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Jayme’s Camino Portugués
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Jayme’s Camino Portugués

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  • Jayme PorkolabJayme’s Camino PortuguésJayme Porkolab
    1The musician's face; a kind soul who entertained those attending a street fair in Ponte de Lima
    1The serious side of the musician1She got such a kick out of seeing her picture and was thrilled I was going to Santiago2Believe it or not he was happy to have his photo taken but this was the best smile he would give me1Looking at the hills that I anticipate climbing3A kind local set up fruits, homemade pastries, & water for pilgrims. Donations were appreciated13

    Day 22 - Faces

    27 de abril, Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F

    “The face is the mirror of the mind, and eyes without speaking confess the secrets of the heart.”—-St. Jerome

    Today I went from Vitorino dos Piaes to Sao Rogue. During this whole trip I have seen so many interesting faces. Faces that hold many stories; you can see it in their eyes and in each line on their face.

    At first I was hesitant to ask to take their photo, but during my walk today I started to ask a few people. No one said no and they all liked seeing the photo I took. So moving forward you will see more pics of faces. I also imagine you may be bored with the landscapes, woods, churches, etc but be forewarned, you’ll still see plenty of those too.

    Tonight I am staying at a country house, Quinta Da Granda. Isabela and her husband own the property. She shared that there once was a baron who went broke. He couldn’t pay his workers, so he gave them some of his assets. Among his most loyal workers was her husband’s mother or father (Isabela’s English is limited) and they were gifted this house and land. It’s very pretty and they are very accommodating hosts. The rooms are private and have en suites.

    She drove myself and 3 other pilgrims to a restaurant that was pilgrim central. There had to be at least 40 pilgrims dining there. Many had passed me on the road today and I saw a couple of my German friends from last night. Dined with my housemates, 2 of the Germans, a girl from Italy, and a girl from Latvia. My housemates are a mother and daughter from Rhode Island, and a young man from Luxembourg

    My goal is to reach Tui tomorrow which will allow me to have shorter walk days into Santiago since some of the hills will be steep.    Leia mais

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  • Jayme PorkolabJayme’s Camino PortuguésJayme Porkolab
    Love these colors
    I think they enjoy operatic music as much as I do2So appreciated the coolness of the woods1So calm and peaceful1Hello, can I chew on your trekking poles1Well if I can't chew on them, will you pet meShrine in front of someone's houseCouple from BelgiumLocal who was happy to be photographed1Man from Algiers working in PortugalFamily was working on repairing a fence on the farm1Head farmer6Treated myself to the Paradore Hotel and a long hot soak in a tub

    Day 23 - No power

    28 de abril, Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 63 °F

    “And God said, 'Let there be light' and there was light, but the Electricity Board said He would have to wait until Thursday to be connected.”—-Spike Milligan

    Since Portugal, Spain, and who knows who else is without power, I thought I’d start off with the humorous quote above. But seriously I come out of a very long walk in the woods and stop at a restaurant to be told no food but they do have warm beer or soft drinks. What happened?

    Today I walked from Sao Roque to Tui. So I am officially in Spain! Only ~116k / 72m to go. Lots of pilgrims were on the road today. And it was hot! That is why I enjoyed the wooded portions of today’s walk.

    Sitting in dark hotel room and I did treat myself to the Paradore. A little luxury before I begin the last part of my journey which has some steep hills (ugh)

    So adieu, going to get an early start tomorrow    Leia mais

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  • Jayme PorkolabJayme’s Camino PortuguésJayme Porkolab
    Winding my way out of Tui
    More winding streetsSanta Iglesia CathedralPassageway in TuiYves from France!Shaded by the trees.A place to restNapping pilgrimPeaceful passage1Popular lunch spot with pilgrims once you emerge from the woods4Napping pilgrim's sketch of meStunning1Entering O Porinno

    Day 24 - First walk in Spain

    29 de abril, Espanha ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride”—-1670’s English proverb

    My first day walking in Spain from Tui to O Porriño For the most part, it was a pleasant walk on cobblestones paths and bridges presumably built by the Romans. As the hours progressed into the afternoon it became hot and humid. With the sweat dripping down my back and seeing remnants of the horses who are taking pilgrims by horseback, I thought of this old English proverb above. Because at that moment, I felt like a beggar throwing wishes out into the universe for a horse!

