El Camino, pt. II

Day two of the Camino.

I left my albergue around 8:00 a.m. and walked to Melide, which (according to Google Maps) was about 25 kilometers. I started out by myself before a very kind German man named Markus joined me. He told me about how he's been walking the Camino in segments for a few years now, and that he began after his wife of twenty-five years told him that she wanted to leave him to move to New York. He said that he was unsure how to repair his relationship with god, as he understood god, because he felt as though he was committing a huge act of betrayal by breaking the vows he'd made with his wife. He told me that his wife had been the only woman he'd ever courted and that he had no idea how to go forward, until he met his current girlfriend, who also lives in his town. Markus also told me that he was unsure whether he would still be received in his Catholic church after his divorce was finalized, but that the priest had told him he would do everything he could to keep him in the community.

He also told me a lot of other stuff about his work and his family, but I was most compelled by his openness, especially with regards to religion. After speaking with him, I couldn't help but feel a little upset; he told me about everything he does for his church, and how strongly he believes in god and the church, but simply because his partner wants a new life he may no longer be welcome there. That seemed very unfair to me, but when I asked him how he felt about having to possibly leave, he simply said that it was a matter of optimistic perspective, that he would find a new Protestant church and put his heart into it in the same way he had before. And he appeared entirely content with the whole thing.

Speaking to Markus helped me consider the importance of individual beliefs. I did the Camino for a lot of reasons, some of them spiritual, but meeting people like Markus and having very authentic and meaningful conversations was by far one of the most divine experiences of the whole thing. I definitely feel more confident in my beliefs now than I did before; I don't think they've changed much. I believe to the core of my being that people are inherently good and that the world is an incredible place full of opportunities and chances. If one is fortunate enough to be able to see that and chase that, free of unwanted commitments but surrounded by people she loves, I think that life can be a very beautiful thing indeed.

So that was the day. I could write forever, but I'll spare you by summarizing that I met lots of very open people and ended the day eating pulpo (octopus) in Melide. It was pretty chewy, but recommended.

Palas de Rei

The cows of the Camino

Melide