Finally my blog is working. Thanks Robbie for trying to help.
I have been dying to write and let you know that I am fine and still walking....There is so much to tell and I have been writing in my diary instead so I don´t forget anything. It is still very hot here but much cooler in the mornings when I set out. It is also darker and I usually walk an hour or so in darkness or little light. Yesterday I left Castrojirez early and climbed to the top of a steep hill just in time to see the sun rise. It was incredible! I am now in Carrion and in the middle of the Meseta, what some people say is the most boring part of the Camino. I find that it is necessary in the experience as it is a time for thought and reflection instead of the beauty around me. When I walk, I am constantly aware of my body and how it feels. I have never been so aware of every little thing that gives me discomfort or pain. My blisters are finally healing after two days´rest in Burgos and I am now walking again and hoping they don´t flare up again. My body is strong and fit and I feel healthy otherwise.
I do not think of home. I am in the moment always. In the early part of this journey, I was constantly looking ahead to see what was around the next corner. Would it be another hill? Would there be shade? Or would it be down a rocky path...? I realize this is much like how I live my life, constantly wondering what comes next and what plans I must make. I do not look ahead now, I walk because I am here and there are gifts every day...even in the Meseta.
I have met so many people and hear so many different languages every day. Some people have gone on past me and some are behind but I am always so surprised and delighted to see someone I have shared something with along the way, whether it was an hour of walking, a room in an albergue, or a meal later in the day. I found my first friend Anna in Burgos (the woman who walked over the Pyrenees with me). We lost each other for quite a long time and then there she was! I was delighted to see her again and exchange emails. She is home in Paris now. Other friends will finish in Leon and others will go on to Santiago. I wonder who I will see wen I get there.....
My days consist of getting up early and re-packing my belongings into my pack, making sure I have enough water and that I have not left anything important behind. I have exactly what I need right now - no more, no less. I walk until 1 or 2pm, following the book as closely as I can, and then look for a place to stay when I arrive, hot, sweaty, dusty, stinky and tired, ready to rest my weary legs and feet. It is especially joyful when I take my boots off! I take a shower, unpack my bag, wash my clothes and then lie down for an hour or so. Afterwards I go and look for a place to eat and meet friends and share the stories of the day. In bed by 10pm, and in the words of Dylan Thomas "say a few words to the close and holy darkness¨, and then I sleep.
It is impossible to adequately describe this experience. It is full of pain at times, and joy at other times. When I meet people for the first time, there are three questions I ask: Where are you from? What is your Camino? and, How are your feet?! We are all the same, walking the road together, each with a different purpose, but sharing the same experience. There were times in the beginning that I did not think I could do this, but now I know I can. I am committed. I am happy walking alone or with people and I gratefully accept whatever the Camino brings to me. I am open to the gifts, the pain, the joy and the beauty of it all. For me, perhaps this journey is a journey of grace and thankfulness.
I will write again soon,
with much love to all
Jena
