BoomerBlix

What We Can Learn From Europeans--Part 1

 

Credit: beermba.com 

 

With the World Cup going on, I thought it appropriate to reprise a Blix from a few years ago. It's a two-parter, because there is so much to say about what Americans can learn from all those "futbol" countries. I'm certain that if I met this man from this post again today, he would know the name of every American soccer player. Quick: how many players from Belgium can you remember?

************************************************************

 

There’s a whole world outside the United States of America.  And here’s the shocker:  they pay attention to us. 

 

It’s no secret that taxes in the European Union are high.  A guide in the Netherlands told us that taxes can be as high as 50% of a worker’s wages.  I’ll pause here while you gasp…..  Then, I’ll ask if you would be willing to pay more upfront for so many things you are now paying for “on the sly.”  Besides income tax, how about state tax, sales tax, insurance deductibles, prescription co-pays, education, social security, etc.  You can probably think of more. Ever add all those up?

 

In Bruges, I climbed the famous 366-step bell tower.  About two-thirds of the way up, I paused to catch my breath, and photograph the carillon player.  As the musician pounded away with his fists, creating amazing melodies, another traveler shared the narrow stair with me. We jostled a little, exchanging spots.  He only said, “Sorry” in a heavy accent, so I assumed he spoke little English.  We both made our separate ways to the top of the tower. 

 

Walking around, admiring the view, I noticed city names carved on the stone ledges.  Each city had the distance from Bruges next to its name, and an arrow indicating its direction from the bell tower; Amsterdam was 180 kilometers away.   The man strolled over about that time.  Knowing he was a fellow photographer, I pointed out my discovery.  He thanked me in English, asked where I was from.  America, I said, still keeping my answers simple. Then, he surprised me.  “My friends say, never talk religion or politics.  But I must ask you something politics, please.”  Sure, I said, ask away.  “Why not Americans want to have universal health care?  Why not they want to provide for all?  Why they are so afraid?”

 

What could I respond?  I agreed with him.  Yes, absolutely, we should take care of everyone.  Yes, health care should not be tied to full-time employment.  Yes, it was too costly, and would remain out of control, unless we finally took action.  I shook my head sadly.  I had no wise answer for this man, who was eager to talk to a real American, and who was curious to learn what makes Americans tick.  I don’t know, either, I told him. I felt as if I'd let him down.

 

He went on.  Had I watched President Obama’s speech to Congress?  What did I think of the hecklers, especially that guy from South Carolina?  Joe Wilson had apologized, but wasn’t the damage done?   …Okay, now I’m getting a little embarrassed.  I offered the weak excuse that I’d been traveling, so I hadn’t followed the news.  Then again, he’d been traveling as well.  He had stayed informed, and knew more about current events than I did at that point.  A total stranger, on the top of the Bruges bell tower, understood more than the average American.

 

Europeans watch American news, read about it in their newspapers.  They follow our elections closely.  They study our issues.  They seem to grasp that we’re all in this together now.  They are very clear that what we do affects them, too.  It affects the world. 

 

Imagine, a European man knows the name of the politician from South Carolina.  Quick:  Can you name three leaders in Europe, let alone someone, anyone, in Parliament?  I didn’t think so.  I can, only because I read a London paper during my layover in Heathrow Airport. 

 

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness”  wrote Mark Twain.  How true. It's dangerous to have such narrow views, to think that only what we think and do matter, without concern for bigger consequences.   Even more dangerous to think that keeping up with Justin Bieber and the Kardashian Klan is more important than health care for all our citizens.

 

 

Related articles

A Day in Bruges: Food & Travel Highlights

Bruges, Venice of the north

World-class beer and chocolates in medieval gem of Bruges

So, What Exactly IS a Blix, Anyway?

Three Things About Air Travel

 

Credit: etravelblog

I’m writing this on a plane. On a flight delayed for two hours, which caused me to miss my connecting flight. Which caused me to be rebooked three hours later. Which caused me to buy two glasses of overpriced wine in Minneapolis.  Which inspired me to share three handy things to know when traveling by air.

