Archive for category: Camino

The Four Caminos de Santiago are more than just a pilgrimage it is an experience that evolves with every step and every stage of life. On a recent episode of The Way to Your Why podcast, we spoke with Francisco, a doctor from Seville, Spain, who has completed four Caminos and shared his transformative journey from adolescence to adulthood through the Camino de Santiago.

Four Caminos, Four Perspectives

Francisco first walked the Camino Francés from Ponferrada at just 15 years old as part of an organized group with his local church. It was a joyful experience, filled with youthful energy and a sense of adventure. He later returned to the French Way at 36, walking from Sarria with a completely different mindset, seeing the Camino through the eyes of an adult seeking reflection and personal growth.

His journey continued with the Portuguese Central Way from Tui, and his favorite, the Primitive Way from Oviedo known for its solitude, rugged landscapes, and deep historical roots.

From Youthful Adventure to Spiritual Reflection in four Caminos

Walking the Camino as a teenager was a liberating experience for his first time away from home, disconnected from technology, and surrounded by peers. Francisco recalls using public phone cabins to call home, a stark contrast to today’s mobile-connected world.

“Back then, there were no GPS apps, no instant messages. You just followed the yellow arrows and trusted the path,” he said. “It was a more immersive experience, living in the moment without distractions.”

Years later, his adult Caminos were marked by a deeper connection to history, faith, and self-reflection. While youthful Caminos were about fun and camaraderie, his later journeys became a spiritual retreat, a chance to reset after years of intense medical training and treating COVID-19 patients.

Caminos Change, But Some Things Remain

Francisco noted how much the Camino has evolved over the years. Infrastructure has improved, with more hostels, way markers, and support services. However, some elements remain timeless, such as the stone bridge between Melide and Arzúa, which he found unchanged after 20 years.

The Camino still offers the same fundamental lessons: adaptability, perseverance, and gratitude.

Albergues vs. Hotels: Two Ways to Experience the Camino

Francisco has walked the Camino in both traditional albergues (pilgrim hostels) and more comfortable accommodation like hotels and private rooms. As a teenager, he embraced the communal aspect of albergues, even sleeping in sports centers and
churches.

“When you’re 15, you don’t mind sleeping in noisy dorms or showering with a hose. But now, I prefer a comfortable bed to recover properly.”

Despite preferring hotels now, he acknowledges that albergues create a strong sense of community, where pilgrims share meals, stories, and laughter. It’s not about where you sleep, but the connections you make.

The Magic of the Primitive Way

Among his four Caminos, the Primitive Way from Oviedo to Santiago holds a special place in his heart.

“It’s quieter, more challenging, and offers a level of solitude that you don’t find on the busier routes. There were days I walked 15 km without seeing another pilgrim just me, the mountains, and the path.”

For those seeking a more introspective, less commercialized Camino, he highly recommends this route.

The Camino Is for Everyone

Francisco emphasizes that the Camino is a personal journey, some walk for faith, others for adventure, and some simply for a break from routine. There’s no “right way” to do it, and whether you stay in albergues or hotels, walk alone or in a group, what matters is the experience of the journey itself.

“The Camino is about giving yourself time. In today’s world, that’s the greatest gift you can have. Disconnect from social media, focus on your steps, and open yourself to the unexpected. The Camino always provides.”

Next Stop: Finisterre and Muxía

Francisco’s journey isn’t over yet. Next month, he will be walking the Finisterre-Muxía route, an extension of the Camino leading to the legendary “End of the World.” As he continues his pilgrimage, he carries with him the lessons of his past Caminos: gratitude, resilience, and the willingness to embrace the unknown.

Buen Camino, Francisco!

Listen to the full podcast episode here

Finding Yourself on the Camino: An Unexpected Journey of challenge

The Camino de Santiago isn’t just a walk; it’s an immersion. An ancient pilgrimage route across Spain, it’s a journey that strips away the familiar and throws you headfirst into a world of unexpected challenges and surprising beauty. Forget your usual routine – the Camino dictates its own rhythm, a unique blend of physical exertion, inner reflection, and shared human experience.

