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| Cathedral Buildings Along The River Porto - Portugal |
It has been nearly four years since I took my first steps onto the Camino Frances and began the long journey toward Santiago de Compostela and the Eastern Coast of Spain. It was a beautiful, painful and life-enriching experience. When it was over, I was certain it was not an experience I wanted to repeat. "Been there. Done that.", were appropriate words to describe my attitude. Yet, I'm once again, writing on this blog and informing all, of my intention to complete another Camino.
As many of my blog readers may know, my best friend, and husband for over 45 years, suffered a stroke, in July of 2017. After months of hope, pain and grief, we lost Eddie. I miss him everyday.
Since losing him, there has been much to manage. However, the most unmanageable thing, has been my emotions. The waves of emotion wash over me at the turn of a phrase, the sound of a song, the wind in the trees or the smell of his clothing. However, life must go on. Family, work, household chores, friendships, garden projects and the everyday things, still need my attention and care. The busyness leaves little time for dealing with the emotional aspect of loss. Although, it may be more a matter of my unwillingness to let go and truly feel the emotions. I only allow a bit of the emotions to seep out, when the pressure of holding them in becomes more than I can manage. This occasional pressure release, allows me to release, get it together, replace the cap on my emotions and continue on. So, I decided I need time to unplug, feel and release. The Camino will provide the space and time.
Later this year, I'll return to the Camino. However, I'll be walking a different route (previously I walked the Camino Frances (French Route). This year, I'll walk the Camino Portuguese (Caminho Portugués), which begins in Lisbon, Portugal and ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. This route is 650 km (403 miles). However, it is said the route from Lisbon to Porto is not very interesting and has fewer services for pilgrims. Therefore, many people begin the route in Porto. This is where I will begin. The route from Porto to Santiago is 232 km (144 miles). Additionally, I'll be doing some shorter walking excursions to Fatima and Nazare (the coast).
Upon completing the Portuguese Camino, I'll head to the south of France. This part of the trip will include meeting up with a French Camino buddy and some general touring around that part of the country. Then, the journey towards Paris begins. A combination of train, walking and bus will help me make my way toward my departure destination and a meeting with another French Camino buddy. From there, I'll return home.
Of course, this is the plan. But, I'm open for whatever the experience brings. I'm ready to go with the flow and enjoy the journey. I hope you'll travel with me.