    Walking out of Tui the path winded up and down cobblestone streets in the historic area. I stopped at the Santa Iglesia Cathedral and picked up a second credential, since my first one is now full. Funny how this worked out, I now have one for all the places in Portugal and this one will have stamps from the places I stop in Spain.

    On my walk today I ran into a fellow pilgrim that I had first met in Alvaiázere Portugal on April 12th, Yves from France who carries a backpack and pulls a trolly with more supplies! It’s always nice running into pilgrims you have previously met.

    At lunch I saw one of the German girls from 2 nights ago when I stayed on a farm. She said her traveling companions were racing through the Camino, sometimes going over 20 miles a day. And it hit her that she was missing all the beauty, so she bid them farewell and is walking alone at a much slower pace.

    During a beautiful spot where several pilgrims were taking a break, I snapped a photo of a young male pilgrim napping under a tree. Later when I saw him again. I showed it to him and he laughed. I have something to show you, when I was having lunch, he had done a sketch of me unbeknownst to me. He said it’s a hobby. I’ve attached a pic of it.

    The auberge I’m staying at has built in bunk beds with little curtains for privacy. Several women I met today happen to be staying here. But most importantly they have laundry facilities. It’s the simple things!    Leia mais

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  • Jayme PorkolabJayme’s Camino PortuguésJayme Porkolab
    Not a great day for photos, but loved this little street
    Found a great breakfast place in Moss that had fresh squeezed orange juice!Cute and curious pups2This is on a public pole by the road, no clue what it says but looks ominous1I love the walks in the woodsRan into Sylvia from Germany again1The forest looks magical1The storm clouds were rolling in just as my music started playing "Riders on the Storm" by the DoorsSteady rain that became a downpour1Geese who found me extremely curious and wished me a Buen Camino

    Day 25 - Breaking bread

    30 de abril, Espanha ⋅ ☁️ 64 °F

    "I see a group of strangers, brought together by chance or circumstance, finding common ground as they break bread together, their differences fading away as they discover the shared humanity that binds them together," —-Julia Delaney

    Today I walked from O Porriño to Saxamonde. I purposely planned this last part of the trip to allow me to take shorter daily walks (6-10 miles) which will put me into Santiago around noon on May 8th. Hard to believe that a week from tomorrow my journey will be ending. But they say the real Camino de Santiago experience begins when you finish it.

    I am staying at a small auberge tonight ; the place is full and it has been raining most of the afternoon snd evening. Many pilgrims seeking shelter were, unfortunately, turned away. Tonight a group of us had dinner at the bar/restaurant that our host owns. It was a collection of people from Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, a Scott who identified as someone from UK, because he has lived there longer than he lived in Scotland. and me, the lone American. We talked for hours over wine and the pilgrim dinner. Topics were varied and included: sharing travel stories, AI, solar energy and the latest power outage, the political landscape globally, how travel is a great educator, and what can people do to show each other that we are more alike than not. It is no surprise that the Europeans are very concerned about Russia and China; and now have growing reservations about America. Each person recounted how less than half of their respective population actually voted and what can be done to change that. Some of you may characterize the group as liberals, socialists or commies, but that was not the case. They were a group of well traveled individuals who spent time exploring, learning, and talking to people from different cultures.

    The talk wasn’t all serious. We exchanged humorous stories too. For instance yesterday I sat on a thorn branch. No big deal. But today when walking I reached back to make sure my sandals were still hanging on my backpack and discovered I had a hole in my pants right on my bum about the size of an orange. I asked a polite German lady if she could confirm thinking maybe my pants were double layer and just the first layer tore, but no, she said. Your purple undies are showing through. I guess the thorn branch tore a small hole yesterday and the washing machine last night made it larger. Oh well. If you can’t laugh at yourself. Who can you laugh at.

