You know you have walked the Camino when…

If you miss the simple daily routines, shared and solitary experiences, and luxury of walking all day on the Camino de Santiago you’re not alone! Many pilgrims continue to reflect on experiences from their trip, long after those final steps in Spain. They learn the true meaning of gratitude and are surprised by the pleasure of simple Camino traditions. Most people would do the Camino again in a heartbeat.

Can you relate to any of these?

You know you’ve walked the Way of St James when you…

1. keep looking for yellow arrows on walls and pavements
2. get the urge to fill up your water bottle whenever you see a tap
3. become obsessed with inspecting your feet
4. are already planning your next Camino
5. know the shape of your shadow in various stages of light
6. shout ‘Buen Camino’ to your neighbours and strangers in the street
7. have eaten the ‘Menu del Dia’
8. have drunk from the wine fountain at Irache
9. have shared a drink with a complete stranger
10. have witnessed the swinging of the Botofumerio in Santiago
11. have peed in the woods
12. have carried a stone for days
13. have bought something with a scallop shell on it
14. have been woken to the sound of trekking poles
15. have worn the same socks for more than a day without washing them
16. have ordered a café con leche, vino tinto, cerveza or zumo de naranja
17. have been inspired by someone less fortunate than yourself
18. have become teary when you saw the Santiago cathedral for the first time
19. are greeted like long lost friends by people you have met along The Way
20. never want to wear certain items of clothing again
21. have attended the pilgrims mass at the Santiago cathedral
22. have tried pulpo, tapas, and local bocadillos
23. have experienced kindness from a stranger
24. realise your mental load is lighter than your physical load