26 September 2026
One year ago today, I completed the Camino de Santiago. My lock screen on my phone for the past year has been the picture of me in front of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. I quite often reflect on the amazing experience of the whole adventure. Since I have been back, when asked about my hike, I am still so very excited and proud to talk about my trip and how I had a 6 week vacation for my brain during which all I had to worry about was challenging myself. My coworkers followed my blog and moved a popsicle stick with a picture of my head on it along the map as I updated my location across Spain. They still tease about how much I have talked about my trip and even my Secret Santa from work got me a cheeky t-shirt to poke fun. I still am wearing a (now very worn) bracelet that was tied on my wrist on the second-to-last day of walking when I stopped for a sello (stamp). I have decided that I will not remove it; it will break and fall off when it is ready to go and I will remember it with love.
The days following my arrival to Santiago were a whirlwind. Travel to Fisterra (Finesterra) to see the Atlantic; where the land ends. Then our little group split up and my father and I went to Madrid. We lived in Madrid when I was 4 years old so we had a good time going down memory lane enjoying the markets and our old neighborhood before we headed back to the U.S.
When I returned, I felt I was the healthiest I may have ever been and wanted to continue to be this way. In Spain, I had been getting tons of fresh air, sunshine, exercise, and hydration. I lost weight on the hike, (although I do wish my boobs had gotten smaller…) and I was generally firmer and felt strong. I had been eating an amazing Mediterranean diet, with fresh ingredients every day. After returning, I felt very inhibited by several factors. One; easy, tempting, quick foods that are filled with sugar and other ingredients I cannot pronounce but can be stuffed into my hungry face after a long day at work. Two; gainful employment unfortunately does not allow for half of the day to be spent walking in the woods, at least at my job. Three; the area where I live is not as walking-friendly as Europe and there is a lot of construction.
Things I miss from Spain that are more difficult to get in the U.S:
1. Bread- fresh, good, crusty bread whenever I want
2. Fanta Limon – can’t get the lemon flavor in the U.S. ☹
3. Inexpensive, abundant, and delicious Spanish wine.
I am, of course, dreaming of when I can go back and do it again… Either the same route (Frances) again or a different route. My cousin has said she is interested and I plan to nag her about it so we can go together…. When/if I go again, assuming it would be the same time of year, I will probably bring an actual lightweight sleeping bag instead of the liner that I used because there were several cold nights and not all albergues have blankets for pilgrims. I would bring a tiny magnifying mirror and my tweezers so I didn’t have to return to the U.S with multiple errant eyebrow and chin hairs. I would bring smaller toiletries and just buy new ones along the way if I ran out. I would bring a USB-C to reg USB plug adaptor because many albergues had USB plugs for charging phones overnight, but not USB-C size. I would plan for more rest days so I could visit more of the interesting locales. I would eat drink and be merry. I would take more time and enjoy every second of it all over again.
I still try to walk at least twice a week and try (!) to make smart choices about what I eat. I have continued to use ear plugs for sleeping (just like in the albergues) at times when my busy and noisy family has a different sleeping schedule than I. My loving husband got me a walking pad/treadmill so that I can get more miles even if the weather is lousy. My oldest child made the move out of the house to their own place. My youngest is now a senior in High School and I am anticipating several incidents of Mom-tears throughout the year. We got a new puppy 2 years after our old one passed away- a new walking partner! I got my first tattoo at age 50 in honor of my Camino journey. I joined a community choir, realizing how much I missed regularly having music in my life. I hope all the interesting friends I made along the Way are doing well in their post-Camino time. Life is happening people. And now, compared to before my Camino, my own needs and wants have been moving up higher on my priority list.
Hasta el proximo, gentle readers.
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