The Camino: The People We Have Met Along the Way

One of the things that makes travel so special isn’t always the places you visit—it’s the people you meet along the way.

Today, Julie and I boarded the train from Madrid to Sarria, a four-hour journey that would take us to the starting point of our Camino de Santiago adventure. As we settled into our seats, it quickly became apparent that this was no ordinary train ride. The train was filled with pilgrims from around the world, all headed toward the same destination and the same experience.

We met two young women from Norway, a gal from Los Angeles, and another from Colorado. Different ages, different backgrounds, different life stories—but all drawn to the Camino for reasons uniquely their own.

As we arrived in Sarria and stepped off the train, it seemed as though every single passenger was carrying a backpack, a pair of hiking shoes, and a dream. The station buzzed with excitement. There was a shared energy in the air—a mixture of anticipation, curiosity, and perhaps a little nervousness. Tomorrow, many of us would take our first steps on a journey that has inspired pilgrims for centuries.

Our first hotel exceeded every expectation. The manager greeted us warmly and shared that she has completed the Camino seven times herself and has been welcoming pilgrims to her hotel for the past fifteen years. Clearly, she understands both the physical and emotional journey that lies ahead for her guests.

One of the highlights of the day was meeting a fascinating couple who are walking the entire Camino—roughly 500 miles.

As often happens when travelers gather, conversation flowed easily. We learned that both were former hairdressers. One is also a chef and an artist. The other is a Master Sommelier who spent fifteen years working at the legendary French Laundry under world-renowned chef Thomas Keller. Today, they divide their time between Maui and adventures around the globe, spending about six months each year traveling.

The Camino has a way of bringing together people whose paths might never otherwise cross. By the end of dinner, complete strangers can feel like old friends.

Speaking of dinner, Spain continues to impress. Tonight’s feast included artichokes, grilled octopus toast, garlic shrimp, and baby scallops. We may be walking 100 miles, but based on the quality of the food so far, we may need every one of those miles.

As I sit here tonight reflecting on the day, I’m reminded that while we’re walking to Santiago, the real gift may be the stories we collect and the people we meet along the way.

Tomorrow, we walk.

Buen Camino.