 

Holding you all in prayer!

[AccountDeleted]

AL - I think this question is for others to answer. I have done my Camino for now but others may have an interest in following a virtual one with you, so I will let them all answer for themselves.

 

:)

[AnneLine]

That's fine... I just want to ask to be sure you are OK with this, that it wouldn't be painful for you if it was in a different thread. 

 

Trying to be respectful.

 

So... now the question is, does anyone else have any interest?  I'm happy to do it... but don't want to just take up Phatspace...

[AnneLine]

Sorry... double post....

Edited July 19, 2013 by AnneLine

[Eowyn]

That's fine... I just want to ask to be sure you are OK with this, that it wouldn't be painful for you if it was in a different thread. 

 

Trying to be respectful.

 

So... now the question is, does anyone else have any interest?  I'm happy to do it... but don't want to just take up Phatspace...

 

I'd be interested.  I hadn't heard of the El Camino before this thread and it is fascinating.  I don't think I'll ever be able to do the real pilgrimage, so would love to finish out the virtual one.