A Different Kind of Day

Forget your alarm clock. On the Camino, the day begins with the sunrise and the rustling of fellow pilgrims packing their bags. The initial aches and stiffness soon give way to a hypnotic rhythm, your focus narrowing to the path beneath your feet and the ever-changing scenery. Some days you’ll fly, energized by the camaraderie and the stunning landscapes. Others, it’s a slog, a test of your resilience as you push through fatigue and blisters. Yet, there’s a strange satisfaction in this simple cycle of walking, resting, and repeating.

Sleeping with Strangers, Finding Your Tribe

Forget hotels and resorts. The Camino offers a unique tapestry of accommodation, from the humble albergues to quaint countryside guesthouses. Albergues, with their rows of bunk beds and shared bathrooms, are a crash course in communal living. Expect snoring, laughter, and late-night conversations that transcend language barriers. These shared spaces become unlikely incubators of friendship, where stories are exchanged and bonds are forged over aching limbs and shared meals.

A Culinary Adventure

Forget your usual diet. Food on the Camino is a delightful mix of rustic simplicity and regional specialties. Pilgrim menus offer hearty, traditional fare, like the warming caldo gallego soup or the ubiquitous tortilla española. But the real culinary adventure lies in discovering local delicacies in hidden cafes and enjoying impromptu picnics with newfound friends. Sharing simple meals of bread, cheese, and fruit under the Spanish sun takes on a whole new meaning.

The Inner and Outer Journey

Forget your worries. The Camino is a rare opportunity to disconnect from the everyday and connect with yourself. Hours spent in quiet contemplation, with only the sounds of nature for company, allow for deep introspection and self-discovery. Yet, it’s far from a solitary pursuit. The Camino weaves a tapestry of human connection, bringing together people from all corners of the globe. These chance encounters, fueled by shared experiences and mutual support, often blossom into lifelong friendships.

The Camino de Santiago is a journey unlike any other. It’s a physical challenge, a spiritual awakening, and a cultural immersion all in one. It’s about pushing your limits, embracing the unexpected, and discovering the transformative power of human connection. Ultimately, the Camino is not just about reaching Santiago; it’s about finding yourself along the way.

A Testament to Growth, Connection and Resilience

Walking the Camino de Santiago offers a unique opportunity to embody values that resonate deeply with personal and professional development. Its paths challenge individuals to balance preparation, perseverance, and adaptability while fostering meaningful connections and cultural appreciation.

Walking the Camino is more than a physical journey, it is an exercise in discipline, resilience, and self-discovery. Each step emphasizes the importance of preparation, whether through physical training, logistical planning, or mental readiness. This principle mirrors the professional value of thorough preparation as the foundation for achieving long-term success.

The Camino’s diverse routes, from the iconic French Camino to the quieter Primitive Way, highlight adaptability and the ability to navigate varied terrains and challenges. These experiences remind us of the importance of flexibility and resourcefulness in dynamic environments.

Connection plays a central role in the Camino experience. Whether engaging with fellow pilgrims from around the globe, forming lifelong friendships, or sharing stories over meals, the Camino fosters community and collaboration. This reflects the professional emphasis on teamwork and the enrichment that comes from learning from others.

Cultural appreciation is another cornerstone of the Camino experience. From savoring local cuisines like the renowned Galician octopus in Melide to observing centuries-old traditions, the Camino encourages participants to embrace diversity and find value in varied perspectives. Similarly, organizations thrive when they respect and integrate diverse ideas and cultures.

Ultimately, the Camino exemplifies the importance of celebrating milestones. Reaching Santiago after days or weeks of walking brings a profound sense of achievement, akin to the fulfillment of reaching professional goals through consistent effort and dedication.

The Camino de Santiago is not merely a path but a journey that encapsulates the core values of growth, connection, and resilience. It is a reminder that, in both personal and professional life, success is built one step at a time, enriched by the people and experiences along the way.

Buen Camino!