Wow, is there really only 10 days left until I embark on the journey of my lifetime thus far? Amazing. Really. I can hardly believe I've manifested this dream into reality. I'm feeling much more confident about who I am and what I'm capable of after reading my initial posting. Journaling and supporting myself with strong, loving friends and family who imbue me with love and confidence are good medicine for self-doubt. This walk is a part of my sacred contract this lifetime and my ancient, indigenous heart and strong, long legs beg me to walk, and walk very far. There's no doubt that once-upon-a-time I was nomadic...that I moved with the seasons, that I once hunted, gathered, traded, herded. I long for this Long Walk on a cellular level. I am so grateful for this synchronization, for this opportunity to fulfill a long overdue dream.
I've been busy...I'm not the type to over plan because I want to follow my natural rhythms and curiosity, but I have arranged for my first couple of days' accommodations leading up to The Long Walk. I thought you might be interested in checking out the cool places from which I'll start my journey. In Madrid I've chosen to stay at the Hostal San Blas. It's only a 5 minute walk from the Train Station, which is super, because I'm catching the 9am train to Seville the next morning. Plus I could get a private room with a bathroom, which will be considered a luxury just days after I embark on the trail! The next night in Seville I'm staying in this funky, avant garde style hostel called La Caja Habitada.The reviews (always check out the reviews!) are pretty positive and it looks clean and comfortable. Here I've opted to stay in a room that sleeps 4, moving into the refugio lifestyle that I'll be experiencing for the following 7 weeks.
Refugios and albergues are hostels meant only for pilgrims of the Camino and, as a pilgrim, you're expected to keep moving and so can only stay in each refugio for a period of one night unless you're unwell or injured. Some have curfews and many expect the pilgrims to be out at an early hour. Refugios generally consist of a room full of bunkbeds, cots or mattresses and a bathroom with shower. Some have a kitchen and/or washer, lots don't. But after walking 20-30kms a day between refugios I'm okay with paying someone to feed me and fine with washing my personals in a sink and letting them dry on the back of my pack in the sun. Refugios are generally very, very affordable and some are by donation only. They're often volunteer run and located in buildings such as old schools, churches or community centres. Basic, yes, but all one needs, really. I'm looking forward to a minimalist lifestyle, there's something about the simplicity of it all that feels really right to me.
If you're reading this, you're likely someone who sparks me, someone I care for, and someone who cares for me and that's why I've ensured you have this blog link. Thank you for checking in. I can't tell you how moved I am by the number of you who have taken the time to write, taken me out to lunch or for a brew, called or reached out in any way to wish me well on my journey. It means so very much to me. I have so many wondrous, beautiful people supporting me in this venture. My family: Easter weekend was a blessing! Feasting and catching up couldn't have come at a better time. I so enjoyed my time with you all! Also, I want to thank, in advance, my second family, the Firekeepers, for hosting a sweat for me. See you on the inside ;) And, as a reminder to you all, we're having a party at the The Albion in Guelph at Norfolk & MacDonnell on Saturday, April 21st from 8:30pm until 2am. You're more than welcome and I'd love to see you out.
Sincerely,
Kim
