Day 23: Entering Galicia
Updates from walking the Camino de Santiago
“Excuse me, did you go to Williams College?”
“Yeah, I graduated not too long—Oh wow, that’s a lie. I graduated almost a decade ago. I’m just really tired.”
“We spotted your bag!”
I was carrying my old Williams Reunion bag. It’s a reusable shopping bag. I’ve had it since college (got it as a Reunion Ranger!). I rarely go anywhere without it. Not even the Camino de Santiago.
I didn’t expect a college tote to spark a reunion in rural Spain, but there we were, chatting about which dorms we lived in and our majors. It felt grounding. A reminder of who I’ve been, of my life outside of Spain.
There was something comforting about meeting someone who understood a bit more about where I come from. A reminder that my life off the trail still exists, even if it feels far away.
One pilgrim told me the Camino isn’t the real world. At first, I pushed back. “This is real life!” I said. But over the last week, I have come to understand what he meant. Out here, I’ve stepped outside my routines and my responsibilities. Time moves differently. Encounters are brief but meaningful. I wear the same clothes every day and carry everything I need on my back. It’s not less real, but it is a kind of pause. A suspended space.
Maybe that’s why it felt reassuring to talk to someone who once walked the same campus paths I did. It reminded me that the life I pressed pause on is still there. And after all this walking, I feel more ready to return to it.
In case you missed it: I’m currently walking the Camino de Santiago, an 800 km (500-mile) pilgrimage from St. Jean-Pied-De-Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. I’ll be sharing updates from the trail, covering everything from the joyful to the painful, the random to the meaningful. As someone who cares deeply about holistic health, loves being outside, and can overthink a pair of socks, I’ll be paying close attention to the food, the physical challenge, and the inner shifts that come with walking across a country.
Day 21-23
Kilometers Walked
Day 21: 32.2 km, Rabanal del Camino to Ponferrada
Day 22: 33.5 km, from Ponferrada to Trabadelo
Day 23: 30.3 km, from Trabadelo to Fonfría
Total so far: 729.5 km (453.3 miles), from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Fonfría
Wisdom Along The Way
Lately, the conversations have felt lighter. Not in a bad way—just different. I think I’ve been turning inward a bit too. I’ve been craving quiet walks more than company. Maybe we’re all starting to focus on finishing. The quiet feels right, like its own kind of company.
Photos!
Almost to Sarria. From here, the last 100 km begin. After all this walking, I’m ready to return. Not back, exactly. But forward.
Until next time,
Rebecca Grace
Congratulations Rebecca! I've been following our pilgrimage walking the Camino de Santiago! I've been so impressed and proud of you for embarking on this life-changing journey! And I've enjoyed seeing your healthy meals which have been keeping you fortified along the way. Good luck for your last 100!