Hello everyone. Recently my friends and I set off on a journey from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela. We left our car in the outskirts of Santiago and hopped on a bus with our backpacks, heading toward Ferrol. Once off the bus we began our walk. This path once trodden by believers in ancient times, is now a route where anyone can test their endurance. Our goal was to reach Santiago de Compostela and visit the sacred relics of Saint James. The entire trip was organized by my friend Anna, who chose the Camino Inglés (English Way) for us.
In Ferrol we visited the famous La Magdalena district, renowned for its charming houses. However, the area also holds a darker history, as it includes the birthplace of Francisco Franco, the Spanish dictator. The site a controversial location, was supposed to house a museum. But it was closed when we visited. That evening we had a fantastic dinner: local white wine, scallops and desserts. And spent a lovely night with friends. The next morning we prepared for the tradition of stamping our passports, a custom for all Camino pilgrims.
As we started the Camino leaving Ferrol behind, we experienced something extraordinary. In a river that still felt like the ocean, we spotted a group of giant stingrays. Real ocean stingrays with mothers accompanied by their young. Stingrays are one of my favorite sea creatures and seeing them in the wild, so close to an urban area was simply incredible. Watching them catch small fish, seemingly teaching their young, was an unforgettable moment. It reminded me of a trip to Alanya Turkey, where I interacted with stingrays in an aquarium-like setting. While those stingrays were safe and touchable, seeing them in their natural habitat was something else entirely.
Walking the Camino de Santiago is not just about encountering exotic creatures but also about connecting with local people. One memorable moment was when we discovered cold water and snacks left by fellow pilgrims along the trail. These offerings cold drinks, fruit, snacks, even trinkets and keychains are available for a small donation. I picked up a handmade keychain, which brought me joy.
That evening we arrived in a new town by the coast, complete with a picturesque harbor filled with small boats. Before dinner we strolled around, as we always did. Galicia is famous for its seafood, especially octopus and it’s a must-try before continuing the journey.
On the second day of the Camino, I felt much more comfortable as I no longer had to carry my heavy backpack. I had opted for a luggage transfer service for only 5 euros, allowing me to walk with just the essentials. This made a world of difference and I was in great spirits. Everything was going according to plan and not carrying my backpack was such a relief.
Throughout the journey I was continually impressed by Anna’s meticulous planning. Her attention to detail and leadership were remarkable. While I believe that Saint James was watching over us and guiding our steps, being prepared is vital. Walking the Camino is not just a physical journey but also a spiritual one. A test of endurance and resilience.
One personal challenge I faced was staying in an albergue for the first time. An albergue is a basic hostel with shared facilities, specifically designed for Camino pilgrims. As someone accustomed to a more luxurious lifestyle, this was a big adjustment. However, one lesson the Camino teaches is to let go of luxury and embrace simplicity. The albergue where we stayed had a communal kitchen and shared spaces that met our needs. Our three-person room was relatively comfortable, with an electronic lock ensuring our privacy.
Experiencing the simple life, even for a few days was enlightening. Stepping out of my comfort zone allowed me to understand the essence of the Camino. On one occasion, we stayed in a larger dorm with six people. Still clean and manageable, though not entirely comfortable. Yet, this simplicity is part of what makes the journey unique.
Walking the Camino is as much about the small miracles along the way as it is about reaching Santiago. Every moment the kindness of strangers, the beauty of nature and the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims enriched the experience.
From the beginning of the day, we walked until breakfast time only to realize that the remote village we reached had no place to have breakfast. The hostel had only a vending machine. This was my first experience staying in such a hostel, sharing a room with six people. Luckily everything was fine since everyone already knew each other.
By the fourth day of walking the Camino, I can say that I enjoyed everything. I wished I could continue because this walk was incredibly beneficial for my health. It also stimulated my mind, sparking wonderful ideas. I was surprised to find that I had been more productive than I expected. Even though I thought I was physically exhausted, I still managed to accomplish things. Initially I had planned to simply rest and recharge, but this experience taught me that our minds often tell us we’re more limited than we are. The key is to ignore those doubts and keep going. We are capable of far more than we think.
Emotionally I felt good and normal. But I admit I was craving something different. That’s just who I am.I enjoy something for a while and then I want to try something new. My biggest takeaway from this experience? Try things without fear. However, planning ahead makes all the difference. Book your accommodations in advance and choose ones with private bathrooms to make your journey more enjoyable. There’s no need to struggle in hostels unless you want to embrace a more rugged experience. Personally I don’t find hostels very appealing, especially for women who might prioritize comfort. But that’s just my opinion.
Breakfast that day was simple: triangular pastries, ham and cheese sandwiches and tea. Since there wasn’t any plant-based milk, I couldn’t enjoy a coffee. Anna brought a lemon cake, which was delicious. After breakfast we walked another 8 km and finally took a break. As we neared our destination, I felt incredibly excited.We were so close to completing the journey.
Finally we received our diplomas. I was so happy and overjoyed. My friend Anna shared her story from the summer of 2019 when she walked the Camino. At one of the sacred sites, she made a heartfelt wish: To meet the man I love, start a family and have children. A few months later in October, she met her now-husband and their relationship began. Santiago fulfilled her wish and her husband became the greatest gift in her life.
Her story is a testament to the belief that Santiago grants people’s deepest, most genuine wishes. Of course, this isn’t a place to wish for a Chanel bag. But for meaningful desires, such as having children, starting a family or overcoming illness, many people come here for precisely these reasons. They say these kinds of wishes are more powerful and once you’ve completed the Camino and make your wish in those sacred places, it’s more likely to come true.
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