I wanted to be able to write...

...about this experience in a chronological order but sometimes things are clearer when presented in a seeming disarray.

It's day 13 and I haven't been able to write every day. Sometimes, I'm just too tired to care or too much in pain to lift a finger. Not that there hasn't been anything to write about, there are so many things happening everyday and so many people I meet that after a while, it all becomes a jumble in my mind. If you are a person who is quite comfortable with random conversations, then this is the place for you. If you are not, then it can be challenging. But consider it good practice anyway, in different languages, mind you. It doesn't matter that you don't speak each other's language, you will always find a way to communicate. Kindness knows no barrier, and here you find it in spades.

I told Anj one time that if we take all the kindness and the concern we find along the Camino and spread it around, the world would be a much better place. People here genuinely look out for each other and will take the time to carry on random conversations to keep you company for a bit, especially when they see you're struggling. The three phrases you will hear every few minutes are: "Hola!" "Buen Camino!" and "Buenas dias!" or just "Buenas!" Oh and I actually meant four phrases when I said three. 😂

We've been offered food, medicine and on more than one occasion, money, when we found ourselves running low on cash with the next atm 4 or 5 towns away (that's 21 km away, approximately a whole day's walk) Every day, you try to give back in kindness what you receive and then some. And at the end of the day, you all end up in the same town, share a meal and exchange wonderful stories of your day, always accompanied by the ever-present glass of vino tinxto.