A Contagious Smile

The Camino is over. Today I said my final goodbye as I walked out of the train station in Madrid, with a hole that ate my appetite and energy. After a long hot shower I sat with little enthusiasm to plan the next, and last, week in Spain. Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada and Barcelona still wait for me. The only thing that kept me from hiding in a dark hole were the memories of my family, who adopted me on the first day, smiling at me, encouraging me to keep walking, to keep living. And this post is dedicated to them.

Miguel with his crooked smile and endless jokes that lightened up the mood when the rain brought us down. Paco with the rhythm of his waking sticks that tell you to keep going and never give up. Other Paco who never lost his perseverance; blisters and flat feet never discouraged the guy. Antonio with his helpful tips on how to stretch and Carlos with his never ending schpeel about Barcelona. Encarna, the mother of the group, who cured everyone's wounds and made sure our clothes were washed and dried; her caring and selflessness. Shady, who's bag was heavier that all of ours and who's pace was a little slower, never lost his step or smile that spread from one ear to the other. Jesus who became a brother to me, someone I could talk to without speaking, who challenged me to be myself, to be happy and thankful. He taught me that people's emotions and thoughts are contagious; if you surround yourself by optimists and people full of life, that is how you will live yours.

Why was El Camino such a positive experience? Because the people I spent it with were good people who influenced me to be good as well.