Surgeon or Seamstress: Day 3, Portuguese Camino

“One of the best lessons you can learn in life is to master how to remain calm.” – Internet Meme

It’s Mother’s Day here in Portugal from what I’ve been told. In the little town I’m staying in tonight, they had a tiny (due to population) procession down Main Street to celebrate. My room overlooks the street so I got to see it. ❤️They had a Catholic Mass afterward at the bullfighting arena and celebrated all the mothers according to the owner of the hostel.

Not going to lie, this Camino has been extremely challenging both physically and mentally. I woke up feeling defeated and it’s only day three.

So before I share the downer news, check out this video I made about hiking sticks. Where to buy them and what I’ve discovered through my own experience using them.

So this Camino is kicking my rear end from here to the moon. Every Camino has its challenges but this one feels different and here’s why.

There are not many pilgrims hiking between Lisbon and Porto. I love meeting other pilgrims so I’m missing the connections. I’m looking forward to getting to Porto for this and several other reasons.
Many places, including hostels, restaurants and cafés have permanently closed since Covid. Which makes the distances between “stuff” excruciating long. Today I walked 21 km (13 miles) and not one café or restaurant was open to grab a drink and sit down. I sat on a sidewalk to take a break and perform surgery on my blisters.
Due to the fact that so many places are closed, finding a bed has been annoying and expensive. Typically a bed cost 10€-15€ in the Albergue’s (pilgrim hostels/accommodations) but I’ve been paying 40€-60€ because there is no room at the inn due to the Celebration of Fatima on May 12th/13th, which is not part of the Camino but is in the area I am currently walking through. Many people from around the globe come here to make a pilgrimage for a couple of weeks and they’ve snatched up all the beds months in advance.
Blister. I’ve had blisters before but not on the ball of my foot. Every step feels like thousands of tiny needles stabbing me. And as of right now, I’ve walked 32,510 steps. Ouch! On a positive note, the owner of my hostel had rubbing alcohol, and a needle and thread so I was able to perform a real surgery on my foot and it’s already feeling a little better. Hopefully, by tomorrow morning, I’ll be in much better shape.

I mean, look at this sewing job. I’m either a surgeon or a seamstress…not sure which but I’m so proud of myself for being able to work on my own wounds. Anyone who knows me well knows how squeamish I am about this stuff. But I did it! Learned a new skill. 💪

I’ve also been using this healing salve that my friend, Megan makes (Next to Nature Farm ) and it’s been helpful. It’s antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and all-natural.

I always say the Camino gives you what you need, not what you want. I’m learning some difficult but valuable lessons. And I’m sure, reading this from your comfy couch or office chair, it might seem like trivial stuff…because it kind of is. I signed up for this gig, nobody to blame but myself. But I will say it presents some challenges that I know I can overcome, I just need a shift in my mindset…which I’m working on.

I think sometimes in life, we only see one way through when there are many options. I could easily hop a bus to Porto and be in an entirely different Camino environment tomorrow. Easy peasy. I could stay in a town for a few days until the Fatima crowds move on. I could quit the Camino all together (don’t worry, I’m not doing that) and go on traveling elsewhere. I’m not tied to anything. I have my freedom.

These are the things I need to remember. There is no need for panic or getting down in the dumps, just logical thinking. As the old saying goes, “this too shall pass.”

PSA: This isn’t a post for anyone to worry or feel sorry for me, this is just life on the Camino and I’m trying to show it as honestly and authentically as I can. Some days are better than others…just like life in general. I’ll bounce back, not to worry.

But for now….

I’m sunburnt, sore, and beyond tired so I think I’m going to cut this one a little short, share some photos, and start again tomorrow.

The highlight of the day: it’s a toss-up. Getting the needle and thread is tremendously helpful but Roberto, Mr. Italiano went to the market and made Spaghetti al Pomodoro (spaghetti and tomatoes) for me for dinner so I could rest my foot and write. I didn’t even ask for him to do that. Especially, after we didn’t walk much together today but ended up at the same hostel. It was very kind of him. Pilgrims are special people.

Goodnight and much love from Portugal! 🇵🇹

Scenes from Day 3