Camino Gratitude Portugal

Hiking 20 beautiful miles from Negreira to Olveira, through dairy farms, fields of grasses and legumes, and misty countryside, my journey today was filled with interesting encounters. During a morning rest, I stopped for coffee, freshly-squeezed orange juice, and a slice of traditional Santiago torta. Noticing a couple nearby, I took a Camino pilgrim’s liberty and asked to join them—the wife from Peru, the husband from Holland. They welcomed me warmly, and we spent a delightful half-hour discussing everything from the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu to the vibrant tulip fields of the Netherlands.

Later, I fell into step with a Scottish woman who shared enchanting stories of accompanying Queen Elizabeth on walks through the Scottish Highlands. Tonight will culminate with dinner alongside Polish pilgrims who carry profound knowledge of St. Pope John Paul II and his remarkable life journey.

On the Camino, walking and breaking bread with strangers isn’t merely tolerated—it’s the essence of the pilgrim’s experience. This reminds me of Rachel Carson’s reflection on wonder:

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder without any such gift from the fairies, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.”

I would amend Carson’s insight: replace “a child” with “any person”—for pilgrims spontaneously share the joy, excitement, and mystery of our world with one another at every turn. These exchanges transcend regional differences, revealing our common humanity and diverse lives.

Whether at breakfast tables, along the Camino trail, or washing travel-worn clothes, everyone shares something of themselves. This is the Camino’s greatest gift—the opportunity to glimpse countless lives and stories. With each step, the world grows smaller, our differences fade, and our capacity for meaningful connection expands across the hundreds of miles we walk together.