April 11, 2013, Day 12 – Najera to Santo Domingo (20 km)

Outer Journey

After leaving the lively town of Najera (population 7,000) I walked through mostly rolling farmland and vineyards.  After passing the small town of Azorfa (population 500), I began another 300 meter ascent up to the town of Ciruena (at an altitude of 2,400 feet) and then back down to Santo Domingo (population 5,600) where I stayed the night.  Not all of The Camino is lush and beautiful.  There is a lot of walking through empty streets and industrial areas.

Inner Journey

Today was a blissfully beautiful day.  The sun finally came out and the wind stopped blowing.  I realized that I felt light and for the first time on The Camino, I needed nothing and I wasn´t walking towards anything.  The previous days I walked in hopes of finding a cafe con leche in the next town 5 km away or a hot chocolate.  But today, I needed nothing.  I was free. I chose to get a hotel in Santo Domingo because I was sore and wanted a bit of luxury.  I stayed in the famous Parador de Santo Domingo which is house in a refurbished 16th century convent. I found a good price on the internet.

Strangely enough, staying in the luxury accomodations was like drinking water that did not quench.  I can´t name it, however, the reception and conceirge was unfriendly and it felt a bit lonely to be there.

One of my questions on The Camino is how I can live undefined, out of control, unplanned, etc. and I am finding every time I ¨think¨ I want a certain experience, it turns out to be something else.

How deep are the layers of wanting to predict and control and how do I live from choice and volition AND live undefined and unplanned?  I will see what The Camino teaches me about this.

Buen Camino!

Realm-Q&A-April-