    Tomorrow another adventure.    Leia mais

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  • Jayme PorkolabJayme’s Camino PortuguésJayme Porkolab
    2Lemmings with backpacks racing to Santiago and missing the beauty
    2We need to stop and smell the flowersCherish the beauty of an old building1Enjoy the excitement of children getting ready for their May Day parade2Find the beauty in religious artifacts no matter what faith you are4Take the time to leave a special message behindChoose your path wiselyAnd enjoy the way no matter which path you choseLet your mood be lifted by watching butterflies dance in the sky3Take it all in2Talk to locals and learn from them1Just breathe and let the beauty surround you1Enjoy the whimsical3Find peace in your journey

    Day 26 - Be present

    1 de maio, Espanha ⋅ ☀️ 52 °F

    “We’re so busy watching out for what’s just ahead of us that we don’t take time to enjoy where we are.—-Bill Watterson

    As mentioned I have purposely timed my last week to allow me to take a very leisurely pace, walking 7-10 miles a day. I take lots of breaks to take photos or to just sit and enjoy the views. I am still struck by the people who are rushing through the Camino and missing all the beauty.

    The other day, I asked a fellow pilgrim, Sylvia from Germany (the one who decided to leave her friends and go slower because she was missing the experience) if she knew what a lemming was which she did. I told her as I watched large groups of pilgrims racing up and down the path ignoring the views they reminded me of lemmings with backpacks. She laughed so hard she almost choked.

    So I asked my artistic brother to generate an AI series of lemmings as pilgrims for my lead photo And today’s pics are some of the views they missed in their race to Santiago.    Leia mais

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  • Jayme PorkolabJayme’s Camino PortuguésJayme Porkolab
    Like a mystical entrance to Pontevedra
    1Leaving Pontesampaio1Entering inner earth or so it felt like itOnce I went down the steep path to the woods it was relatively flat and smooth (for a bit)3Then became a path of large boulders up an incline2They were very slippery due to morning rain and you had to rely on your trekking poles to not fallMan who set up shop in the woods offering fruit, water, etc for donation . He was so happy1Alex from Denmark, we meet againMemorial to man who recently passed but loved walking the Camino with his dog1GraffitiGraffitiSarah and Nick from the UK

    Day 27 - Rocky roads

    2 de maio, Espanha ⋅ 🌧 54 °F

    "Be grateful for the journey of life, with all its twist and turns, detours, and diversions. We often learn much from the rocky road than from the smooth path." —-unknown

    Today I went from Pontesampaio to Pontevedra. A little rain in the beginning but it cleared and didn’t rain again until I reached my hostel.

    The path today was mainly in the woods. At one point the path entering the woods was a steep decline, as if you were journeying to inner earth. I don’t believe the photo adequately captured it.

    And the walk on the woods was no ‘walk in the park’ so to speak. There were long stretches of paths that were made of boulders and the recent rain made walking on them very slippery and treacherous. Then there was the mud; lots of mud. Thank goodness for trekking poles; they saved me more than once from falling or twisting an ankle. Add to that the numerous cyclists who didn’t announce themselves and would whiz by. Portions of the path were very crowed with large groups of 15+ people. When I encounter them, I hang back and let them get far enough ahead that I can enjoy my solitude again.

    While on the wooded path I ran into Alex from Denmark who Arlene and I had met at an Aubergue very early on the Lisbon to Porto portion. He is veering off to go on the Spiritual path at Pontevedra, so maybe he will run into Arlene and family

    In the middle of the woods a gentleman had set up shop offering fresh fruit, water, snacks, and a place to rest for a donation. He was a happy bloke who spoke very little English, but his smile was contagious

    Once I arrived Pontevedra, as I was walking to the area for my hostel, I thought I heard someone yelling my name and then felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Sarah and Nick from the UK who I had shared an Aubergue 2 nights ago (Breaking Bread). Nick is the Scott who identifies as a Britt because he has been there so long. I ended up having an early dinner with them and, as usual, the conversation was lively. We finally took a selfie since we forgot to the other nite

    The hostel tonight is quite large with a mix of people. Tomorrow I head to A Portelo - Barro. The place where I will rest my head has been described as a ‘true pilgrim’ experience which means bare bones. However, the host is cooking a pilgrim meal for a donation. Looking forward to checking it out.    Leia mais

