“Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.” – Unknown
Let’s start with the highlight of the day!
So I’ve met some, not many, tiny kiddos on previous Caminos. In 2018 on the Camino Frances, I walked for a couple of days with a father and his two sons, 10 & 8 from France. They walked all 800 km (500 miles) that summer – and kept up with the herd. I know because I saw them in Santiago. It was the year that France won the World Cup and I will forever remember celebrating the win with them. Their dad let them stay up past their bedtime.
That year, I also met a nine-year-old boy from Spain. Santiago (Santi), (yes, he is named after the pilgrimage) was walking ten days a year for four years with his grandfather. I think I met them in year two of their journey. They were a cute duo. It’s a toss up, Gramps either looked like the old man from the movie Up or Warren Buffet. I’ll let you decide. I’m still connected to Santi on Instagram. He is 14 now and seems to have grown into a nice young man.
Today I met an even younger pilgrim. Please meet Lunis from Germany. He is FIVE (5!) years old and carries his own bag. It’s almost as big as he is. He is walking with his mother. Yay Moms! They started in Porto three days ago and plan on making it all the way to Santiago. They average about 10 km (6 miles) a day.
Lunis is the sweetest little guy. I met him in the lobby of our hostel. He looked at me, ran across the room, and gave me a big hug and kiss on the cheek…then he let me take his photo. He is a charmer.
…when it came to “bedtime,” Lunis came into all the dorm rooms to wish everyone (individually) a goodnight and a Bom Caminho. Everyone on the lower bunks got a hug…including me…and the top bunks got a wave. ❤️ Oh, he just melts my heart.
Kids are pretty amazing (and resilient) when we give them the freedom and encouragement to thrive.
There is also a flip side of the Camino. One of the albergues I stayed in a week or so ago, the one where I did the laundry in a bucket in the backyard, well in their house the pilgrims eat dinner with the family. There are two teenagers in the family, Manuel (15) and Marta (13). So almost every night (except during winter) these kids are exposed to a new pilgrim(s) from somewhere around the world. They said they love it because they are always learning something new. The family has several guestbooks filled with notes from people from all over the globe and messages written in a ton of different languages. What an incredible gift their parents are giving them. The world is literally coming to their dinner table. 🌎
The memories these families are making together on the Camino are priceless. ❤️🥾
…
Okay, back to regular programming.
Today’s walk was the most gorgeous of all the days so far on the Camino. There are three routes out of Porto. The traditional/original (orange dots), the coastal (blue dots), and the Senda Litoral (green dots) routes. I chose the green so I could walk on the boardwalk all day. A relief for my feet. The coastal route will meet with the Senda Litoral and overlap later on but for now, they are separate.
The entire walk was stunning. In fact, it was so mesmerizing I didn’t even realize how much or for how long I was walking. The breeze felt great and the views were captivating. It made for an easy walk.
I could show you photos of this walk all day long but I think the system would crash.
I made it to Vila do Conde for the night. I arrived by 12:30 pm and the hostel didn’t open until 3 pm so I grabbed a salad and then waited with the other pilgrims for the Albergue to open. It’s first come, first serve so we all waited outside for a bed. There were plenty so no need to stress but after a long walk, the first thing I want to do is check in, shower, and rest.
I’ve met some really fun people since Porto. The path is definitely busier now which is great but I’m still walking alone and sticking to my plan. I was listening to an old interview with Sharon Stone on Oprah’s Masterclass podcast series, and she said something that resonated with me. She said (paraphrasing), “I really enjoy my own company. When I would go to black tie things by myself, people would look at me like I had three heads. I’d show up in a ballgown and no date and they’d be like, what is she doing? Why do I have to drag up someone to bring. If I have a date, it’s because I actually WANT to be with them because they are special to me. I want to wait until someone special comes along. I don’t want to be with just anyone…just because. I think it takes more self awareness to be good with yourself.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, Sharon.
The woman in the forefront of this photo (above) is Delores from Milano, Italy. She is a hoot and is practicing Italian with me. The other three women are German. There are loads of Germans, Italians, and Danish people on this hike. I’ve also met several Australians and a nice woman from London, but sadly only two Americans. Let’s go USA, where are my people? I need you to help me represent!
All in all, today was a really great day. The ocean and boardwalk were a nice treat after so much road walking in the first half.
Goodnight and much love from Portugal! 🇵🇹
Scenes from Day 23
Octopus cages
Surf school is in session! 🏄♀️
