In just a few days I start walking the Camino, day after day, fairly long distances, carrying my backpack, by myself. I’ve done it all before except for the “by myself”. That I’ve not done. Many day walks by myself, some even quite long, some in remote areas, yes.

But not day after day by myself.

Last year I was with my brother. We walked together. We pretty much had all our meals and even snacks together [he likes chocolate bars like Snickers, I looked everywhere for turrón and never found it]. We usually slept in a bunk bed with him in the top bunk, me in the bottom one. We talked a fair bit, and, at least I, discovered some interesting things. He is quite different than what I thought he was. His memories of our childhood in Chile and young years in Argentina are different than mine. I had assumed they were similar, but they weren’t. I didn’t know much about his likes and dislikes, I know a little more now. He still is the fair, kind, generous, good looking, family loving man I thought he was, but different in details. To me that was a bit of a shock. Being the older sister, I figured I had him all figured out, but no, I didn’t. I think I like him very much the way he is though.

Here at home, I am with my husband pretty much all the time except when I go on my long walks. We aren’t necessarily doing something together all the time, but we are not alone.

Getting back to walking by myself: last year I hardly ever was by myself on the Camino. This year it will be different. Yes, there are many peregrinos on the Camino, but I will be by myself. I will walk at my own pace, eat snacks and meals alone or with different company from time to time, I will sleep in either the top or the bottom bunk with a stranger in the other bunk.

The walking alone part doesn’t worry me. I am quite used to my own company while walking, and like it. Everything else, eating, finding places to stay and sleeping there, doing laundry, exploring the towns, that I worry about a bit. Not too much, but a bit. I figure I will get used to it pretty quick, at least I hope so. It is very encouraging that we can communicate so easily these days: chats, phone calls, blogs like this one. They keep us together, not just always alone. I am very thankful for that!

It will be OK.