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  • Jayme PorkolabJayme’s Camino PortuguésJayme Porkolab
    1Leaving Pontevedra
    Church of the Pilgrim; it is suppose to represent the shape of the shellOur Lady of Refuge - The Divine Pilgrim; Pontevedra1Statue on someone's garage1South Korean family; the mom insisted they share their mango with meSmall church offering pilgrims a place to rest on their groundsPriest welcoming pilgrims2This young girl wanted to make sure I went inside the churchPrepping the communal dinner3

    Day 28 - Humanity

    3 de maio, Espanha ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    "My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together."—-Desmond Tutu

    Today I went from Pontevedra to A Portela - Barro. Pontevedra is a large city but the. Amino has a way of bringing people into your lives repeatedly. This morning as I was waiting for a cafe to open, who also comes to this cafe for breakfast, but Sarah and Nick, my dinner mates from last night. After some scrumptious pastries I continued on the. Central Route and they turned to do the Spiritual Route. Perhaps I’ll see them again in Santiago.

    I unfortunately left my raincoat at the Aubergue and I was too far on my way to go back. I called but someone had already taken it. I will take solace in thinking they needed it more than me. And I found an inexpensive one at a cafe before the rains came.

    My quote today is about humanity and the fact that despite our cultures, religions, skin colors, etc. we are all human.

    As I was walking in the woods today I decided to sit on a wall and take a short break. A South Korean family of 3 was was sitting a little further down the way. The mother waved at me to join them. Neither she or her husband spoke English but their twenty-something daughter did. The mother wanted to share the mango they were cutting up with me and it was delicious. Their daughter translated and conveyed my thanks to them.

    Tonight’s Aubergue is quite the experience. Bare bones but full of love for mankind. I jokingly think to myself that this must be what living on a commune is like. There are ~30 pilgrims staying here and the host is busy preparing a communal dinner while blasting rock from the 60’s, 70’s, & 80’s. I believe I am the only American. Others include Germans. Danes. Finns, Canadians, and some South Americans. We are truly a melting pot. Dinner was delightful.

    Tomorrow I go to Caldes de Reis. Santiago is getting closer. They say that the real Camino Experience starts when you finish.    Leia mais

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  • Jayme PorkolabJayme’s Camino PortuguésJayme Porkolab
    2Cathedral in Caldas de Reis
    4The beauty of the early morning mist in the hills as I left A Portela - BarroThese statues can be found by the entrance of people's drivewaysAnd, occasionally, they can be found all alone in a field1More shade provided by the grape arbors3We walk in the shadows of those who have walked before1Crossing the bridge to Caldas de Reis1Street in Caldas de Reis

    Day 29 - Curiosity

    4 de maio, Espanha ⋅ ☁️ 54 °F

    “The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller

    Today was just a short 7 mile walk from A Portela - Barro to Caldas de Reis. It is also short on photos today Perhaps due to being lost in thought or too busy just enjoying the scenery.

    There was some drama last night at dinner, but best shared over drinks 🤣. After an ok night of sleep, I got up early and since breakfast at the Aubergue did not look that appealing, I headed out, getting closer to Santiago with each step. It was a few miles before I found a cafe to get my morning tea and a lite bite to eat. I saw several people from last night at the cafe.

    There was one family from Belgium that I found of interest. First, the father and son could be doppelgängers for a boy I went all through grade school and high school with. Second, I realized the son must be on the spectrum. He stares intently, speaks very softly, and has some odd behaviors; his name is Robin and he is very nice, just not the communicative. Normally when I see them on the path the family walks in a straight line with the dad, Luke, leading the pack, and the mother, Ingrid?, bringing up the rear. Robin is in the middle and it’s almost like they are protecting him.

    However, later I saw Robin on the path alone talking to strangers. At first I was confused because his parents were no where in sight. But later they were together

    After the stop in the cafe I saw the family again as they passed me, then in a few minutes I witnessed Robin walking back towards me. He stopped a little ahead of me and knelt down and kissed the ground. Then he continued on his journey in the right direction

    About an hour later I spotted Robin in a field talking to a farmer and his dog. The farmer left leaving him in the middle of the farm with the dog. I didn’t see his backpack anywhere and thought maybe the family was staying there for the evening

    Then, as I approached Caldas de Reis, about an hour or so later, I ran into his parents. They asked if I had seen Robin and where. I told them and his dad said ‘ah yes the farmer and the dog’ as if acknowledging Robin was fascinated by them. They then told me they allow him to go off on his own while they continue to walk and once they find a cafe or place to rest they ping him their location and wait for him to show up.

