WITH hope and determination three Zululanders set off on a trip that would take them down paths once walked by St James.
Pilgrims Sonja Hartley, Charmaine Corbett and former Zululander Cecily Bull traversed 311km in 17 days over challenging terrain from León to the Santiago de Compostela cathedral in Spain as part of the annual Camino walk.
The Camino is the longest pilgrimage walk in Europe, and now safely returned to the comforts of home, they have had time to reflect on their journey.
Sonja’s experience
‘Some days were gruelling, be it very high temperatures or pouring rain with icy winds,’ she said.
‘Accommodation in the various ‘albergues’ (backpackers) was interesting, while the food was amazing and meeting people from all over the world only added to the wonderful atmosphere.’
Being a pilgrim soon became a way of life – the early starts (sometimes in the dark), making their way over various kinds of terrain, stopping for a quick cup of tea and toast before walking again, sometimes well past lunchtime.
‘We would arrive at our chosen ‘albergue’, check in, get the treasured stamp in our pilgrim passports and getting our beds (almost always double bunks) sorted before heading for a shower. Only then would we consider our evening meal.’
Sonja’s Camino came to an unfortunate halt after she developed severe tendonitis in her left foot after walking 200km.
‘The only way forward was for me to catch taxis to the anticipated stopping point for the night. Barely able to hobble, I would meet Cecily and Charmaine after their walk every day.
‘Although I had not completed my Camino, it was still very satisfying reaching Santiago, and being able to attend a pilgrim mass,’ she said.
‘I would say this is definitely something that should be on everyone’s Bucket List, and the sooner the better!’
Charmaine’s experience
‘While walking the Camino this year, I came alive. I experienced it all in a very special, new way.’
Charmaine’s journey of self-discovery turned into one filled with valuable life lessons.
‘Not understanding the language is like being a baby all over again,’ she said.
‘What happens around you becomes so important, because your very survival depends on it.
‘You realise how little you actually need to survive when all your worldly possessions are in a backpack, and the lighter it is the better for you.
‘All the stuff you have at home becomes so unimportant and you realise how privileged you are to have a wardrobe of clothing to choose from.’
With a renewed spirit and motivation, Charmaine believes that the walk offers more than spiritual fulfilment.
‘I had time to think and reflect on all the aspects of my life, and suddenly you see the beauty in everything and you are happy to be alive.’
