Day 28 – Blisters and changing vibes

So I am currently in a village called Triacastela.  Day 4 of rain.  We all are tired of rain but it is what it is.  I get to my room and take off my socks.  I’VE GOT ANOTHER BLISTER!!  I take a shower and then go to the pharmacy to buy some more blister bandages.  It’s on my little toe and I knew there was something brewing but it wasn’t painful like the blister that broke me a few weeks ago.

Tomorrow I am walking to Sarria.  This is a special city because the vibe of the Camino changes in this city.  There is a certificate a pilgrim can “earn” walking the Camino but you have to walk a minimum of 100km.  That minimum distance from Santiago is Sarria on the route I am walking.  So I’ve heard there are bus loads of people who get dropped off at Sarria and they might walk a short distance and then get back on the bus.  Thus the population on the Camino dramatically increases once you reach Sarria.

Remember the cool host, Jeff from a few days ago?  We asked him about Sarria and what we should expect.  His advice was awesome.  He told us to embrace the change on the Camino.  Go with the flow and don’t try to buck the system.  He said if you resist it or are annoyed by it, all you are going to do is ruin your Camino.  He said to expect young people with boom boxes playing music and people coming and going.  I am going to do just that.  I don’t want to ruin my Camino and as I think about it, it’s a lesson in expectations.  If I don’t have expectations of what I want to happen then I am more able to be flexible.

The advice I received 10 days ago works again:  “This might not be the Camino I planned but it’s the Camino I am having.”  I’m kind of looking forward to it.  I am in awe of being so close to Santiago.

Blisters: 1

Traumatized toe: still there

Only one more long walk day: 28km (17.5 miles) – in 4 days

Feelings:  mixed – I am both excited to be getting close to Santiago and sad.  I like being in this pilgrim bubble.

Buen Camino