1.  Always expect a glitch.  Although I claim to have invented this stay-sane technique, when I saw Anthony Bourdain make an full-length show out of travel snafus, I had to give him full credit for telling people to quit whining when their trip doesn't go as planned.

Air travel is what bus travel used to be. The way common folks get from one place to the next. It’s a cattle car method of transport. It’s not fun, it’s not glamourous, it’s not convenient. And it’s definitely not about you. So, please: no tantrums, no pouting, no screaming at the gate agent. 

Tony Bourdain explained it well: “I expect there will be a delay. I anticipate that I will be stuck somewhere. If not, then I’m thrilled.”  Look at this way: if a guy who travels for his livelihood is hauling snacks and magazines, maybe you should do the same.

2.   Germs, people! Germs!  I continue to be amazed at how oblivious people are when it comes to traveling in a crowded space that is never cleaned. Think about it: planes have a turnaround time of fifteen minutes. Is there any way that the three people who are picking up after the previous group of slobs have time to sanitize the tray table you are about to put your sandwich on?

The American Society for Microbiology recently reported that Staph aureus and E.coli can live on tray tables--and other surfaces--for days. A few years ago, The Wall Street Journal told us we should never, ever reach into the seat-back pocket; people put nasty things in there. (Think toe-nail clippings.)

Of course, the main culprit is the lavatory. Not to be gross, but every flush sends a bazillion bacteria into the air. Put the lid down before you flush. Get in and get out--and wash, wash, wash your hands. And while it should be obvious that bare feet should never touch the lavatory floor, I see waaaaay too many folks--adults and kids--padding down the aisle, right onto that sticky floor. Which brings me to my third point...

3.  Cover Up.   I'm not talking modesty here, although that's not a bad idea. I want to address those who don't fly often, or have "flight amnesia." First and foremost, don't dress for the tropics, even if you are on your way to the Equator. Planes have uneven temperature control, and you are likely going to be begging the overworked-and-underpaid flight attendant for a blanket. And who knows where that blanket has been...that is, if there even is a blanket. Be smart. Wear long sleeves, bring a jacket, or one of those nifty $10 pashimas that you can whip out of your carry-on without wondering if you are being exposed to a disease. A close second: wear shoes. I know, I know--as soon as you hop off the plane in Vegas, you want to look adorable in your new flip-flops. Wear them if you must, but keep them on--especially when you go to the bathroom. See #2 above. If you're one of those folks who takes off your shoes and puts on socks, then bring a baggie for your socks. You really, really don't want them mingling with your other possessions before they get fumigated.

The funny thing is that I'm really not a germ-o-phobe. I believe in exposure to different pathogens--builds a strong immune system. And you could make yourself into another Howard Hughes by dwelling on all the dirty places on a plane. Try to strike a balance in your approach. And wash your hands often.

So, that's this week's cheerful Thursday Three! 

Safe travels!

 

 

 

Related articles

Study: Airplane Tray Tables Carry Much More Than Your Soda And Pretzels

Germs on a Plane: 6 Places They Live the Longest

Three Pieces of Clothing Every Boomer Woman Should Own...Actually, Every Woman!

Can flying make you ill?

Las Vegas: Love It and Leave It

Today, I'm reposting a very popular Blix. It was written in the summer, when the town was sizzling. Literally. But my perspective and observations remain the same..

Las Vegas. Sin City.  I'm just back from a short trip there, and once again, I pause to consider this "adult playground" plopped in the middle of the desert.  For this Blix, I will set aside any ecological concerns (Lake Mead is dropping an astounding two feet a year, due to the overexpansion of the  area) and just focus on the phenomenon of  Las Vegas itself. 

I find it magical; the lights alone are seductive.  There's a feeling of decadence that you want to immerse yourself in.  No clocks. The endless sound of "Cocktails?" in the casino is like the call of the Sirens. And always, the possibility of winning. 

No matter how you feel about gambling, you have to admit that the gaming industry is pretty clever to entice ordinary folks to fly to an unbearably hot part of the country--the temperatures last week ranged between 107-112 degrees--by offering themed casinos.  I'm certain there are people who really, really believe they've been to the top of the Eiffel Tower or taken an actual gondola ride in Venice.  Can't you just hear it: "Ethel, why would anyone go to Europe--where they don't even speak English--when everything is right here?"

