I'll apologize in advance for this post - I'm typing this on my phone as I don't have enough energy to go downstairs and get a wifi code for my tablet and I want to get this posted before our group meeting at 7 and dinner at 8:30.
We've made it to Logrono, and thus, our first rest day. I can't tell you how relieved and thankful I am. Today was a hard 18.7 miles, and we crossed the 100 mile cumulative mark. We left an hour earlier than normal, around six, as the physical toil of the last week is starting to tell on everyone. Drake and I walked with Two students, Hannah and Morgan. Drake's knee is bothering him more and more, as was my hamstring, so we literally (though I am beginning to loathe that overused and oft incorrectly used word) limped into the hotel around 1pm with a brief rest break in Viana and again on the outskirts of Logrono.
Our albergue last night turned out well and I had a good conversation with the owner. It's funny how much they warm up to you when they figure out you speak pretty good Spanish. We talked about the pilgrims, running an albergue, and her family a bit. Bryan Scott, when we do the Camino in 2017, you should be thinking about if you want to stay in albergues or in casas rurales or pensiones.
The weather has been most cooperative, in the low 60s and breezy with not too much direct sun, and thunderstorms in the evenings as it warms up. Today the four of us talked about movies we liked, books we enjoyed and superpowers we'd like to have until fatigue got the best of us.
I took the most glorious hot shower I've had in a week and popped my first blister after arriving at the hotel, then Drake and I hobbled to a bar next door for a lunch of stuffed fried peppers and a glass of beer (again amazing how much bartenders warm to you when you apologize for your poor Spanish) then limped to the grocery store for ice cream. We sat on a bench on the sidewalk eating our Dulce de Leche and enjoying the sun while the Spaniards who were out running errands at lunch tried to stare at us without being seen, so we would smile, greet them, and wish them a good day. It was great fun.
The students have slowly trickled in this afternoon, and the hotel staff have been fantastic, as is our hotel. The students are exhausted, but they've hung in there, and the rest day will do them good.
Me? It's been a rough week but I feel pretty good. I feel better about being able to connect with students, I've got a handle on the grading, and I have some ideas already about how to do things better the next time around should there be one.
I told the students two nights ago that they should not worry about "working on things" in their head this first week, but to let their minds wander and thoughts come as they may. I'm very much in the same place: I'm so thrilled and glad to be here, but, having been gone now for two weeks I am beginning to process as well. I miss home. I miss my family, friends, And coworkers, and though I am a bit ashamed to admit it, I wonder and worry a bit that my absence doesn't matter. Is this normal? I'm not sure, but it's how I feel - almost as if the world is passing me by while I'm on this adventure, and that makes me a bit melancholy. I will risk coming across as a bit needy and say that if you're reading this, it would mean the world to hear from you. If not, your thoughts and prayers are deeply and genuinely appreciated.
Tomorrow will be a good day to rest and reflect, and perhaps, reach out to people at home. For now, I need to focus on the kids: they need reassurance that they're doing well, what they're feeling is normal, and that ultimately, this will be a good experience for them.
In about an hour we'll get together and take stock of where we are. I'm going to give my testimony, and I'm nervous, for I don't do vulnerability well. But it's important to me, for the kids, that I be real with them, that they understand a bit about me, and to do that, they need to understand a bit of my story.
After that, it's dinner, bed, and praise
God, no 6am wake up call! Here's hoping you have a day of rest ahead of you soon as well.
God, no 6am wake up call! Here's hoping you have a day of rest ahead of you soon as well.
Brian, hang in there. You are missed but we here states-side live vicariously through your blogs. The last time you went I enjoyed reading your account but this time I'm realizing that I would like to go with you in the future and experience it for myself. A bucket list item I didn't know I had. Let me know if and when you plan your next great camino adventure.
ReplyDeleteStan
Hi Brian,
ReplyDeleteNot a day passes when your name is not mentioned. We miss you here but do know that you are doing what you love. At the end of the trip, we can say we had, just another summer. You will bring the tablet, we will gather around you and you'll show us pictures while sharing your experience. And no one can tell a story like you can. "Son of a motherless goat, they have medicine for that or they had to lance it."
Cheers from Camarillo and the pizza night gang.
Dear Brian,
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying reading about your pilgrimage and would like to join you someday should you return. I once hiked 54 miles in 20 hours (like you, I was 37 at the time) and remember the aches and blisters and doubt & pain. I nearly gave up some 40 miles into it, but on one lonely stretch I experienced signal graces that proved the existence of God. I’d like to tell you the story some time.
In any case, it seems as though you have a lot on your mind about life in general and this trek in particular, what with nefarious innkeepers and such. I would advise to “live in the now,” as I sometimes say, meaning don’t think about Pepperdine or the profundities of life, but look with awe and wonder at the vistas, laugh and smile with the students that you are leading. Think about the holy ground upon which you tread.
If you miss a train, get charged too much by a scheming restaurateur, or have to deal with a tardy student, laugh maniacally… You can catch another train, tell the restaurateur that you are on to him in Spanish, and have mercy on the truant. What difference does it make? You are on a 6-week sabbatical leading a group of young people on a once-in-a-lifetime experience….you should be drinking the free wine straight from the spigot!
…well, maybe not if it would be captured on webcam.
In any case, stop your complaining about the deficiencies of your albergue! Most people can’t spell “albergue.” You’re on a 6-week sabbatical! Your anhedonia is risible to those of us encumbered with closing FY14. I’d switch spots with you in a minute.
Nonetheless, you are a gifted writer, Brian, and there are many of us thinking about you and praying for you and your group. May the road rise to meet you the rest of the way.
Sincerely,
Gerry