MeAndering the Camino

My habit has become to wake up and get ready for the day and before I leave the wifi connection of the albergue, have a quick look at social media, send birthday/anniversary wishes, and see what others are up to. With a 6 hour minimum time difference, as I prepare to leave, my East Coast friends are heading to bed or already asleep. Many posts have become tradition now on the night of September 10, remembering that 22 years ago, over 3000 people in the USA were preparing for bed for the last time. The events of September 11, 2001 are a tragic memory for many of us and a chapter in the history books for those under a certain age who will only know of it from their parents, friends and relatives who spent a week or more “in shock” that those events happened. We can never forget becoming more than a phrase as we recall and relive those days when our lives changed forever.

While we must never forget 9/11/21, 22 years of new events, happy and sad have occurred. For me and my family, September 11, 2022 became a celebration day as my mother, started a new chapter in her life, at almost 80 years old, and married John. Both of them having spent a number of years having lost their respect spouses, knew each other from our church. To see the new life and spirit in my mother is beyond reason to celebrate.

A wrong turn this morning, in the darkness of 7:15, led me on the “alrernate” path for today’s journey. What I worried would be 6 extra kilometers, turned out to be a great surprise when I entered the village of Samos and saw the dominant structure, the Samos Monastery! When I walked to the main door, I saw there was a tour at 10:00 and since it was 9:45, walked down the block and had a quick coffee. The tour was all in Spanish and the only part I got was there was a fire in 1951 that destroyed the third floor. Still it was a beautiful place and I am happy for the experience.

Was thrilled to enter Sarria this evening. I believe I mentioned previously but in order to receive the “Campostela” for walking, one must complete a minimum of 100km, which is from Sarria to Santiago on the route I am doing. In short order this means Sarria is a busy place and the quiet, solitude I have enjoyed most mY be ending. Already, I have found it more challenging to find accommodation in standard stages for the next coupe days. I am sure the rest if this week will have its ups and downs but all will disappear when I see the first views of the Cathedral in Santiago!