Canadians! Finally!
For two months I've been walking in France and Spain and always on the watch for fellow Canadians. Despite being told by other pilgrims I encountered in both countries that there were plenty on the trail, just a day ahead or a day behind me, I saw none.
At 6:00 am yesterday morning I was at the bus stop in Muxia waiting for the ride back to Santiago when a voice behind me piped up, ‘I see you're Canadian too.’ I was shocked! Laurel from Edmonton had noticed my Canadian Company of Pilgrims patch on my backpack; she had one on hers as well. I couldn't believe it and I was overjoyed to see her. We had a great chat and after we arrived in Santiago, we ended up back at the Cathedral square to experience the happiness that always exudes from the pilgrim parade. A short while later, another woman walked up to us and said ‘Canadians?’ Sharon is originally from Toronto but now lives in Chicago. After this second shock, pictures of course!
About an hour later, I was wandering the narrow streets of old Santiago savouring my last few hours in this magical city when I saw a woman with a bag that had ‘Toronto’ written on it. As I do, I asked her the question and sure enough, Linda is also Canadian. All the women had just finished their Caminos and were about to head home. And here's the kicker - none of us had run into any other Canadians while on the path! Now in the span of a couple of hours, we all ran into each other at the end of our journeys. I was so happy to have met them!
To close off the day and our Caminos, Laurel and I had a great dinner and chatted about all of the lessons we had learned along the way. It was a perfect way to depart Santiago and the Camino.
I boarded a plane early this morning and repositioned one final time in the EU. I will now create more memories with Clément and Lucie in Lyon, the ‘Gastronomic Capital of the World.’ If you remember, we walked with them for our first two weeks beginning way back in August. I will have to ensure that I get some walking in otherwise I'll be coming home a couple of kilos heavier. Bon appétit!
