"El Camino es mas duro" says a bartender in Villafranca Montes de Oca. I don't know if he is talking with the experience of a former pilgrim or just with the admiration of a local that sees and serves passing pilgrims every day. He is right anyway.
Between the deep longing for the dear ones, the apparently never-ending routine of walk-eat-rest-walk again and the unsettling range of feelings, thoughts and sensations, the Camino does put one to the test.
The perception of time changes. The strong desire of reaching somewhere is slightly fading.
It is slowly replaced by the acceptance that being in the journey is equally important.
This isn't a holiday, it is a pilgrimage. Not sure yet if it is a pilgrimage to Santiago or to my soul. I hope it turns out to be both.
I am glad I am not alone on this journey. Sharing it with good old friends is powerful in many ways. On days when knees are screaming with pain and the body really resists walking again they push me for the first step.
Each one of us has strengths and insights. We are inspired by eachother at times. We push each other in uncomfortable places at other times. I feel this helps me become more honest with myself. It helps me talk and act with more courage.
