ABOUT ME

The Camino de Santiago is an incredible 800km backpacking trek across Northern Spain. The trail begins at St. Jean Pied du Port, France - crosses the mighty Pyrenees Mountains into Spain and ends at Santiago de Compostella, the final resting place of Saint James. For 34 days, I traversed through mountains, eucalyptus forests, vineyards, desert flat lands and across rivers, stone bridges, freeways and cobblestone streets. We navigated through farming villages, charming hamlets and large cities. I met people from all walks of life and from all over the world. I was awed by magnificent cathedrals and graced by simple stone churches. I witnessed people struggle through their adversities and triumph over defeat. I walked with damaged and painful feet, a fever and a cold. I walked in rainstorms, howling winds & the blazing hot sun. I walked in the dark and in the heat of the day. I walked alone and also with thousands. I walked 800km.

The Camino is a deeply personal journey that tests both your physical and mental endurance but it is something truly remarkable. It awakens the spirit inside you. It replenishes your energy. It reconnects the rhythm of your own heart, nature and of all those around you. By slowing down, you restore and renew your belief in yourself, God and the world. It reminds you of forgotten dreams, your wishes and your desires. Like a blank canvas – in that space – you see possibility everywhere. A reminder that the world is a beautiful place if you choose to believe.

I started crying immediately upon the descent into Santiago – it was tears of absolute joy but also sadness as it meant the end of our journey. When I rounded the corner and saw the cathedral, the culmination of 34 days of endless beautiful landscapes, kind strangers, human connections, my Camino family, hard work, early mornings, physical pain and exhaustion rushed over me. My backpack reminded me that we are each carrying our own set of joys, burdens, worries, hopes, brokenness, failures, graces, challenges and successes. We are all more alike than we are not. It did not matter what your education was, how much money you made, how old you were, your political persuasion or where you came from. Each of us was going to the same place. We were all there helping one another “journey”. We all saw the same sunsets and sunrises, the same valleys & hills. We all made new friendships and were humbled by the generosity of people we had never met.