Entertainment is another draw.  Take your pick: singers, magicians, impersonators, bawdy reviews. Six Cirque du Soleil shows, from biographical to sexual.  Musicals, neatly compressed into 90 minutes, so two performances can be offered each evening.  Get 'em in, get 'em out.  A quick look at Vegas.com tells me there are at least a hundred shows.  The price range is wide, but the heavy-hitters will take the equivalent of a mortgage payment:  a ticket to Cirque du Soleil's "O" is $173.  The wacky Blue Man Group will cost you $150.  Are you a Jerry Seinfeld fan?  For $97.50, you can sit up in the second mezzanine; if you actually want to see him, you'll need $180 each.  Since most visitors travel in pairs, and prices don't include tips for the drinks involved, we're talking a lot of hard-earned cash.

Then there's the food.  Like Elvis, the days of the $1 shrimp cocktail are gone, and not coming back.  Given the impact of the current economy on discretionary spending, I did admire the "All Day, Seven Buffet" Pass for $34.99 (if you're a Harrah's card holder, easy enough to obtain...otherwise, it's $39.99 for the rest of us)  Many people see Las Vegas as one continuous buffet, so this bargain will be popular, I'm sure. Foodies will turn up their noses at the idea, and head to the upscale restaurants bearing the names of famous chefs.  Any chef worth his/her salt has a restaurant.  And an entree will cost much more than that all-day buffet pass.  Still, people make reservations months in advance to sit at Joel Robuchon's, a Michelin 3-star winner.  Bring all those slot winnings--it costs $385 for the signature 16-course tasting menu.

You may read this and think that I'm being critical of Las Vegas.  Au contraire!  There is nothing like it, anywhere.  It's intoxicating. For a long weekend. I'm always puzzled by people who pride themselves on never having been there.  It's a tribute to American ingenuity, and deserves at least a quick visit.  You don't have to drop much money to have a good time--the people watching is priceless.   Every clothing choice possible is being modeled, at any given moment.  I swear that some people were cleaning their garage and suddenly whisked to The Strip.  And if you've ever wondered where all the fanny packs went when they fell out of style, your question will be answered.  Same with the bridesmaid dresses that someone actually believed could be worn again.  It's a fashion carnival.

Then there's the other end of  the spectrum.  Even though I heartily endorse Las Vegas vacations, I don't understand the need to go several times a year.  I know people who go...Every. Single. Year. And never anywhere else.  It's fun, but not that much fun.  These folks will testify that they go for the food--usually the buffets--and the sunshine.  They will also say they love feeling like they're in Central Park as they stroll New York New York.  They will continue to follow their pattern forever, and eagerly await the next big hotel and casino. (With lots of water fountains and artificial canals, ponds, rivers...)  That's all fine, really, heaven knows Las Vegas needs lots of business right now.

If you haven't been to Las Vegas in awhile, you might want to give it a go.  If you have been, don't give it up forever, but consider branching out.  It's a wonderful world...and you might be surprised by how big the real Eiffel Tower is! Or how delicious real Italian gelato can taste. Not to mention the size of the real city of New York.

Just saying.

Camino Countdown--20 Weeks: Can You Name Some Famous Pilgrims?

"Loved the Camino! Don't miss your chance to visit the Elvis Bar!" --St. Francis

Oh, sure. Sooner or later, I knew you would ask this question. The Celebrity Factor is always there. True then, true now.  While the Camino de Santiago hosts over 100,000 pilgrims a year, it's not exactly a place where the "in"crowd hangs out.

For one thing, the 500-mile walk takes some serious time. At least a month. Then, there's the Luxury-less factor. Except for a couple of Paradors (old castles or monasteries converted into 5-Star hotels) the living is basic. The daily routine is predictable: Wake up, walk, eat, wash clothes, eat, sleep...

