Pilgrim – Love is in your every step!
Oh, how I Iove the Camino. I love the freedom that it affords me. Freedom from the daily tasks I am tied to. The Camino allows me to experience the simplicity of life. The Camino brings me so much peace, so much tranquility.
Oh, yes it is hard. Sometimes there are hills that appear to be mountains. Sometimes the weather is too hot. Sometimes the weather is too cold. Sometimes too wet, but most of the time everything is just right!
I love the time the Camino gives me. I love how the Camino forces me to look inside and analyze who I am. Sometimes the Camino shows me an Arlene I don’t much like. And then sometimes the Camino shows me an Arlene who is very kind and compassionate.
I love the challenges the Camino brings to me.
I was sure I wanted to move to Galicia and open a Casa for Pilgrims here. Now, after a week in rainy Santiago, I am not sure.
My cousin, Gerard, who lives in France, suggests Aix en Provence as a place for me to move and establish a Casa. Aix en Provence is on the Arles Route to Santiago. It is in the south of France, in Provence. I will speak with Gerard when I return home.
The French countryside has always been my dream and Provence would be a fairytale come true.
But somehow the Camino and Galicia seemed to be calling me. Yes, calling me until this week that I spent in Santiago, when everyday it rained. Every day except the last day I am spending here.
I will be returning to Galicia in August of this year. I then will be walking the Caminos Ingles, Finisterre and Muxia. I will see if the call of Galicia is still strong at that time
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It seems like a Camino Arles will be in the planning stages for 2015.
Thoughts and Adventures 
Arlene,
I love reading your blog. It seems you have had a very insightful and exciting Camino. Hope you enjoyed your last day to the fullest.
Lynda
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It is a woman’s perogative to change her mind! I think you should explore all Camino routes so you can narrow your choices! Julie
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Good idea Julie! There’s got to be at least twenty variations going to Santiago plus there’s all the routes to the Vatican too. Arlene could be walking for another thirty years!
Lynda
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Didn’t realize you are having rain! Have to agree that Aix en Provence isould also be very nice. Some. very nice villages in Provence.
Enjoy your remaining time. N
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I can’t believe you’re doing more and more……… you may just keep on walking and never return to Arizona…….glad you are enjoying it and finding the good Arlene!
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My dear Arlène,
I’m so happy that the camino made you discover all these things into you and gave you peace, joy, serenity, tranquility and freedom. If you decide to live in Provence, you will see how it’s an attractive région, with sun, calm and the sea, not so far (50 km) 😉
If you want to have an overview of this région before, we can talk and you can come to my home for a few days, no problem, it will be a very great pleasure for me.
And there is a lot of different ways to go and to discover….
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Hi Arlene – I found this post very moving.
Your link with the Camino is so strong. It’s in your blood, in your heart, isn’t it.
Safe travels back home. And before long, you’ll be back on The Way again!
It was such a delight to meet you face to face, and to walk with you. We had some laughs, hey?
Take care mate
Bill
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Beautifully written Arlene!
I agree wholeheartedly with every sentiment you said.
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I agree. Arlen’s writing is from the heart and beautifully written.
Lynda
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