On Friday morning I was stretched out in my bed, my computer on my lap, a giant mug of coffee in my hands. I had about 5 minutes before I needed to start getting ready for work, and almost a bit mindlessly I clicked over to Kayak’s site to check on prices for flights to France/Spain.
I’ve been checking flights every day for almost a month, and the only changes I’d noticed were that certain flights were filled, and others had increased their price.
So when the Kayak page was fully loaded, I blinked in confusion at my computer screen, and triple checked my flight criteria. Were my cities correct, did I have the right dates?
Because overnight, not only had prices dropped by over $200, but I was looking at a direct flight, from Philadelphia to Paris. For as much fun as my long layovers in Iceland and Denmark had been… they added time and expense and a bit of stress. A direct flight is a dream.
In fact, the whole thing seemed like a dream. Could this price be right? I decided that I couldn’t risk waiting- not another second- to miss out on this deal. So I flew around my apartment: grabbing my wallet and throwing on work clothes and signing up for rewards programs and, finally, clicking “Purchase” on a flight to Europe.
So it’s done. I’m going back. Camino de Santiago, Round Two.
The specifics are completely up in the air. For the past few months I’ve been dreaming about the Norte- the path that runs along the very top of Spain and often offers dazzling views of the ocean- but suddenly I’m changing my mind. Or, considering my options.
Ever since starting this writing class and slowly making tiny steps of progress towards my goal of writing a book, I worry about the momentum I might lose if I take 5-weeks off this summer to walk another Camino. And I remember my three-weeks at the writer’s retreat in the south of France: the incredible view from the window of my room, the quiet mornings drinking coffee on the terrace, the inspiring conversations with other artists and residents, the hours spent hiking through the mountains. I had time to write, time to hike, and time to connect with other people.
And then I think about the Camino, and the incredible freedom I felt each morning as I set off with my pack and onto a path that took me closer to the edge of Spain. How happy I was to simply walk, every single day. I’d bonded with some of the other residents at my writer’s retreat, but I BONDED with people on the Camino. I remember how I felt when I arrived in Santiago; that I wanted to keep walking, that I felt like, in some ways, I’d only just begun.
So how do I choose? How do I know which option is best, when each feels so right and so perfect?
Well, what if I could do both?
That’s where my head is, at the moment. I just spent hours reading about the Camino Primitivo, a route which could fit very nicely into the 11-day time frame I’d have before needing to head to France and over to the writer’s retreat. I’ve read that 12 days would be better on the Primitivo, but that 11 could work. And I would have exactly 11 days.
The Camino Primitivo– the Original Way- was actually the very first Camino route to Santiago. It’s challenging, with lots of mountain walking, but judging from the descriptions and photos I saw from the hours of “research” I did yesterday afternoon, the scenery is stunning.
There’s still so much I don’t know. I haven’t given up on walking the Norte, not at all. So much of me wants to do another long Camino- 11 days doesn’t feel like quite enough, not when I know I have the time to do more. And, I don’t know if I could do another writer’s retreat, even if I wanted to: if they still have space, if my availability will work with their schedule.
But regardless of what I decide, here is what I do know: in June, I’ll be flying to Paris. Part of my time in Europe will involve walking another Camino. There’s already a spring in my step just thinking about it.
Any thoughts from those of you who have walked the Primitivo?
I’m holding up two fingers to indicate my second baguette in Paris; but for now, we can pretend that I’m referring to my second Camino
That drop in fare and availability of a direct flight do seem a little like messages from the universe saying “Go!” I’m excited for you!
Hi Carrie!! And thank you! 🙂
Buen Camino!
There’s life in the spontaneity of just figuring it all out as you go along – in life as well as on camino. I’ve found that if something gives me excitement and energy then it’s a breadcrumb to follow! Best of luck with the preparations.
I love thinking of these moments of excitement and energy as ‘breadcrumbs’ that are leading us on the way… perfect!
Nothing like the feeling of having a plane ticket and being able to build a trip around it. So much fun! Last year I saw a random flight to Norway that was so cheap I had to buy it. So glad I did. Have fun on your adventure!