Still, there had to be someone of note who took on this challenge. It took a little digging--and you may not recognize all these pilgrims--but here goes:

First across the finish line: Gotescalco, archbishop of Le Puy, a French town.  In 950 AD, he was the first to register at the Cathedral.  Apparently, he was a bit of a rock star, and was accompanied by a large number of groupies.

Pilgrim who was later played by Charlton Heston:  El Cid - According to the Castilian epic poems, Rodrígo Díaz de Vivar, the famous "Cid Campeador," the popular Christian hero who contributed to the unification of Spain, was one of the famous pilgrims to arrive at Compostela. His purpose was to kneel down in front of the Apostle Santiago. But, alas, there is no proof of that. The assumption that the Cid made the Route comes from many legends that were spread after his death. But...at least in the movie version, El Cid got to claim Sophia Loren as his bride!

First Tourist Guide:  Aimery (Aymeric) Picaud, a French monk, is one of the most famous pilgrims who made the Route to Santiago. Around 1140 he wrote the "Pilgrim Guide to Santiago de Compostela", which is included in the 5th book of the "Codex Calixtus." Picaud´s work is considered the first tourist guide ever written. It describes his journey from Roncesvalles to Santiago; just like any other modern pilgrim guide, it gives information about places to stay, gastronomy, recommendations, art, architecture, and dangers that may occur through the Way.

Most Famous Saint:  Saint Francis of Assisi wandered along the Camino from 1213-1215.  It took him two years, because he kept stepping off the path to start new monasteries.

Royalty Galore:  Not all prilgrims on the Camino de Santiago are anonymous people. On the contrary, over the history, the Route has seen many distinguished people, including members of royal houses, such as: Matilde, daughter of Enrique I, King of England, in 1125; Guillermo X, Duke of Aquitania, in 1137; Alfonso VII, in 1138; Luis VII, King of France, in 1154; and Santa Isabel of Portugal in 1325. In 1488, all the Catholic Kings travelled to Santiago of Compostela to honour “Santiago Matamoros,” as St. James the Warrior is called, because of his ability to defeat the Moors.  

Most Famous Contemporary Author: Paulo Coelho. Either you understand Coelho, or you don't. Even if you can't figure out for the life of you what the man is trying to convey, you've still heard of him; he's among the most-read writers in the world. In 1986, Coelho walked the Camino, and considered it a turning point in his life. On the path, Coelho had a spiritual awakening, which he described autobiographically in The Pilgrimage. In an interview, Coelho stated "[In 1986], I was very happy in the things I was doing. I was doing something that gave me food and water – to use the metaphor in "The Alchemist", I was working, I had a person whom I loved, I had money, but I was not fulfilling my dream. My dream was, and still is, to be a writer." Coelho would leave his lucrative career as a songwriter and pursue writing full-time.

Celebrity with Most Past Lives:  Shirley Maclaine, the "recognized" actress, set out to walk the Camino and exploit its history by adding in her non-stop discoveries about her relationships in past lives. I already wrote about how terrible the book was, but I will include her her (for the last time, I promise) because she did win an Academy Award....hence, that makes her a celebrity.

I like that the list isn't an endless "Who's Who" on the Camino. I also like that I'm getting there before Prince William and Kate decide to tackle it, and bring half the world with them.  It's nice to be a nobody and just walk alone. I want peace and quiet for my own possible spiritual awakening...

 

Related articles

Camino Countdown--24 Weeks: Are There Any Ugly Places on the Camino?

Camino Countdown--26 Weeks: What to Read?

Camino Countdown--22 Weeks: What Is a Pilgrim Passport?

Camino Countdown--33 Weeks: Why Are You Doing This?

Camino Countdown--21 Weeks: Is It True About the Bed Bugs?

 

"Good night, sleep tight...Don't let the bed bugs bite..."

Yes, it seems true about the bed bugs. Sort of. A little bit, maybe. The topic always pops up on pilgrim forums. But the experiences are all over the spectrum. One person says he's walked five Caminos and never encountered one. Another says she had to bypass an alburgue that was closed for three days for fumigation. A third claims her son's feet and ankles were chewed up by chinches.

