The Second Camino, or When the Road Calls You Again
There are 7 years between the first and second Camino. Why did I set off again?
My partner and I had decided to do it again later. As it happened, she and I couldn't make it happen. And then, quite by chance, Antonia, the doctor, and I were going for a walk in the forest. She mentioned she didn't have suitable shoes, so I took her to buy hiking boots. We started talking, and I told her about the Camino, about the Way, and that I knew everything about suitable shoes from personal experience. Suddenly, she spontaneously suggested we go together. And I felt like I had been waiting for just that.
For me, the Road sharpens the senses…. It is, above all, spiritual. For one month you are in paradise, alone with yourself.
„Angel of the Camino“ - the person who helps on the Path
And my friend was called the Angel of Camino. Yes, she is a healer and helped everyone. She carried a whole bag of medicine. It is her calling – to alleviate physical suffering. From person to person, all the travelers at that time learned about her. And so they named her, gave her a new name.
We met a Brazilian man with a bicycle. He was carrying it on his shoulder. It turned out that the chain had severely injured his leg, he ignored it, and the wound became infected. Doctor Antonia fixed him up in 3-4 days. And her fame spread. She helped with ointments for bruises, chafes, and inflamed calluses... She even told a man with serious heart discomfort how to sleep so he wouldn't feel heavy. She calmed him down, and he finished his trip much more confident, secure, and at ease.
The fireplace and the book that understands the heart
Who hasn't traveled this path... I had read the book „The Pilgrimage“ by Paulo Coelho. But somehow I didn't pay it the attention it deserved. After my second long journey, I reread the book and understood it with my heart.
The story begins in 1986. Coelho starts his initiation into the Order of Regnus Agnus Mundi (RAM), which he subsequently fails. He is then advised to undertake the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage to find the sword, a symbol of his acceptance as a member of RAM. He begins his journey with a guide, also a member of RAM, known by the nickname Petrus. During the journey, Petrus shows him meditation exercises and introduces him to some of the practical elements of Western mystical thought and philosophy, teaching him about love of one's neighbor and its forms. „The Diary of a Magus“ has been published in 38 languages. In the book, Paulo Coelho describes eleven RAM rituals that the writer learns to help him on his spiritual path.
In fact, along the way, with his experiences, the artist Coelho contemplates the simplicity of life and begins to understand it.
I reread the book and started to understand it.
To walk the Camino on foot – to see the unseen
Many people cross the road by bicycle. But in my opinion, there is a huge difference between walking and crossing it.
Pedestrian, you look at the details: the grass, the trees, the flowers. You share the colorful rainbows. You wet your mouth with apricot-like plums, you pick pears – you pass by, pick a fruit. You dip your feet in streams and brooks. And I think that the walking tour has a great future for pilgrimage tourism.
Burgos – the city of hospitality and unexpected encounters
In the evening, our new friend showed us around Burgos. She invited us to a restaurant. She is a translator at the court. She translates for Bulgarians in need.
Burgos was so nice that we stayed an extra day... That's what travel is all about. Spontaneous and unplanned.
For me, the Camino is a journey to myself and to others. Rediscovery, sharing. To discover new things in yourself and in others for yourself.
Santiago de Compostela, the end of the Camino, where the celebration begins
And Santiago de Compostela is a very interesting city. But for me, it's a city of life. It's the end of the Road, where the Celebration begins. I perceive it as a city of fun. It's full of young people. At 11 o'clock there's a mass for everyone who has completed the route. The countries of origin of the pilgrims are read out, and the certificates are given out. I wanted to stay in the city, to see it and to rest. I needed a well-deserved rest and some fun. But I had to go home. The reason was important.
A rare celebration for world rhythmic gymnastics was approaching, to which I was invited and wanted to attend with all my being.
Iliyana Raeva had succeeded – for the first time in 30 years – in organizing a World Championship in Sofia, at the Arena „Armeec“. She had found and scheduled a meeting of all the world champions and their coaches on „Planet Earth.“ She had prepared incredible surprises.
Exceptional occasion. I hurried back and finished my trip a week early. Antonia stayed.
Camino is freedom – to live in the present moment
For me, Camino is freedom.
Don't have a preliminary, mapped-out plan, don't stress about where you'll sleep and what you'll eat. Just walk – averaging between 12 and 25 miles. Feel the moment.
To start a conversation with a friend and have no one bother you or interrupt you… To talk your fill or to be silent. To decide to go only 2 km because you saw a great little tavern or some sight and to dedicate your time to it, just like that.
I don't know where I'm going. I never research or set off with a prepared list. I go with a friend who has taken care of everything. And I enjoy the journey, the beauty along the way, the freedom, the time for myself.
I'm not even taking pictures. Only on the 15th day, when I saw the sunflowers, did I take out my camera for the first time…
I was so impressed. That's why I'm sharing them. Here, everyone wrote whatever came to mind: their name, or a letter, left a wish, or just drew a heart. They shared a piece of themselves. Fleeting. Transitory. On a sunflower...“
Gratitude to the author – inspiration for my Camino
Editor's Note
Dear Tanya, I am extremely grateful to you for the captivating and interesting story. For the shared experience and beautiful photos.
Thank you for participating! It was a pleasure to have you as my guest. I hope the readers will enjoy reading it with pleasure. And be inspired to „Your Camino….
See more Author Tanya Stavreva here
