Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye is so hard, yet I find here in Spain, I seem to do it almost on a daily basis. On the camino we make deep friendships as we are all undergoing the same experience and often need help from each other. We band together, we share, we understand.

Often people only do sections or walk for a few days or weeks. I always feel I’m saying goodbye to people, and I never get used to it. It gets harder every time!

This morning I hugged Fermin goodbye…a heartfelt and long squeeze, with tears in my eyes again. What a beautiful human being he is. And then Susi drove me to Villafranca Del Bierzo to the bus stop. Another tight squeeze that lingered, and more tears as I waved goodbye from the bus. How I miss these people.

Yesterday was the hardest. I had to say goodbye to Gonzalo and his beautiful wife Laura, who without question, share their home, their families and everything they have with me. Gonzalo and I go way back and I just adore him. We’ve had so many adventures together, and it is always hard to let go even though we are in constant contact.

Then there is Patti, Shanta and Jackie. What a hoot they are and what fun we’ve had together. My time in Santiago would be severely lacking without them. Oh and also Johnniewalker- always fun to see him too, but he left not long after I got to Santiago, to go south for the winter. I had to laugh when I was sitting in the church where he plays the organ, and I realised he was playing the national anthem of Australia! !!! 🤣😂 funny thing is though that I’m the only one that noticed.

I walked the streets, shining and wet, in the golden glow of the street lights the other night, reflecting on how lucky I have been. I like who I am when I’m in Spain. There are no responsibilities, there is no routine, life is so slow and relaxed. The Spanish people have it right. They get up late, work only to earn money to live off and are not materialistic. A big lunch and siesta makes sense. They go back to work for a few hours and In the evening, they socialise, always including the children. It is normal to see children kicking a soccer ball around at 9.30 at night, and normal to see all generations mingling in the square. Family is everything.

So as I sit here thoughtfully on the bus, passing so many Camino arrows and signs, I reflect on my adventures full of fond memories and fabulously interesting people from all over the world. I am SO grateful for the camino and its community. It gave me life again and a chance to breathe, but most of all a sense of belonging.

I look forward now to going home and seeing my family, so Goodbye once again Spain. I love you.💜

M