    This story may bore you, but it fascinated me. Why? I had tried to engage him in light conversation several times last night to no avail. So I was curious as to the talks he was having with the strangers I saw him with or the farmer. I’ll never know and truth be told, it’s none of my business.

    As I was exploring Caldas de Reis I ran into Laurent from France. Arlene and I met him on the Lisbon -Porto portion and then I ran into he and his family early on the Porto - Santiago Central Route. He looked like he had been in a bar fight. His nose was all bandaged up, he had a gash on his forehead, and was limping. He informed me he had slipped in the shower and unfortunately due to hitting his back during the fall, his Camino was ending. His family was continuing the walk to Santiago and he would take a bus or train there to meet them. No Compostela for Laurent. He was very sad.

    Tonight I rented an Air BnB, a small apartment. I am enjoying the alone time and privacy. After visiting the laundromat, I picked up some meat, cheese, olives, and nuts; deciding to stay in and have a light dinner while enjoying the peace and quiet

    Tomorrow I’m off to Pontecesures.    Leia mais

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  • Jayme PorkolabJayme’s Camino PortuguésJayme Porkolab
    1Roger, Jesus, and Michael from Philippines
    Escorting their father on The Way1Leaving Caldas de ReisThe path was not as crowded today as it was on the weekendFlowers always lift my spiritsIt was a cool day with a slight breeze walking through the woods todayLots of alone time today which was goodChurch in Pontecesures

    Day 30 - Camino tears

    5 de maio, Espanha ⋅ ⛅ 59 °F

    “Those who do not weep, do not see.” – Victor Hugo

    Today I walked from Caldas de Reis to Pontecesures and experienced a bad case of ‘Camino Tears’. Camino tears are not necessarily tears of sadness and they can strike when least expected.

    On the path today, in the distance I saw two young gentlemen walking with an elderly person in between them. They shielded the elder from the mid-day sun with an umbrella and walked slowly. I caught up with them as they stopped once they reached the woods to put away the umbrella. It was a father and his two sons; they were of Asian decent. I asked if I could take their photo and they eagerly agreed and asked if I could also take one with their camera.

    As I walked away that’s when the Camino Tears hit me. I was sobbing like a baby at the love they showed their father. In my mind I imagined that this must be one of his wishes to walk the Camino. The scene conjured up thoughts of my parents who are long gone and the tears intensified. There were few pilgrims on the path at this time, but I didn’t care if anyone saw me crying. Finally, I got the crying under control

    Since I am doing shorter walks I take frequent breaks to enjoy the scenery. I found a lovely sheltered bench on a bridge over a flowing creek and decided it was the perfect spot for a long leisurely break and snack.

    Who should show up a few minutes later but the 2 sons and their father. I found out that they were from the Philippines. The father, Jesus, was 85 years old. In 2016 he had walked from Sarria to Santiago on the French Way. He said this was his last Camino, they had started in Tui, and it was his wish that his sons, Roger and Michael, join him. He said he had some things (emotional) that he wanted to unburden himself of and to establish his legacy before he died. His sons smiled and looked adoringly at their father.

    And then those darn Camino Tears started flowing again. I explained they were not tears of sadness but that I was touched by the love and compassion they had for each other. I told them how I started crying soon after taking their photo. The father looked at me and said ‘the Camino has a way of touching us deep in our soul. Whether it is to be humbled by nature’s beauty or the people we meet, it is the Camino speaking to you’. (This was not helping the tear situation). I finally gained my composure and we chatted for a few more minutes and then they went along their way.

    Today was definitely cathartic. Perhaps emotions are running high because it will soon be over or perhaps it was the Camino’s way of touching my soul.    Leia mais

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  • Jayme PorkolabJayme’s Camino PortuguésJayme Porkolab
    Laurent, at his family's encouragement, is continuing on his walk to Santiago
    Padrón, SpainChurch in Padrón, Spain1Love how the old entrance frames the tranquil setting of the farmStatue for sale of S Tiago; a shortened and informal way of referring to Saint James's1I will miss looking for these signs to guide me on my path1Dorka from Hungary

    Day 31 - Laurent continues!

