My best friend and I walked the Camino almost 8 years ago. The part I loved the most was how simple life became, nothing to do but wake up and walk for most of the day. A great contrast to the messy busy day to day lives that we normally live and to this day we both say it was one of the happiest times of our lives.
Sometimes I think it's just the moving that counts. We seem so deeply migratory, following the seasons, the herds, the ripening, forever drawn towards new horizons. Then the city came and enclosed our souls leaving us with an un-sated yearning that's quelled only by putting one foot in front of the other and heading towards...who knows, who cares :)
One thing I've learned in reading all sorts of work is that the "what" of a story isn't as important as how you tell the story.
"I took a walk and picked up trash" isn't interesting.
" While ambling along a congested city street I found a pocket watch with hands that ticked backward." has a little bit more interest.
So while I'm sure you don't think that your walks were super special I think it's really more about filling out the atmosphere, making note of bits that stand out to you. And that doesn't need to fill a page to be great. I think of that crazy story:
For Sale: Baby Shoes Never Worn
Anyway that's a long way of me saying write what interests you, but remember that interest can be found all over.
Love this piece! My goal is to move to Spain in two years and open a bookshop, cafe, and inn for Camino pilgrims. First a walk on Camino Francés next year.
Wanderers don’t need a map. As you discovered Alia the endlessness opens up a liberating sense of wonder. You will hold all of this until you are old and then your imagination will lead you elsewhere. Thank you for sharing the road.
My best friend and I walked the Camino almost 8 years ago. The part I loved the most was how simple life became, nothing to do but wake up and walk for most of the day. A great contrast to the messy busy day to day lives that we normally live and to this day we both say it was one of the happiest times of our lives.
High on life 🙂 I'm glad you got to experience that Sonbol. The simplicity of day to day existence on a pilgrimage sure is medicinal.
Excellent musings Alia, thanks.
Sometimes I think it's just the moving that counts. We seem so deeply migratory, following the seasons, the herds, the ripening, forever drawn towards new horizons. Then the city came and enclosed our souls leaving us with an un-sated yearning that's quelled only by putting one foot in front of the other and heading towards...who knows, who cares :)
Thanks Jonathan. I think you're right, simple repetitive movement sure is magical.
One thing I've learned in reading all sorts of work is that the "what" of a story isn't as important as how you tell the story.
"I took a walk and picked up trash" isn't interesting.
" While ambling along a congested city street I found a pocket watch with hands that ticked backward." has a little bit more interest.
So while I'm sure you don't think that your walks were super special I think it's really more about filling out the atmosphere, making note of bits that stand out to you. And that doesn't need to fill a page to be great. I think of that crazy story:
For Sale: Baby Shoes Never Worn
Anyway that's a long way of me saying write what interests you, but remember that interest can be found all over.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Mike. Your are absolutely right. Perhaps it's that I don't have enough hands that tick backwards to keep an entire book interesting. 🙂
Love this piece! My goal is to move to Spain in two years and open a bookshop, cafe, and inn for Camino pilgrims. First a walk on Camino Francés next year.
Brilliant! What a dream, Rena. I hope you find everything and anything on your camino.
Love this, Alia! Eloquent and enticing. Skillfully wrought. Insightful. Thank you for your reflections on who we are and have always been as humans.
Very kind words. Thank you, Kate. I'm glad it resonates with you.
Wanderers don’t need a map. As you discovered Alia the endlessness opens up a liberating sense of wonder. You will hold all of this until you are old and then your imagination will lead you elsewhere. Thank you for sharing the road.
From one wanderer to another, you're right, we don't need maps because we're never lost, even when we don't know where we are 🙂