I can´t believe that its over!!!

That was an experience of a lifetime. It feels so good to be sitting in Madrid relaxing. But i do miss the walking and how friendly people were. It was a great experience. I really hope to do it again! I also wish there was a way of explaining everything to you guys besides saying we walked and walked and walked and walked. Ill try again soon, i have a city to go explore!

It feels like the night before Christmas!

I really cannot believe that I am one day away from Santiago. We've been walking for so long. We've climbed over mountains, through enchanted forests (where "witches" lived back in the day), over the vast Mesetas, through endless acres of grain and grapes and corn, across the desert, through forests and countless villages. We've slept in countless bunks, heard countless snorers, met vast amounts of people from different cultures and areas of the world. Its amazing how friendly everyone has been. But nothing beats home and i cant wait to continue my journey amongst my peers and especially my dearest Robin. Santiago may be the end of my walk through Spaim, but my camino continues till the day I die. Tomorrow I become a true peregrino. 

Finally a rest day

Im am so very glad to be out if the desert. A couple days ago we climbed a mountain to the highest altitude of the camino. Before the top we stopped for the night in one of the best albergues so far! Even though we slept on mats in a room next to the barn, we had one of the most traditional pilgrim experiences. Mostly it was the dinner that made it. There was a pan of paella 3ft in diameter! I ate till i went i to a food coma practically. Then there were animals everywhere and the greatest views. 

Then the next day we reached the Iron Cross. This was where we left the rocks that we have carried with us the whole journey so far. Then the climb down was steep and hard on our legs but one of the prettiest landscapes yet! We made it into Ponferrada where I later befriended a group of 5 Italians we roomed with the night before. I got invited to share some pasta carbonara and it was the greatest pasta I've had. All i had to provide was 1 liter of wine for .8£! Thats 1/10th of the price of any other dinner. Then I stayed and chatted about politics and headed off to bed. Today the walk was nice and easy and we even got a taste of home, a nice drizzle. Everyone around us rushed to put in ponchos and backpack covers and before they got .5 a kilometer it stopped. Dave and I just walked like it was nothing, because it literally was nothing. Now we are in Villafranco del Bierzo and plan on taking a rest day tomorrow. It will be very nice! I will try and update my blog more at the end. I hope people read this, maybe ill read it a year down the road. If youre reading this Robin (youre probably one of the few) i love you to death and miss you even more. I will return to you soon! And to everyone else I hope youre having agreat  summer, and maybe someday you can find the Way yourself. ¡Adios amigos!

Just like home!

We decided to get some comfort food at McDonalds. Its just like home! Just smaller proportions for more money. 

No wifi?

What is this, the stone age? Haha i must be too spoiled because two days without wifi seemed to bother me more then it should. Probably because i couldn't talk to my Robin. But im back! And feeling much better then i did the last time i posted. I still feel like my immune system has yet to catch up, but im feeling much healthier and less weary. Its a good feeling to be alive and well and this trip really teaches you that. Everyday i get to wake up before the first rooster crows and hike 20 or so kilometers before the midday sun is beating down on us. Then of course it leaves plenty of time to nap, eat, play games, eat more, and just relax and enjoy the calmness of small villages. I like them much better then busy cities like Burgos. Everyone is very nice and they are full of interesting architecture, like monasteries that have been around for almost a whole millennia. I attened my first mass in the small town of St. Juan de Ortega, where his tomb actually lies for all to see. Too bad i dont speak spanish so i wasnt able to learn anything, but i felt like a true pilgrim. Also i have indulged in fine delicacies like some yummy blood sausage( you dont wanna know) and the breakfast of champions, a chocolate filled croissant and a steaming glass of cafe con leche, my new favorite. 

Well time to return to relaxing, ill make sure to check soon! ¡Adios amigos!

100+ Miles

There hasnt been much to tell you guys, just lots of walking. Yesterday and the day before were long hot stretches, which made the 13 miles today seem like nothing. Im currently in a big hostel, and its quite impossible to take a nap. Also im very stuffy. But besides that im doing well. We walk through lots of vineyards and farmland, which is nice and peaceful.  If i didnt have to get up at 4:30am then maybe i could do more then nap. But it helps to leave early and beat the sun. I cannot wait to get home to my bed and actually sleep in. 

Day 4 and 5

I think im melting. 95 degrees is nice untill you have to walk 13 miles in it. But the landscape is still very beautiful, too bad there wasnt an ounce of shade. Yesterday was really nice because there was clouds and a nice windy hill to climb. Then at the end we stayed at the nicest hostel. It was practically a resort, a pool and everything. Then today we ended up having to walk through the city to a municipal hostel which is practically a low end YMCA. At least there are showers and wifi, which are commodities that i was expecting to have to make without on occasions. We plan on ordering pizza for dinner so thatll be nice and homely. Tomorrow is going to be another hot day, only about 13 miles so if we leave early enough i can make it before the sun is at its central position. Lauren has a stiff knee so most of the group lags behind which is okay, i need to work on taking my time anyways. Well ta ta for now, ill fill you in as i go. We have a rest day planned for sunday and i absolutely cannot wait. The one thing i miss the most is Robin, i wish she could be here with me, then id be im a much better mood. Plus my allergies make everything ten times worse, there are fields and fields of allergens on the route. But i can suffer through, its all part of the experience. And apparently so is wifi.  

¡Dias 1,2 y 3!

I know i've been gone for awhile, but thats because ive been busy!! Walking is loads of fun. The first day was A LOT of work climbing over the Pyrenees but i was the first one to make it to España! Then the days after that were much nicer, and we have stayed in such lovely Albergues (hostels for pilgrims). Im so very lucky to be here in Pamplona. It is such a beautiful city. Speaking of beautiful, I miss my Robin:( but besides that I am going strong, and my feet are begining to get use to the constant walking. One thing that i have learned so far is to appreciate the present moment. Too often do I either get worried about the future or stuck in the past, that i forget to take in what is happening at that moment. Now i can slow down and just enjoy myself and my surroundings for what they are and not have to worry about what is happening next. The Camino is a wonderful thing and I hope that you have the chance to at least take your own trip so the you can find yourself. I still have much to be gained from my pilgrimage and i will keep you informed of my learnings/changed perspectives. I hope everyone back in the States are safe and having a good time and I can't wait to see you all and tell you about my adventure across Spain. ¡Adios!

Paris:3

It feels so good to have finally made it. Now i must sleep for the first time in awhile. Roadtrip across France tomorrow, wooohooo! Paris was lots of fun despite the all around grumpiness. We saw Notre Dame, went to a greatmuseum  and then topped it off with a  nap under the Eiffel tower. Who knows when ill have internet again, but ill make sure to fill you in!

Halfway there!

Touched down in philly seconds ago. Now we just gotta kill a couple of hours and the off to Paris:)) 

Here we go again!

We're off! This time were taking public transport to the airport so some travel time has been added. But as long as we manage to make it off the ground ill be happy! Besides, i got to make my pack a couple ounces lighter 

Delays.

Well guys it looks like the trips postponed till Friday. US Airlines can crawl in a hole and die. 

Only source of entertainment

Delayed

Well here we are, sitting at Sea-Tac waiting for either our plane to be fixed or a new one to board. Who knows whatll happen when we get the Philly, hopefully this just means no layover. I was so excited to finally get going:( 

Here we go!

I'm all packed and I've said my goodbyes to my love, the wonderful Robin Dragovich, and now I am waiting the last 3 hours until we head for the Airport. First stop, Philadelphia!