Grandiose well describes Madrid. The scale of buildings centuries old goes beyond my ability to capture by camera. Touring Palacio Real de Madrid is like Versailles on steroids. Madrid’s central area is walking friendly. A walk so dissimilar to past weeks of walking Portugués Camino.
Decompression is necessary after a solitude journey. Going home would be too abrupt. A neutral place allowing the experiences to settle is wise. The nine hour bus ride to Madrid began the thought process. Unbeknownst I rode through towns from my first Camino in 2014…Arzua, Lugo, Ponferrada, and Astoria. Haunting! Contrasting the similarities and difference helps sort my 2022 Portugués Camino.
How could it be that none of my tribe suggests entering the Cathedral? Having walked the Camino, did we not sense a connection to this revered place? In reality we are bone tired and growing painfully cold. Attend to the needs of the flesh than the spirit.
My tribe of pilgrims can simultaneously walk and take selfies. When the urge strike, we yell “selfie” and come together posturing for a photo. We are drunk on the thought Santiago is so near. The kilometers slip by like sand in an hour glass. Infinitesimally slow in the beginning and instantly gone in the end.
We stand in the plaza before the towering Santiago de Compostelle Cathedral. We are giddy with the arrival. What we most want to do is hug one another, drop our backpacks, and take photos. It’s the same for all pilgrims. Our bonds will not be forgotten.
As though we are possessed by magical strength, we storm towards Santiago. Pack mentally keeps the pace up. Feet pain and café con letche urges are ignored. We just want to be there.
The appeal of green…
We look like zombies one trailing behind the other. Weariness is prevalent. The closeness of Santiago is at hand. Tired pilgrims are chomping at the bit.
Leaving this for this…
All jammed up and ready to go. Yes, that’s jam on buttered toast and café con lethe for breakfast eaten AFTER two hours of walking. Carbs, fats, sugar, and caffeine fueling four more hours of walking. It’s impossible to walk on a fuller tummy.
Linda Scandore 