It's an unpleasant topic, but not a deadly one. Bed bugs are not considered a medical or public health hazard, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC goes on to label them an "annoyance" because they can cause itching and sleep loss. (I'm thinking that people complain more about the snoring of fellow bunkmates as genuine sleep disruptance!)

Who's at risk for getting bitten? Our own super-smart CDC folks tell us, "..usually around or near where people sleep." Wow! Bed bugs = near beds! Who would've thought?? But wait, there's more: "Everyone is at risk for getting bed bugs when visiting an infected area."  Another great insight! Uninfected areas tend  not to have bed bugs. Geniuses at work.

To make today's topic more fun, I'm going to throw in a couple of  bed bug jokes and interesting facts.
JOKE:
Q: Did you hear about the two bed bugs who met in a mattress?
A:  They got married in the spring.
FACT:  
Bed bugs have an unusual way of reproducing. It's called "Traumatic Insemination." The male simply stabs the female in the side with his, ahem, organ. Somehow the sperm locates the eggs. The female can survive one of these events, but after that, it's not uncommon for females to avoid males. Go figure.

What do do about the little intruders? Some people suggest spraying Permethrin, a chemical developed by the Army to protect soldiers in tropical places. It gets sprayed on clothing and sleeping bags and seems to keep away just about any kind of critter. However...it's toxic to animals and fish. Hmmm...so, why would I want to have it near ME? Or any breathing creature?

Other techniques include using a sleeping bag liner or simply checking for signs of them before settling in. That will be my choice: look for their skeletons; check the folds of sheets and seams of mattresses; inspect the bed for tiny "black pepper"spots. Unpack belongings every few days and shake them out, just to be sure. Bring along some cortisone cream.

JOKE:
Q: What is a bed bug's favorite drink?
A:  A Bloody Mary!

FACT:
Unlike other insect pests, there is no relationship between cleanliness and having bed bugs. They have been reported in Five-Star hotels all over the world. Bed bugs have no bias in who they select.

Of the many Camino books I've read, none of my favorites even bothered to mention bed bugs. The negative-slanted books gave them some attention.  I'm thinking that bed bugs are a matter of deciding: Do you want to meet up with them, or not? 

No, thank you.

 

Related articles

Camino Countdown--34 Weeks: Are You Nuts?

Camino Countdown--30 Weeks: Is There REALLY a Race for Beds?

Camino Countdown--22 Weeks: What Is a Pilgrim Passport?

 

“Once a year go someplace you’ve never been before.” --Dalai Lama

How does a pilgrim prove that he or she has, indeed, made the required journey on the Camino de Santiago?  Proof is a serious matter. In order to obtain a Compostela--the certificate issued by the Pilgrims' Office in Santiago--you have to demonstrate that you have walked at least the last 100 kilometers (62 miles) of the Camino (200 kilometers if you cycle).  Those of us who intend to walk the entire 790 kilometers  have definite opinions about those who jump in at the final 100, but that's another Blix...

The proof is in the form of a fold-out piece of paper that all pilgrims carry, and protect as if it were a newborn baby. It's called a Credential (Credencial), or Pilgrim Passport. After the walk, it becomes a cherished keepsake. During the walk...it's your lifeline.

You get a Credential at the start of your pilgrimage. Some folks order them ahead, through their own country's Pilgrim Confraternity. I'm holding out for the French one, which I'll pick up in St. Jean Pied-de-Port, my starting point. Once I get it, I'll keep it safe in a waterproof Baggie.

Here's how it works, explained by Americans on the Camino:    "While on their journey along the Camino de Santiago, pilgrims carry a credential (credencial), a document with which the pilgrim authenticates his or her progress by obtaining sellos (stamps) along the way. Sellos can be obtained at most hotels and inns, restaurants, bars, churches, museums, city halls, police stations and at all albergues."

Each stamp (sello) is unique to its source. Some are quite decorative, some portray a scene, story,  or person associated with  the stop.  Here are some examples:

Very pretty, aren't they?  You would want to collect them anyway.  Good thing, because there are rules to be followed, regarding the sellos.

