Archive for category: Camino

Nancy Eskenazi’s Mindful Camino Inglés Experience

Some Camino stories stay with you long after the boots are off. This is one of them. In this episode of The Way to Your Why Podcast, I sat down with Nancy Eskenazi, a pilgrim who walked the Camino Inglés from Ferrol in October 2021, just as the world was slowly reopening after COVID.

What made Nancy’s Camino especially meaningful wasn’t only the route or the timing, but how she walked it: with mindfulness, intention, and deep openness to people and place.

A Camino Rooted in Mindfulness

Nancy didn’t walk with intention alone. She joined a small group of five—most of whom had never met before. They came together from different countries, connected first through Zoom sessions focused on mindfulness, and then committed to walking the Camino as a shared reflective experience.

They weren’t experts.
They weren’t chasing perfection.
They were simply present.

Each day included moments of walking meditation, conscious awareness of their surroundings, and space to be alone when needed. Nancy described the Camino as a “moving meditation”, where physical effort, silence, and nature naturally quiet the mind.

“Walking in that environment, with effort and awareness, brought me closer to God than any building ever has.”

Falling in Love with Galicia and Its People

From the moment Nancy arrived in A Coruña and then Ferrol, she fell in love, not just with Galicia’s beauty, but with its people.

She noticed the elegance of everyday life:

• Locals gathering in cafés at all hours
• Conversations flow easily
• A deep appreciation for quality of life

Even abandoned rural houses were swept clean. Nothing felt neglected. Everything felt cared for.

But what touched her most were the small, human gestures along the way.

Kindness on the Trail

Nancy shared two moments that perfectly capture the spirit of the Camino:

Walking into strength through conversation

When foot pain slowed her down, two local men walked beside her, engaging her in conversation until—without realizing it—she had naturally returned to a stronger pace. One of them gently pointed it out, turning the moment into a quiet lesson in awareness.

Safety offered without hesitation

On a dark roadside stretch, a café owner ran after Nancy and her companion to give them reflective vests and a light—simply because she cared.

“I was so moved I almost cried. That level of care stays with you.”

This is the Camino many pilgrims talk about—not just the path, but the people who walk with you, even briefly.

Practical Choices, Personal Camino

Nancy is very clear about something I strongly believe too:
Everyone walks their own Camino.

Her group chose:

• Daily backpacks only (essentials, not full luggage)
• Luggage transfer between stages
• Private rooms with bathrooms
• Carefully planned stages to allow rest and reflection

Was it “less authentic”?
Not at all.

It allowed her to fully enjoy the experience—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

“Let someone else handle the logistics so you can focus on your why.”

That philosophy aligns perfectly with how we approach Camino planning at Camino Wonders.

Rain, Beer, and the Joy of Simplicity

Of course, there were challenges.

Rain-soaked days.
Cold evenings.
Wet boots despite “waterproof” promises.

And yet, laughter prevailed.

Nancy even shared a classic Camino tip she followed faithfully: stopping for a mid-morning beer (often an Estrella Galicia clara)—advice passed down from seasoned pilgrims to ease muscle pain.

Food was simple, affordable, and nourishing. Pilgrim menus, warm tortillas, soups, tapas, often shared for just a few euros.

“I came back radiant. People noticed. I felt different.”

Camino Lessons for Life and Work

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation explored the parallels between the Camino and everyday life, especially work and leadership.

Nancy reflected that the Camino teaches:

• Patience during uncertainty
• Trust in others
• Creative problem-solving when plans change
• Deep listening and empathy

These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re lived lessons—earned one step at a time.

“When you truly know people, it’s easier to collaborate, tolerate differences, and move forward together.”

Would She Walk With Intention Again?

Without hesitation.

“Many times. If I could, I’d retire and walk Caminos for the rest of my life.”

She recommends the Camino to anyone who:

Enjoys walking (not racing)

Is open to nature and people

Can adapt and let go of control

Sees the journey as a gift to themselves

Nancy was nearly 68 when she walked.
She trained on flat Miami paths.
She wasn’t an athlete.

