Day 27- Simple Man

Be a simple kind of man. Be something you love and understand. All that you need is in your soul. Pretty powerful words from an unlikely source. I tried to keep things simple. When I was younger, I had a single simple purpose - to take care of, and provide for my family- that was my lot in life. I embraced it and worked so hard to provide for them. I did so because they were and are of primary importance. Sometimes providing for them meant I could not be with them as I worked day and night, weekends and holidays to make us financially secure. What does this have to do with the Camino? This journey is helping me help(provide for) others, not just my family. Most Pilgrims are more than willing to help other Pilgrims, even on small matters and oftentimes upon meeting for the first time. This generosity of spirit warms the soul and is something I will try to bring back with me and apply it in contexts big and small. Caring for others helps me feel good about myself. Not a bad thing.

I walked with no pilgrims today but I did not walk alone.

Dinner last night in the Albergue. Generosity of spirit is a common bond among most pilgrims.

Last night’s lodging, private room but common bathroom. It’s actually someone’s home. They just moved out to make room for us. I think an old lady lives there. When I tried to hang my clothes is the closet I found it full of old lady clothes. She left her curlers and toothbrush in the bathroom.

Looming rain clouds again. I wore 3 layers and rain gear for 18 of the 21 miles today.

Typical street in the tiny towns we pass through

Santiago del Burgo- a 12th century church in which I was able to pray inside