Readers' Blog: Solving world problems on Camino
I have recently completed the 880km Camino Frances to help raise funds for Our Lady’s Children Hospital, Crumlin.
I would recommend this strenuous and difficult walk to anyone who feels stressed out, depressed, or overwhelmed by the erratic pace of modern life or who wish to put technology on the back burner for a short while.
There is something very liberating about walking through stunning countryside, battling the elements and stretching your abilities to the limit with fellow travellers from all parts of the world, who all have the same goal in mind, to get from A to B carrying their load and, with a bit of luck, get there safe and sound and without injury.
We enjoyed many a good chat over a pilgrim’s meal in the many albergues dotted across the route.
One in particular stands out. That was when we all were having good laugh, lampooning world leaders and their nonsensical ideologies. There were many ideas how to deal or get rid of them.
I suggested that if presidents Trump, Putin, Assad, Rouhani, and “Supreme Leader” Kim Jong-un walked the Camino together, walked the same road, carried their burdens on their backs, breathed the same fresh air, shared each other’s food, lanced each other’s blisters, eased each other’s cramps and pains, they would soon realise we are all kindred spirits, wherever we come from, whatever colour, whatever creed, then perhaps we would have a less tense and dangerous world.
Most agreed, but a young student said the idea sounded laudable but sighed, saying they would probably pollute the Camino and all it stands for and contaminate every one that came there way. She was probably right but even the worst kind of cynic like Trump would be cured of his malaise walking the Camino.
Well, I can’t help but be a wishful thinker.