And yet—she soared.

A Camino That Stays With You

Nancy’s story is a reminder that the Camino doesn’t end in Santiago.

It lingers:

• In how you listen
• In how you handle discomfort
• In how you care for others
• In how you walk through life

Every time she remembers it, she feels joy again.

And that, pilgrims, might be the greatest sign of all.

Buen Camino.

If this story resonated with you, explore more pilgrim experiences on The Way to Your Why Podcast and follow Camino Wonders for reflections, guidance, and inspiration for your own Camino journey. You can listen full Nancy Episode Here

To prepare to the Camino de Santiago as a Digital Nomad, life is a blend of freedom, flexibility, and the constant pursuit of meaningful experiences. You’re used to juggling client calls from remote corners of the world and squeezing in sightseeing between deadlines. But the Camino de Santiago isn’t your average working trip — it’s a pilgrimage. A chance to pause, reflect, and move forward with clarity.

If you’re craving a slower pace, deeper purpose, and time to realign your personal and professional goals, walking the Camino might be exactly what you need.

Here’s how to prepare for the journey while still keeping your business running.

1. Choose the Right Route

There’s more than one way to Santiago, and each route offers something unique. The Camino Francés is the most popular, with plenty of accommodations, Wi-Fi access, and support infrastructure — ideal if you need consistent connectivity.

If you’re looking for something quieter and more scenic, consider the Camino Portugués or Camino del Norte. Just be aware that these routes might have fewer tech-friendly stops and less cell service.

Choose based on your timeline, walking ability, and how connected you need to be.

2. Plan for Limited Wi-Fi (and Welcome It)

You’ll find Wi-Fi at most albergues and hotels, but expect it to be spotty — especially in rural villages. Streaming or video calls aren’t always reliable. Be prepared with backup options:

• A local SIM card with plenty of data (Vodafone and Orange are solid choices)
• A pocket Wi-Fi device if you’re planning a longer stay
• Offline access to your files and project materials

Many nomads schedule their work hours around rest days or plan to work from larger towns with better infrastructure. Others take this time to unplug and focus on deep thinking or content planning.

3. Pack Light, Think Smart

Your backpack is your office and your home on this journey. The lighter, the better — but don’t skip the essentials.

Digital nomad must-haves include:

• A lightweight laptop or tablet
• Portable battery pack
• Universal adapter
• Waterproof tech pouch
• Durable, reliable hiking shoes
• Blister prevention and foot care gear

If juggling gear, walking, and working feels overwhelming, consider using a luggage transport service. Your bag travels ahead, and you walk without the weight.

4. Adapt Your Work Rhythm

Your usual workday won’t translate directly to the Camino — and that’s the point. Adjust your schedule to fit the flow of the journey.

• Set a clear autoresponder that manages expectations
• Communicate your availability with clients or team members
• Batch content, schedule ahead, and automate wherever possible
• Plan to work 2–4 hours in the afternoons or evenings after walking

Spain operates on Central European Time, so adjust accordingly. You may find that this slower pace boosts your creativity and clarity.

5. Make Space for the Experience

The Camino isn’t just a walk — it’s a journey of intention. As a digital nomad, you’re constantly moving, but the Camino invites you to slow down and move with purpose.

Let the quiet moments guide you. Journal. Reflect. Talk to fellow pilgrims. Take in the scenery without checking your phone. Give yourself permission to just be — no performance, no hustle, no algorithm to please.

6. Walk. Work. Realign.

At Camino Wonders, we design Camino journeys specifically for digital nomads and remote professionals. Whether you want to unplug completely or balance walking with part-time work,we help you map a route that meets your personal and professional goals.

We take care of your lodging, transfers, and route planning — so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.
Start to prepare your Camino de Santiago as a Digital Nomad by scheduling a call with us. Your next chapter starts with one step.

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!