I told Miles at the start of our journey that I tend to bumble my way through Spain. Or perhaps, it’s more like Forrest Gump my way on the Camino. Whatever it is, I tend to rely on the kindness of strangers to help me get through. This trip is no exception.
From the moment we arrived at the airport in Madrid, we’ve encountered many nice strangers to help us out, even when we didn’t think we needed it. It first started when waiting for our bus to Burgos (then to Fromista). There seemed to be much confusion at the bus depot in the Madrid airport as to which bus people needed to get on. Even Spaniards were confused. One guy called the bus company. He did not seem satisfied with the responses he received from the company. Good thing I’m not afraid to use my broken Spanish to ask strangers which bus they were waiting on. Two men helped us find our appropriate bus, with one even going as far as to make sure our bags were loaded properly and that we got on the bus. We found even more kindness from a host at an albergue who found Miles’ drivers license and a few other items he left behind. She was willing to drive it to us, but we were too far away. I don’t know if we’ll see his license again but she at least tried to get it to us. Today we decided to take a train for half of our walk. Long story short — I’m tired of walking downhill on slippery, muddy paths or through hilly cow pastures — we walked gingerly walked past a bull as he was eating grass yesterday (did not look at him and no sudden movements). For the train, we spoke very poor Spanish to an older couple who were taking the same train to a different town. To get us on the train, the woman motioned to us and then made sure we got off at the right stop. I felt like my grandma was speaking through her — make sure Marcy and Miles get where they need to go. And getting off the train, we met a woman named Maria who helped us find a bar (cafe) to grab a bite to eat. Did someone tell them we were coming — Two Americans with very little Spanish trying to find their way around rural Spain? Are we on the news? In the paper? So, to all the Spaniards who are incredibly patient with a bumbling American and her son, I say thank you (muchas gracias!). There’s a saying that pilgrims like to say, “The Camino will provide.” It’s true but it isn’t the Camino that is providing, it’s spirit of the people here. That’s who provides. Perhaps that’s the real Camino. It isn’t just the walking, but it’s kindness of strangers and our interactions with each other. Some days, the walking is secondary, almost a nuisance. It’s those days where people make the Camino.
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About Marcy I wear many hats. First, I'm a wife to an amazing husband, Joe. Second, I'm a mom to 2 incredible kids, Caitlynn and Miles. Professionally speaking, I am a chef, dietitian, and writer working as an instructor in Hospitality Management at Montana State University in Bozeman. Photos: See InstagramMarcy's other Site |