Postscript on the second Camino May-June 2019

The Camino de Santiago gives lasting imprint on oneself, physically and spiritually. Finishing the parcours naturally gives me satisfaction. A lot more was enjoyed among the pilgrims along the way, learning each other, making friends, the bonding is something one cherishes.

 

But the hardship, the pain, in the pilgrimage make me reminds of how difficult it was. The daily grind of doing the hike of more than 20 kilometers on hilly and mountainous terrain have taken toll in my body. How many times did I said to myself, to Jenny, my niece, and Jeffrey, her husband that I may not be able to continue and that I go home and they should go ahead instead. Cesar, if you want to know what really happened listen to your niece. They knew the travails I did undergo but they were so steadfast in giving me support but I had no choice except to go on. Count out not the morale support one's closest friends who kept you encouraged. Светлана Щеглова so thankful am I for you cherished my effort that much. Sveta that is so kind of you. To Rene your words of encouragement pushed me further. It went a long way.

 

Fellow pilgrims encouraged me to go on. Lorenzo and Luigi, the group of Giancarlo, Salvatore, Giuseppe I, Giuseppe II, all jolly middle-aged Italians, knew my travails, greeted me every time I finish the day or come across with them along the way so to the Brazilian ladies, Vanda, Norma and Nega. There was also Thea, the Swedish retired teacher one meets along the way, so too were the Hungarian ladies, whose names I never knew. Often along the way I met American students Phoebe and Sofia. South Koreans maidens Ju. Kate and the mysterious Young. The Japanese couple, Aila and Yaruko. Of course the Singaporean lawyer Elizabeth. Another lawyer Françoise, the Luxemburg attorney who quit her job in the government. The Korean Engineer Cho, together with the German IT expert Daniil, the detective Gunnar, the Slovenian teacher, Bojan, the Brazilian man Hitlig. The many others whom I don't know their name, anyway they greet one Buen Camino.

 

There were friendships made 4 years when I did the Camino. These friends gave their likings often to the daily FB posts. Anna, Zhana, Nelly, Emma, Donna, and others.

 

All that is left are memories, slowly fading away left only with foto's to remind oneself.

Then of course our hiking club members (Math) one must not forget for their encouragement.

Now back to reality.

 

My thigh muscles are still not in order after being overburdened in the 32-day 719 kilometer French Way trek to Santiago. The doctor saw no injury. The physiotherapist saw that as well, she explained the sharp pricking pain, sometimes numbness feeling on my thighs were symptoms of overtaxed muscles. She said this usually need 2 weeks to recover. (Since I am going again to take part on the 4-day Apeldoorn hiking, she advised me to follow my tempo, instead of following other's pace. That meant I have to go slow.) Oh here is a plus, after all these travails, I am now 4 kilos lighter. Crossing my fingers hoping I could maintain my 62 kilos.

 

The march of time is unstoppable and before many acquaintances in the Camino de Santiago are forgotten I post this.

Comments:

Emma Louise

Well done Jose! You are remarkable! Your encouragement has been steadfast since I met you 4 years ago and I appreciate and admire you greatly

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Jr Devera

Emma Before anything else forget not a video taken of you from behind -- walking!

Emma Louise

ill see what I can do tomorrow

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Nanette De Guzman Flores

Congratulations

, Kuya Peping, and

best wishes

on your next adventure!

 

Donna Feiersinger

I love hearing about your travels Jose. Well done

 

Rene Singson

GO GO JOE, YOU ARE THE MAN, MY FRIEND FROM ILOILO CITY

 

Jenny de Vera

Congrats

gihapon sa akong kusgan na Tiyo!

 

Emma Louise

Are you in Santiago Jose??

I’m in Cee - heading to Muxia tomorrow

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Jr Devera

Emma Louise gogogo!!! Me I am back in Netherlands two weeks ago. Huhuhu!

Emma Louise

very good Jose

 

Lecie Arce

Tibay mo rok, enjoy !

 

Cesar Devera

I'm proud of you Bro! Your camino is very inspiring ! Hinay hinay lang basta kanunay, ok na!

 

Rebecca Timogtimog

AyosMabuhay ka Pepng!

 

Orlando DE Vera

Your shared document is one that inspires me to go on the trek. Relax and recover your tired muscles. The Lord has other missions for you yet!

 

Anna Fekete

Big, big hug to you!!!!! you are amazing!

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Jr Devera

Anna Fekete O Anna thanks. It's not the same anymore. I hope you are fine.

 

Jenny de Vera

Jun Woo Cho

 

Emma Dolor

I'm so proud off you, Kuya Peping! Youy did it!!! I hope you said a littly prayer for me. More blessings are coming your way!!

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Jr Devera

Emma Dolor I did my offering to the Family on the foot of the Iron Cross (Cruz de Hierro).

Emma Dolor

Thanks Kuya Peping!

 

Jr Devera

Here brod Norman Bituin is a memento after making my second camino. A summing up dedicated to friends I met along the way and friends and family who gave me the courage to push through. Go brod go in once of a lifetime spiritual and physical endeavor.

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