One more night sleep
It’s been part of me for months now, in my mind, with preparations and with the people around me. Until now it always felt a wee bit away and like I still had enough time to organize everything. Now it's just a night's sleep away!
My Camino journey to Santiago de Compostela is just around the corner.
My backpack is ready. I attached the scallop shell as a pilgrim's sign. And my shoes are broken in.
In total I come to 8.5 kilos of basic weight, excluding food and drinks. It was a good puzzle, but everything that goes into my backpack is well thought through and (as I now think) necessary.
Mom will join me for the first 4 days, after which she will be picked up by Dad. So I kind of have a “break-in time”, in case I forgot something.
LuckilyI cut the labels from all items to save a mere 22 grams. Other than that some items just have insanely long tags on them, I was told that real pros actually remove them to save weight. This made me curious about how much it would actually make a difference. Grab the kitchen scale and find out.
I have my route, and variations of it, on the Komoot app in different stages. These routes can be used offline in the app.
I also use OrganicMaps in which all routes and accommodation options are listed.
I've uploaded plenty of books on my E-Reader. At least these don't weigh anything, so I'm taking lots with me! I have downloaded various playlists and podcasts via Spotify and I also have some audio books on my phone. For those moments when I don't like it, I have plenty of entertainment 😄
In the attic room in my parents' house I hung maps of the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Spain. This way my dearest niece Noé and nephew Luá can color the route I'm walking 💕
My last few moments to enjoy all the luxury and delicacies at home while it pouring rain outside.
Tomorrow, while the weather turns, we will go for lunch at the Genuujerie, from there we leave from the chapel of Genuuj, where all who like can wave mom and me off.
From here my Camino to Santiago de Compostela starts. With some sweet little gifts, with an emphasis on small and lightweight, in my backpack I set off.
I embark on this journey with enthusiasm, curiosity and an open mind. As of tomorrow, nothing more is a ‘must’. All I have to do is just walk. Everything I need I carry with me. What freedom.
But first, lots of hugs tomorrow. Because I will miss my dear family, sweet nephew and niece, but certainly also the dogs 💕