1.  In order to stay in an alburgue along the Camino, you must present your passport to show that you walked (or cycled) from previous villages. Only "authentic" pilgrims are allowed to stay in these inexpensive means of hospitality. 

2.  For the first 400 miles, you must have one sello a day, to show that you are making continual progress. It's a good idea to get a couple each day--plus, they're pretty and help you remember your stops when you get back home.

3. During the final 100 kilometers, pilgrims are required to get two sellos a day. Because this is the minimum distance required, and because many people begin their walk in Sarria (the 100 kilometer town), more proof is necessary. Keeps everyone honest...although a pilgrimage seems like a terrible time to choose to lie. You're ending up at a cathedral holding the bones of St. James!

4. On completion of your pilgrimage at Santiago de Compostela, you present your credencial at the Pilgrim Office beside the Cathedral. You will then be given your Compostela certificate, the traditional document, in Latin, confirming your completion of the pilgrimage.

Then you take it home and frame it. Or put it in your bank vault. You also start to wonder if you wouldn't like to do another pilgrimage, along a different route...

 

 

 

Related articles

An Overview Of The Camino De Santiago Spain

The Credencial

Camino Countdown--25 Weeks: Can You Show Us Some Highlights?

Camino Countdown--34 Weeks: Are You Nuts?

Camino Countdown--30 Weeks: Is There REALLY a Race for Beds?

Camino Countdown--33 Weeks: Why Are You Doing This?

Camino Countdown--23 Weeks: What About Vanity?

"Some women should never leave the house without mascara. Even to go to the mailbox. I am one of them. You are not." --Nana, to Saedy

Confession: The quote above is mine. Shallow, I know. I wear make-up. Everyday, unless I'm sick...and that's only because I stay home alone. My make-up routine is not extravagant, but enough that I feel ready to "face" the day. Personally, I blame those Seventeen magazines from high school, with the gorgeous teen models, for my fifty-year habit. Remember Colleen Corby?  "The face of a generation." Well, it certainly wasn't MY face. I wasn't alone; we all felt the same way. Every teen girl in America scoured each month's issue for her elusive secrets, then raced to the drug store for the Cover Girl or Maybelline products that would fully transform us, inexplicably, into a Colleen. Or a Cheryl Tiegs. Or a Twiggy.

Thanks for the trip down Memory Lane, you say. But what the heck does any of this have to do with the Camino de Santiago?

Glad you asked. I'm in need of some advice.

Because now comes the Camino question: In a backpack that's smaller than a carry-on suitcase, filled with everything needed for six weeks--including rain and cold weather gear--is Vanity allotted any space? If so, how much? If not, how do I cope without my daily "friends"??

Here's the bottom line: Every single gram or ounce matters. Even an extra "just in case" item can weigh a pilgrim down during the day-after-day trek. It really can be the straw that breaks the camel's back. As I check the Camino websites, I read this over and over and over again. From the first day out, each stop has boxes to discard items that people thought were essential. Then realized they weren't. Or, you can choose to mail them ahead to Santiago de Compostela, if you absolutely must reconnect with your extra possessions at the end of the journey. So...a smart person would take advantage of all this wisdom and pack appropriately. Right?

We'll get to this in a future Blix, but advice regarding how to reduce backpack weight goes so far as to recommend taking the pulls off zippers and sawing the handle off your toothbrush..and then drilling holes into the remaining stub. Everything should have a double purpose: Your rain poncho can be a picnic cloth. One small bottle of liquid soap for hair, shower, and laundry.

You see where I'm going with this.

Mascara really has only one job to do. Same with eyeliner and blush. Together, they will weigh several ounces, or about 100 grams.  Hair conditioner?  Too heavy. Out of the question. Tweezers for the brows? Lipstick? Razor? And what about moisturizer? Go ahead and laugh. I'd laugh with you--and maybe will after I get there--but right now, I'm in a quandry. Work with me here.

When I made my original packing list, I added "nice scarf." My thought was that after a day of walking, followed by a refreshing shower and change of clothes--even though it was the only alternate outfit, featuring zip-off shorts--that a flashy scarf would add a touch of pizazz to my microfiber/wicking/quick dry shirt. While I still cling to the vision, an extra scarf takes up space and weight. Even as I type this, I can tell it's a bad idea.

