... from Lezama, Spain

Day: 6 (June 3)

Miles Today: 12

Total Miles Completed: 75 (roughly)

We're learning what "Camino friends" are. 

 I'm hiking with two other Americans close to my age. Although most of the pilgrims are European and older than us,  they've embraced us. We cook each other dinner. We do laundry together. We know each other's physical weaknesses and daily check-in with "How's your knee?" or "Do your feet feel any better today?" 

Maybe voluntarily putting your body through pain is a bonding experience. Maybe the kind of person who uses their vacation days to go on a spiritual pilgrimage is just super kind. And the cheap but delicious Spanish wine certainly doesn't hurt. 

... from San Sebastián, Spain

Day: 1 (May 29)

Miles Today: 15

Just after we began, The Camino offered us a choice-- the good way or the other way. The good way began with what our guide book described as a "brutal ascent," but had an ancient fort and towers surrounded by gorgeous ocean and mountains. The other way was easier, but less spectacular.

We chose the good way. It was rough. A fog set over, and we couldn't see anything anyway. 

When explaining the trip we're on to other travelers, we are asked, "WHY would you do that?" 

I'm still not exactly sure. But it seems like choosing the good way. 

... from Madrid, Spain

This morning I visited El Museo Tiflológico, the Blind Museum. Everything inside could be touched. Pieces included famous landmarks at 1/200th of their original size. This allowed me to imagine what it would be like to visit places like the Taj Mahal and the Eifel Tower if I were A) blind and B) a giant.

The highlight for me was the replica of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the end destination of our hike.

Which makes me wonder: would it be easier or harder to hike the 500 miles if I were blind and 200 times my current size? (Comments Welcome)

If everything goes according to plan, you'll see the real one in about 37 days.

... from Columbia, MO

I'm back!

I've decided to hike a 500 mile trail across Spain: El Camino de Santiago. Christians have been hiking it in veneration of St. James and to score points with God since the Middle Ages.  It also inspired the Olle Path where Andrew and I spent our happiest moments in Korea.

Not surprisingly, I've decided to go last-minute. The last weeks have been a blur of training, reviewing Spanish and buying hiking gear.

I know stories about other people's hike are inherently boring, but I do have a 100 word limit. Plus this way you'll know I'm still alive...

Fifteen pounds of stuff and two feet

(I spent way more time choosing the backpack then deciding to go on the trip)

... from Myawaddy, Burma

We walked across the “Friendship” bridge into Burma, watching boats of illegals going back and forth underneath us.

It was like crossing from the US to Mexico, only in this scenario, the US is Thailand. Burma makes Thailand look like a rich country with great infrastructure and healthy dogs.

The only really pleasurable part of the experience was in the immigration “office”, where we listened to a Brit trying to haggle with the Burmese guard on the entry fee. The Burmese immigration officials, incidentally, are the nicest of anywhere I’ve ever been, but were still unable to reduce the price. 

"You may know it better as Myanmar, but it will always be Burma to me."

 -Mr. Peterman, Seinfeld Episode "The Foundation"

... from Mae La Refugee Camp, Thailand (Part II)

Things I’ve learned about snakes:

1) To kill a snake, hit its head with a stick, then cut off the tail. The snake's life is in its tail.

2) Snake meat is the second most delicious to human meat. (I'm told.)

3) A pregnant woman can’t be hurt by a snake’s poison. If the snake bites her, it will die, because she has her own poison.

4) If you are bit by a snake, try to catch it so you can take it to the hospital. It will help the doctor to know what kind of snake bit you.  

Our house

... from Mae La Refugee Camp, Thailand

Teaching in a refugee camp, I’m quickly learning that my job entails more than just traditional classroom responsibilities.

One of the extras included directing a play to be performed for several hundred people at graduation. I lamented that my sister is not here, who works professionally for theaters. The Vice-Principal told me firmly, “It’s good she’s not here. Now you can learn.”

It's a good motto. I'm realizing that I dread doing practical things. I often wish someone more competent, resourceful, or tougher was here to do the stuff that needs to be done. But now I can learn. 

Andrew with our two stars