On Day 1 as we began our epic walk on the Camino de Santiago and as we began to ascend the pass over the Pyrenees (and I was barely breathing) a man came up from behind us, greeted us with the international “Buen Camino” and passed by. But then he turned back and asked where we were from and the conversation went a little something like this.
Hey, my name is Carl.
Hey, Carl, I’m Patti, this is my husband, Abi.
Carl: Where you from?
Me: America
Carl: Where about?
Me: Washington, D.C.
Carl: I have a (relative) who lives in Pennsylvania.
Me: Ah, not too far.
Carl: It’s as hard as the books say, yeah?
Me: Yep.
Carl: Are you Catholic?
Me: No, I’m about as far from being Catholic as a body can be.
Carl: That’s okay. You don’t have to be.
Carl: I met a man last year who was an atheist.
Me: Ah. (desperately trying to change the subject) So you’ve walked the Camino before?
Carl: I walked 1/2 way last year, I’m hoping to finish this year.
Carl: Anyway, this guy I met said he was an atheist, but by the time he reached Santiago he had found his faith.
Me: Uh huh.
Carl: When you get to Santiago, you’ll think differently. I think you’ll find your faith.
Me: Okay, well, I don’t know about that.
Carl: But this thing the two of you are doing – walking the Camino de Santiago together – it’s the greatest gift you can give yourselves. Truly, it is. And when you get to Santiago, remember my name, Carl, and remember I told you these things and that I believe you’ll have found your faith.
Carl: Buen Camino!
Me: Buen Camino!
We have not seen Carl again since that first day on the mountain. He was right, I will remember his name, but not for the reason he thinks. First, I’ll remember him because of his presumption to tell me it was okay that I was not Catholic. I pretty much already knew that. Second, because although the entire conversation annoyed me greatly, now that I’m a seasoned walker of 11 days, I think back on the conversation and silently smile.
I have no religious convictions, not for the lack of my parents making me attend Lutheran services every Sunday of my upbringing, but I do believe angels walk among us. Go figure. I’m not walking the Camino searching for answers, hell, I don’t even have the questions. I’d be happy with a pain free day.
After wondering about Carl from time to time over the past 10 days, I think perhaps it is Carl who is searching for his faith. His need to tell others that they instead will find it helps to convince himself that this time he’ll make it to Santiago, and this time maybe he’ll find his faith.
So, Carl, this is for you. I hope you reach Santiago and I hope you find your faith.
Instagram Feed
I felt annoyed reading that conversation; how irritating that he told you it was ok not to be catholic, as if you needed permission! I think you’re right, it sounds more like he’s hoping to find his faith. It’s interesting to hear about the different people you’re meeting on the road 🙂
Amy recently posted…How Much Money Can you Earn from Teaching in Vietnam?
I do think he meant well, but you usually don’t launch into such a conversation with someone in the first 2 seconds! 🙂
Meeting people and exchanging ideas and beliefs is possibly one of the highlights of the Camino? But faith and beliefs are a very personal thing, like you I don’t practice any particular religion, but I believe in peace, love and being a good person. I hope your blister will heal very soon. Buon Camino!
Gilda Baxter recently posted…Tobago – Hello Old Friend!
Completely agree, Gilda, meeting people is a big part of walking the Camino and we’ve met lots of interesting people. I just found Carl a bit too forthright in his approach. Thanks for the good wishes.
When you truly have faith, in whatever, i is hard not to share the joy.
Valid point! 😉
A rather funny encounter, but I agree that Carl is trying to find his faith. Hope those feet are doing better.
Gaelyn recently posted…Moving the wheelestate
Sadly, the feet continue to sprout blisters. 🙁
Angels do walk among us, and they are more common on the Camino. I’m glad that you recognized Carl as one of them. Buen Camino!
That’s an interesting take, Cindy, because I didn’t see Carl as an angel. I saw him as someone who was seeking faith.
Aaargh. I have no idea how my first sentence got messed up. The first word was supposed to be “Methinks” and “Quijote is not supposed to be in that sentence.
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…Zentangle Diva’s Challenge #214 – Earth Day (Happy Birthday to Me Edition)
Damn auto correct!
Quijote’s.thinks you’re spot on about Carl. I hope to G-d (or whomever) that your feet improve. I’m still on my never ending quest for the perfect pair of walking shoes. They need to be slip on for airplanes, very comfortable for walking, and be stylish enough not to immediately out me as an American. I suspect my shoe quest will be about as successful as Don Quijote’s
Suzanne Fluhr recently posted…Zentangle Diva’s Challenge #214 – Earth Day (Happy Birthday to Me Edition)
You and me both my friend. If you find the perfect walking shoe let me know I can probably find it here and add it to my collection! 😉 I can’t keep carrying the weight of 3 pairs of shoes, but I don’t know which pair to let go of. The Camino is certainly testing me!