I love that you went to Norway because of a good opportunity- that is such a good way to live life!! It’s not always easy for me to be spontaneous, but I’m getting (a little) better at it.
And I agree, now I REALLY feel some excitement about my summer plans, now that I have the plane ticket in hand. 🙂
Oh Nadine,
I am so thrilled for you. Yes it is right! The Universe has sent you messages. For some of us the Camino continues to call.
I’m looking ahead to 2016 to walk Le Puy to Santiago, maybe via the Norté. I will be following you closely along your path this summer.
Arlène
Hi Arlene, thank you! When I read that you were going to walk Le Puy to Santiago in 2016, my first thought was, “Ooh, what if I could do that, too??” That sounds like such an incredible walk, I can’t wait to read about your next Camino adventures as well.
Very excited for you!
Thank you!! I’m excited (as I’m sure you know) as well. 🙂
I had my first proper walks this year on Monday and Thursday. We live in a beautiful part of the world, here in Sussex, and when the grey clouds lift a bit and temperatures rise it is just gorgeous.
Yea for you! I’ll be walking the Norte starting the end of August, and that path has the option of following the Primitivo near the end. But i’d love to hear about your writing retreat as well! Buen Camino . . .
Yes, I did learn that on the Norte there is the option to split away and walk the Primitivo into Santiago. I think that if I don’t go to the writer’s retreat and spend the month walking a Camino, I’ll probably do the combo of Norte/Primitivo.
So many options, but it is a wonderful thing. 🙂 I can’t wait to read about your adventures on the Norte!
Congratulations, this is great news! I can’t wait to follow along in June!
Thanks Drew! I can’t wait to write about it (whichever path I choose)… I envision myself trying to blog every day, but as you know, you can only plan so much on the Camino. 🙂
The planning stayed in tact for me until Pamplona on the Frances. I had lofty ambitions of writing each day, that quickly turned in to posting pictures during cafe breaks during the day 🙂 Any posts you can manage will be great to see!
Yay! That was certainly a sign! Someone up there approves. 🙂
I agree! When I saw the price drop I thought, “Well, if I delay any longer it would just be stupid. Someone wants me to buy a flight.”
Got to follow those signs!
i love it when the Universe just drops these seemingly serendipitous messages on us. 🙂 I’m sure it will be amazing, no matter which route you choose to do.
That’s the beauty of needing to make this kind of decision… I truly feel that there is no “right” answer here. Any option will be an amazing one.
The Primitivo is an absolutely stunning Camino, with picture postcard views. I guarantee you’ll love it 🙂
Thanks for this comment… I was actually reading your posts on the Primitivo the other day (and reading about your journey helped me get really excited about the possibility of walking that route). 🙂 So thank you!!
This ranks as “least surprising blog post by Nadine,” but even though I saw this coming I am immensely pleased for you 🙂
I do think that 11 days’ walking is too short. This writers’ workshop does sound good for you, though.
Love it when the Universe gives us the obvious signs! I didn’t mention in my reply to another of your posts that after I walk the Norte to Santiago, then out to Finisterre and Muxia, I plan to bus back up to Oviedo and do the Primitivo, which looks stunningly beautiful.
What a wonderful trip you will have, walking the Camino and attending a writer’s workshop. (By the way, you have inspired me to begin looking into writing workshops myself. Thank you!)
Sorry for the late reply to this… and thank you! I’m loving your blog and getting to follow along with your own return to the Camino (we’re sort of having parallel experiences!!). The writer’s workshop is still pretty up in the air, and at the moment I’m leaning to doing all of the Norte instead… 😉
Oooh, that’s an interesting possible change in plans! I look forward to seeing what happens
; )
I have to agree with the comment above – the Primitivo is absolutely stunning. It also has a lovely mix of solitude and company, and one of the most special and peaceful places I’ve stayed on any Camino, Albergue Bodenaya. (It recently changed ownership, but I hear the new owner is committed to keeping the same atmosphere.) That said, I have a friend who just went back for his 3rd trip along the Norte, and he’s only done the Primitivo once. Feel free to pick my brain anytime about the Primitivo or secondhand about the comparisons. And if you do the Norte, I’ll be following your adventures closely, since I think either that or the Vadiniense will be my next one.