“When in doubt, just take the next small step.”
– Paulo Coehlo, The Pilgrimage
This past weekend, my parents had the slightly insane idea of driving to Atlanta to see my brother’s soccer team play in their regional championship, only to turn around and head back to Virginia the very next day.
Oh, the things we do for family, right?
It’s amazing how much you can get done in twenty hours in a car. By which I obviously mean lots and lots of sleep, with your legs and back curled into positions that only a contortionist would find comfortable. But in the few hours I spent conscious (if not comfortable), I managed to finish something that’s been in the back of my mind for a while: a video about my time on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail.
In the two weeks I spent along the Way, one of my fellow pilgrims – lovely, witty John from Perth, Australia – had a habit of asking me, “But what are you going to do with all this?” referring to the notes, photos and video clips I was constantly amassing.
“I don’t know,” was my usual answer, but I had a hunch something would come of it all.
This video isn’t much, but it’s a start. I decided to explore one of the questions that was always on my mind – both during the Camino and in the months since I reached Santiago. As I asked here a few weeks ago:
What does it mean to be a pilgrim?
Furthermore, I hope it gives you a sense of what life is like along the Way. Words and photos only tell so much – I love that this video captures sounds, too: the crunch of our boots on the path, the ever-present din of cowbells, and the cheers and claps that often erupt in front of the cathedral in Santiago.
Enjoy!
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJrY3VtW2mY
Looking for more Camino de Santiago footage?
- Check out this video made by my friend and Camino-partner-in-crime, Erin Ridley.
- And then, of course, there’s The Way, the feature film written and directed by Emilio Estevez that stars his father, Martin Sheen.
I’m currently in nearby La Coruna, and every summer here, working at a summer camp, gets me closer to walking the Camino, something I’ve wanted to do for no less than seven years, since my first visit to Spain as a student. Just 53 more weeks and I’ll be in Roncesvalles! Better start practicing, I think! Emotional video, C.
Thank you so much, Cat. That’s amazing you’ve been in Spain for seven years – you definitely have to do the Camino at some point then 🙂 So are you thinking of walking it next year? I’m gutted I didn’t have a chance to check out San Jean and Roncesvalles this time, but I can’t wait to go back and walk it from there one day. Thanks again for your comment!
A Nice video!! There are so many pilgrimages where we have to walk ardous routes in the hills and the lofty Himalayas to reach the Temple. Reminded me of that. But as soon as you reach the destination, all the tiredness just vanishes.
Arti ~ India
Thanks, Arti! I loved what you had to say about pilgrimages in India as well. Have you heard of Nipun Mehta? He and his wife went on a 1,000km pilgrimage through village India, and he talks about it in a commencement speech here: http://www.dailygood.org/view.php?sid=236. Very inspiring!
I just read that wonderful piece! No wonder he got a standing ovation, just reading the article gave me goosebumps and left me teary eyed. Thanks for sharing Candace 🙂
Excellent! So glad you had a chance to read it, Arti. It’s a pretty special piece, isn’t it? 🙂
What a fantastic, beautiful, uplifting video. I love it. You know, I had to look up the definition of ‘pilgrim’ (forgive me, the idea wasn’t as entrenched in our history, not in English in any event, but if you’d asked me what it meant to be a Voortrekker, I could have answered that). Perhaps it means to move forwards for your beliefs? My upcoming pilgrimages are based in history and war, based on my interest in human rights and wrongs.
Thanks so much, Emm – I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this. And I loved looking up what Voortrekker means – “those who trek ahead,” apparently? (Although Google Translate says Henry!). The way you put it (“moving forward for your beliefs”) is beautiful, and really relates to the Camino. I look forward to reading about your next pilgrimages – where exactly will they be taking you?
Hi Candace, I’m so sorry, I just realised how long it has been since I visited. It was an eventful summer! The Voortrekkers were Afrikaans people who embarked on a journey to the interior of South Africa to escape British colonial rule. They tend to represent the “old” South Africa and so we learned their history at school but it is no longer taught in the same way. (Which is a good thing).
We’re hoping to drive down from London to the Balkans next year as I want to visit Sarajevo, Mostar, Dubrovnik, Vukovar, Belgrade and Novi Sad. We want to drive (well, because we can) but I have to admit, I’m a little daunted. I should start planning it and I guess it will seem less daunting.
No worries at all, Emm! Thanks for saying hello, though, it’s always great to hear from you 🙂 I love your idea for a Balkans road trip – all of those places are on my list to visit as well, especially after enjoying Croatia so much last year. I definitely agree that a little planning makes everything feel more realistic and not so overwhelming. I’m sure it’ll be great!
You keep stirring me – I don’t like crying, you know! This is beautiful Candace – you always put such beautiful things together and make the most of any journey.
Oh, no! I didn’t know that…I promise tears certainly weren’t my intention 🙂 I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the video, though – and thank you for the kind words!
This is really fabulous, Candace. It actually brought tears to my eyes. I have just decided this minute that I am definitely going to do another Camino walk again next year. I have been toying with the idea for a while, but this has concreted it for me. Camino Norte, here I come! 😉
Thank you, Cherina! That means a lot coming from you. And that’s so great to hear you’ve officially decided on another Camino 🙂 As we walked it earlier this year, I heard many stories from the Camino Norte…it sounds pretty special. It’s on my list as well! I already can’t wait to see your photos from it.
Nice video. Hoping someday to make “El Camino”. Thx
Thanks very much, I’m glad you enjoyed it! By the way, I just checked out your site and LOVE the maps – I’ll definitely be ordering one of them soon.