    6 de maio, Espanha ⋅ ☀️ 54 °F

    “It's funny how, in this journey of life, even though we may begin at different times and places, our paths cross with others so that we may share our love, compassion, observations, and hope.” ― Steve Maraboli

    Today I went from Pontecesures to A Escravitude; it wasn’t the prettiest walk. Much of it followed a busy road but there were some small quaint villages.

    Outside of Padrón I stopped at a cafe for a morning cappuccino and who should be there? But Laurent and his family. Last I saw Laurent he told me he had to quit the Camino because of a bad fall in the shower and his family would continue on without him. But it appears his family had a ‘no man left behind attitude’ and after a day’s rest, convinced Laurent to keep on the journey; that they would go slower. That it was important to them to all finish together. Such support! And I know that even though Laurent had done other Caminos that this one was special to him because he was doing it with his family.

    At lunch I met an older woman, perhaps in her 80’s, who was also doing shorter walks this last week. Like me, she is walking to O Milladoiro tomorrow which then will give her a very short walk into Santiago on Thursday.

    The Aubergue I am at tonight is very modern and I did upgrade to have a private room and bath. There were no restaurants around so I had a salad that the kitchen offered for sale and shared some wine with Dorka, a young lady from Hungary. She also is stretching out these last few days and plans to do the short walk on Thursday to Santiago.

    It’s hard to believe I’ve been walking for a month and 1 day! It’s been quite the experience: Physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. I am so happy with my choice to do the Camino.    Leia mais

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  • Jayme PorkolabJayme’s Camino PortuguésJayme Porkolab
    4I carried with me tokens of love, hope, and protection on my journey
    Church doors2Inside the church2I will miss these wooded paths.Selfie with Dorka2Bracelet that Dorka made for pilgrims she met on the way1Musician in the woods1Concert in the woods

    Day 32 - Love, Hope, & Protection

    7 de maio, Espanha ⋅ 🌙 52 °F

    “Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still”― Alex MacLean

    I arrived in O Milladoiro this afternoon; I’m just a few short miles from Santiago and will complete my journey tomorrow.

    When I left the comforts of my home, I carried with me tokens of love, hope, and protection. LOVE: my parents’ cremation tags; I wanted to have them in some way accompany me on this journey. HOPE: my peace sign; a visual prayer for the world and my children. PROTECTION: While not catholic a dear friend gave me a rosary blessed by the late pope to protect me on my journey; it did its job Paul, thank you.

    This has been quite the journey and I have met so many wonderful people from different countries and walks of life. This morning I ran into Dorka from Hungary, who I shared some wine with last night. She said she made some special bracelets to give out to people she met on the Camino and gave me one. What a lovely gesture. I’ve attached a photo of it and you’ll also notice how dark my hands are. I have a 3-tier farmers tan: my hands are very dark, the forearms a little lighter tan, and the upper part of my arms are pale 🤣🤣🤣

    Today my friends Arlene, Rich, Deb, Kenny, and Noel made it to Santiago. However, their apartment for the night is in the town I’m in so we all went out to dinner. It was great catching up and sharing our stories since we diverged on different paths out of Porto (they did the Coastal and Spiritual while I stayed on the Central route).

    Tomorrow the journey will end, but I will spend Thursday and Friday in Santiago. Saturday I fly to Madrid and then I fly home on Sunday.    Leia mais

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  • Jayme PorkolabJayme’s Camino PortuguésJayme Porkolab
    3I have arrived!
    Starting my journey this morningA last (on this journey) walk through the woods1Outskirts of Santiago; do you see how the street lights look like crossesThe cathedral is near!Walking through the winding streets to get to the square1The Cathedral; I lit candles for loved ones and close friends facing challenges3The ‘Botafumeiro’ is the famous giant thurible or censer in the Santiago de Compostela cathedral.5Compostela that shows the KM walkedGeneral Compostela4My credentials to prove I walked the way. The one on top also has stamps on the other side4Celebrating with the Genovese gang! We did it! And Arlene and I came all the way from Lisbon.1The Holy Door only open during Jubilee Years1Special additional compostela given after walking through the Holy DoorPerfect restaurant for a celebratory dinner for one

    Day 33 - The end of a journey?