How bare-bones can I get? Maybe that's a lesson of the pilgrimage, to learn how to live lean and spare. Today, I'm dead-set on mascara and moisturizer. (Sunscreen is a given, not a cosmetic.)

A few years ago, I looked into an assignment in the Peace Corps. Having missed my chance the first time around, I thought it might be satisfying now. Then, I realized the Peace Corps couldn't guarantee a stint in Paris or any city with an art museum and wine. In fact, they tend to drop you off in a remote place where you're lucky to have water. But was I worried about living in a hut? Not knowing the language? Or being exposed to an exotic disease? No! I wondered how I would keep up my hair color. (Not my proudest moment. And I'm embarrassed to even be writing this, but I promised to always be honest. Don't judge me.)

We'll know more when the actual packing begins in a few weeks. I suspect I will make room for a few of the "essentials." What I don't know is if I will toss them along the way.

What would YOU do, steadfast readers?

 

Related articles

Camino Countdown--26 Weeks: What to Read?

Camino Countdown--25 Weeks: Can You Show Us Some Highlights?

Camino Countdown--27 Weeks: Got Toilet Paper?

Camino Countdown--28 Weeks: How Do You Train?

Camino Countdown--24 Weeks: Are There Any Ugly Places on the Camino?

"I think the most important thing is to be in a good mood and enjoy life, wherever you are." --Diane von Furstenberg

Nothing's perfect, right? And we sometimes need the ugly to help us appreciate the beautiful. Agree? 

Plus, it's a modern world, with necessary things such as highways, trucks, airports, fences, and other structures that we don't normally find unattractive. In fact, we don't even think about them in our daily world. It's just part of how life is now. 

But on the Camino, after spending so much time on rural paths, the contrast can be jolting. In fact, most pilgrims--even the urban lovers, like me--report that entering cities after so much silence is sensory overload. People tend to pass through as quickly as possible. 

Today, let's look at some "ordinary" sights that suddenly leap out at pilgrims. The path of over 1,000 years collides with modern civilization at several points during the Camino. More than once, pilgrims are required to walk on highway shoulders. Hoping they are seen by speeding motorists. One or two pilgrims a year are killed by drivers, so it's a legitimate matter of concern.

Safety aside, let's look at a few of the less attractive sights on the Camino de Santiago. I give full credit to Sherry Ott for these photos. (She has a great website: www.ottsworld.com--an interesting woman who gave up corporate life to build a new career around travel. Just promise you won't leave me for her...)

Ready?

Entering Leon.  Yes, there is a pilgrim sign. No, it's not pretty. Then again, it could be just about any metropolitan area. Nothing here yells out, "Spain!"

 

Another view along the Leon path. I'm actually interested in getting to Leon, because hardly any pilgrims like it. It's a big city that crops about halfway through the Camino. Very industrialized, very busy. Is it because it's the first real city after so much quiet, and jangles the nerves? Or is it really that bad? I'll have to get back to you on that.

Remember Burgos, with the astounding cathedral? Enjoy it...when you leave town, you will walk by the Burgos airport and get this view.

Industry is unversal, along with rust. So is gang grafitti. This is near Santo Domingo, which holds one of the sweet stories of the Camino. Saint Dominic (Dominic Garcia, born in 1019) devoted his life to making the route better for pilgrims. After his application to be a monk was declined, he built a pilgrim "hospital" and a church and roads and bridges...which are still used today. And he got the last laugh, because he became a saint, not the guys at San Millan monastery who turned him away.

The only thing good about this tunnel is that it has nice yellow arrows to point you in the right direction. Otherwise, it creeps me out.

On any day, in any country, gas stations are a normal sight. I probably pass half a dozen on my way to work each morning. But, suddenly, they seem out of place on the ancient route where pilgrims have walked for over a thousand years. On the other hand...need a snack before you head out of town?

