Travel agents provide suggested reading list and itinerary of daily activities so that we know what to expect. Did I read any of the books? No. Did I read the itinerary? A little bit. Should I have read everything given to me and expected them to fulfill what was written, I will be totally surprised and disappointed.
I say surprise me! I am going out for a walk and I don’t want to think about this stuff.
“The best things in life are unexpected – because there were no expectations.” ~ Eli Khamarov
The walk is along the plains with flat easy walking on a beautiful sunny day with subtle breeze to keep us cool. I could never have conceived that I would ever walk the Camino de Santiago. From a small clipping I cut out in 2004, tuck it away and looked at it from time to time. Finally, I am here. It was astonishing to me, and still is. This is so unexpected to be at the field of the Lord.
One thing that took my breath away is a field that is astonishing, a field of never-ending Sunflowers.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain
With all these heavy heads, they seem to be bowing down except for one. This face stood out to greet me beaming with delight and happy to see me.
“The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” ~ G. K. Chesterton
At end of our walk there is a picnic lunch waiting for hungry and tired pilgrims. Our guides provided us with a good spread of late lunch and it is always a surprise to see what kind of feast they will offer. This time, caviar and anchovy were part of the menu. My palate was singing Alleluia for such delectable morsels.
“Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the ‘Titanic’ who waved off the dessert cart.” ~ Erma Bombeck
Everything seems to be a dream and if I am dreaming I want to stay asleep for a little bit longer. And I found this shirt at a hamlet where we stop by for coffee at the bar.
One of the travellers asked me if our trip is what I expected. Hell no. Beyond expectations filed with unexpected delightful surprises.
Photographs and Memories 
I know it’s difficult to write about a feeling! But you did….what a beautiful journey you are on and the best part…it has no end!
The pilgrimage carries on even tho’ we are no longer at Camino. Hi, Jim.
“The traveller sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” ~ G. K. Chesterton <– I absolutely love this line! Unfortunately, I'm a planner. But thank goodness, I also "just walk" to experience the moment. It is good to have balance. 🙂
Excellent quote, Tk. It is so true for I could never be a tourist. Balance is the key ingredient in travelling. Thanks.
A trip, like it is understood in Tagalog, should be to your liking. The surprise part makes it worthwhile.
How do you say it in tagalog? Surprise me.
Literally, gulatin mo ako. Figuratively, saan tayo punta?
Belly laugh, look who’s witty. You ARE! I just love our Filipino wit. Ha ha ha ….
Me? Nah! Just a jester on the side. Hahaha.
By the way, have you heard the song titled Sirena by Gloc-9? That is a witty song about a gay individual. A lively song of empowerment.
I am listening to the song right now.
give me the link and I’ll listen.
If you have YouTube, search Sirena by Gloc-9. It is the official video.
thanks.
That is EXCELLENT! My exposure as a child was very accepting on all kinds of gender. It was a good upbringing that “sexual preference” is not important. What is important how we treat one another.
Thank you, Belsbror.
Tolerance is the key. 🙂
I like the song primarily though because of the playful Tagalog lyrics. Poetry in a rap. 🙂
How beautiful – safe travels! xx
I’m already back, Joanne. This is my diary.
I’m glad you had a great trip!
A trip of a lifetime.
Glad you had a wonderful trip. That meal at the end of “el camino” looks tasty.
Fran and I haven’t yet done a group travel tour. When we travel every two years, we spend 6 months planning – pouring over maps, destinations and events in the evenings. We find it half the fun of the trip. We most certainly always love the unexpected thingas that occur along the way.
One things I recall as I travel, was told to me be New Mexico tribal police officer – “always know where you are.” Seems like simple advice, though it isn’t always easy – it really keeps me aware.
Lovely post, Seeker, and an inspiring pilgrimage.
I suppose if one goes in unchartered territory, one has to be aware and knows where one is. I would be too. Yes, planning is half of the fun as if you are already there when planning. In younger days, I used to take off with me and my car and a friend. Just ride to where the sun is shinning. No map. It was fun.
How wonderful that looks. I agree with you if you have no expectations you only have surprises. That is the best way to go. Great dream to go on!
Hi Ute. I like to dream and I surprise myself when it happens. Have grand day. Seeker.
Thank you for writing which is quite good and best wishes always, and greetings
Gede, welcome and thank you for your best wishes. I’ll come to visit you right after this. Seeker.