You’ve Got a Friend in Me

There are two sides to this title.

One side: The Pilgrims…As Ernest and I walked an easy 12 miles today it was so easy to think of the friendships we are making with the pilgrims. As I have mentioned before nationalities from all over this amazing earth are represented. At this point we have only met pilgrims who are predominantly male and all are of an age that could be our children or oldest grandchildren. Most are very well schooled, fluent in multiple languages, single, inquisitive, open.  Our Hungarian friend competed in The World Track and Field trials in 2016. He just completed his studies to be a veterinarian. His recent marriage is in trouble. Two German girls have just accepted new high paying and demanding positions with large companies. They see this brief interlude as the last opportunity to walk Camino for a long time. A Spanish dad and twenty-something daughter are taking this time for togetherness. Always there is a story…a life..a problem…a tribute. They are called but we are all on this journey together.

Second side: Ernest and me. We have always been best friends even when we would consider murder but this has been such a fun experience for us. Ernest has such a great sense of humor. Last night he said, ” Jan, I came out of the bathroom and saw my reflection. I thought that the wild man from Bornio was looking at me!” I laughed so hard I cried. He is the Lewis and Clark of this expedition and the kindness of his heart shows so brightly. He saves bread for the stray dog. Buys the meal for the hungry pilgrim. Returns dishes to the kitchen. Buys his wife cafe con leche first. Insists that I stay beside him in potential danger. The Camino does not make your character but it certainly brings it out!

We face our last big mountain climb tomorrow. We have heard all kinds of things from it is a dangerous descent to its a breeze. We are ready…I think. But you know… We are not walking this journey alone   We looked and asked to be led. We trust each other and our Shepherd.

Buen Camino!