You get the idea. Everyday sights, that our eyes don't even register. But are suddenly out of place on an ancient path. Only a fraction of the time on El Camino de Santiago is spent on highways and trekking past the necessary "by-products" of civilization. I thought it might be interesting to share, though, in case you had decided that every step was spent gazing at non-stop beauty.

 

Related articles

Camino Countdown--33 Weeks: Why Are You Doing This?

Camino Countdown--30 Weeks: Is There REALLY a Race for Beds?

Camino Countdown--27 Weeks: Got Toilet Paper?

Camino Countdown--26 Weeks: What to Read?

Camino Countdown--25 Weeks: Can You Show Us Some Highlights?

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”
— Marcel Proust

During the Camino Countdown, I've mentioned how pretty this hike is. The types of landscapes, the ancient structures, the little villages, the big cities. Cathedrals. Castles. Cute bartenders.

How about I show you a few of the things I'm looking forward to? Sit back today and enjoy the show!
(Notice: All photos were found on generic Google searches. I wish I knew who to credit for these lovely shots, and will gladly do so if anyone can tell me. I am using them in good faith, and hope another pilgrim will do the same with mine in the future.)

St. Jean Pied-de-Port. The French Basque town where many start their Camino.          
 Moi, aussi!

The view as pilgrims climb to Roncevalles, the Spanish Basque town in the Pyrenees. The first 17 miles include a 4,000 elevation hike. Puff, puff, puff!

Here's the wine fountain! The sign on the fountain says, "Pilgrim, if you wish to arrive at Santiago full of strength and vitality, have a drink of this great wine and make a toast to happiness." 

There is now a new sign about after you have your one little drink. Loosely translated: "Enough, already! If you want to fill your Camelbak, you can buy more at the shop." Share, pilgrims!

Burgos Cathedral, considered the most beautiful in Spain.

The Meseta region of Spain. Flat and fertile, this is the "breadbasket" of the nation.

 A tiny village on the Camino. Some towns have only 20 residents. 

How about a Roman bridge? There are several...

The Knights Templar castle...these knights were truly Good Guys, but the King and Pope got jealous. In short order, the Knights were arrested for blasphemy, tortured and put to death.

Getting closer to Santiago. In Galicia, with mountains and mist.

Plazas are for people-watching. And for pausing to have a snack, write in your journal, or just rest for a spell.

Here it is...the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of St. James lie. The end of the pilgrimage, unless you wish to continue 80 more kilometers to Finesterra and the Atlantic Ocean. Finesterra means "the end of the earth"...what everyone thought before Columbus would prove them wrong.

 

Dazzling, no? But, surely, you say, it's not one Kodak moment after another. You're absolutely right! Next time, I'll show you some of the less attractive spots on the Camino de Santiago.

Related articles

Camino Countdown--34 Weeks: Are You Nuts?

Camino Countdown--33 Weeks: Why Are You Doing This?

Camino Countdown--28 Weeks: How Do You Train?

Camino Countdown--26 Weeks: What to Read?

Camino Countdown--30 Weeks: Is There REALLY a Race for Beds?

Camino Countdown--26 Weeks: What to Read?

 

“In books I have traveled, not only to other worlds, but into my own.”  (Anna Quindlen)

For me, reading is an important part of preparing for a trip. Time on earth is short, and the chance that I will be able to return to most places is unlikely. Especially true for this journey, a walk across Spain. 

It's more than just learning what I should pack or how much money to bring. Anticipation is also part of the adventure; the stories of those who have gone before me make me wonder what events will shape my own experience of the Camino.

There is no shortage of books about walking the 500 miles. I've read about a half dozen. Each pilgrim feels that his or her journal is unique and read-worthy. True enough, I find something of value in each one. How else would I have learned to bring large safety pins to secure my daily laundry to the clothes line?  But as we all know, just because it's been published, doesn't mean it's a good book. (Which explains Fifty Shades of Grey...)

When it comes to the Camino de Santiago, every pilgrim is an expert.

Today, I offer four examples of Camino memoirs. Two are marvelous, two set my teeth on edge. No guide books here--those serve an entirely different purpose. Rather, these are personal accounts of pilgrims. I won't even attempt to be objective in my reviews.