    8 de maio, Espanha ⋅ ☀️ 46 °F

    “It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”—-Ursula K. Le Guin

    Today , at 10:30a Santiago time, I completed my Camino. However, they say the real Camino begins when you get home. Time will tell, but I have a feeling they are right.

    I left the Aubergue early this morning and took my time even stopping a few times for a cappuccino. I guess I wanted to prolong the journey. I was surprised I didn’t see many pilgrims on the path; perhaps they all decided to sleep in.

    Arriving in front of the Cathedral was a feeling I can’t explain. I’m 70 freakin’ years old and I did it! I walked from Lisbon to Santiago! The tears flowed and I tried to hold them back as I asked a stranger to take my photo. I connected with people from all around the world. Some just exchanging polite pleasantries and others having deep, meaningful conversations. I witnessed humanity at its finest. I wish more people would travel and really connect with other cultures; perhaps then we could achieve peace on earth.

    I went to mass and was surprised and excited when they used the Botafumeiro, which is not always the case. It was just like in the movie The Way. I’ve attached a video.

    The ‘Botafumeiro’ is the famous giant thurible or censer in the Santiago de Compostela cathedral. It has been used since the Middle Ages, originally to clean the air when crowds of pilgrims, having completed the Camino de Santiago, arrived in Santiago de Compostela after their long journey

    The current ‘Botafumeiro’ dates back to 1851, and it’s made of silver-plated brass, weighing 53kgs when empty and up to 10 kgs more when full. Eight men, called ‘Tiraboleiros’, are required to operate the ‘Botafumeiro’. It was quite the sight!

    Afterwards I received my official compostela and then met my friends, the Genovese gang to celebrate.

    This afternoon, after a short nap, I also went thru Santiago’s Holy Door which is open only during Jubilee years and received an additional, special, compostela. As I was leaving the church bells were ringing throughout the city. A new Pope had been selected, an American Pope! The Catholics I spoke to were quite happy with the choice.

    Then this evening I found the perfect restaurant to have a celebratory dinner for one, the name of the restaurant was ‘Restaurant San Jaime’. I decided to refrain from telling them they spelled Jayme wrong. The food was excellent, worth every euro.

    Tomorrow Rich, Arlene, and I have foot massages booked. We will explore the city some more before we go our separate ways: me to Madrid then home and they to Paris.

    Thank you for following my journey!    Leia mais

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  • Jayme PorkolabJayme’s Camino PortuguésJayme Porkolab
    3Neighbors decorated my yard to welcome me home

    The journey home

    11 de maio, Estados Unidos ⋅ ☁️ 81 °F

    “The best journey takes you home" … Robert Louis Stevenson.

    Yesterday I began my journey home; on a rainy Saturday morning. A certain disbelief came over me as I walked out of the historic center of Santiago to find the taxi stand; I actually did it, I walked from Lisbon to Santiago, over 350 miles. In the beginning, when I left Lisbon, it seemed like an impossible task; in the end I wonder how the time passed so quickly.

    When I reached the park, that a few days before ushered me in to the old town, I ran into Sarah and Nick from the UK! They had diverged out of Pontevedra to take the Spiritual Route and decided to spend a few nights in one of the villages. They were just getting to Santiago. It is funny how the Camino keeps re-introducing you to people you met on the way. After a brief catch up, we bid farewell and I continued to catch a taxi to take me to the airport where I would fly to Madrid for the evening.

    Today, on this Mother’s Day, I flew from Madrid to Cincinnati airport via Charlotte. The check-in agent tried to entice me with a lucrative offer to give up my business class seat and fly out tomorrow, but it was time for this pilgrim to get home.

    My son. Zachary, picked me up from the airport and had reservations at a local restaurant to celebrate Mother;’s Day. Neighbors had decorated my house, welcoming me home.

    It’s good to be home, but I’ll never forget the adventure I had.    Leia mais

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    Final da viagem
    11 de maio de 2025