First Few Days

(8/24/14---troubles with wifi)

My first learning moment of the trip came QUICK.

Every thing about our departure day was going flawlessly--we woke up on time, got to the airport and through security quickly and with no flight delays. It was looking like smooth "sailing" into Barcelona. That was until a small headache I had before the flight morphed mid-flight  into some obscure but intense illness. I don't know what happened, but my whole body was in pain. Cold sweats, achy, vomiting...generally not a lot of fun (especially on a plane). It was not one of my finer moments (although I do seem to have a fair share of bad timing sicknesses that turn into funny stories for later....prom, WV mission trip, etc). It was also not the highly anticipated re-entry into Barcelona that I had envisioned for the past 4 years, but that's okay. I was so sick that I had to be wheeled into the Barcelona airport. (This is already funny to me, so please laugh along). The good part was that we got to go through secret areas of the airport and we raced through immigration....the bad part was I was too sick to continue on with our plans to train to Pamplona. So my non-Spanish speaking mom had to devise a plan B, get us through the airport, collect our luggage, book a hotel, and get us there. She did it! (And really well).  I don't know what I would have done without her, as I was so out of it. Talk about bad timing!

I barely remember much of that day, but after getting to a hotel, all I did was sleep. When I woke up around dinner time, I was feeling better. Weak, tired, and upset that our plans were now messed up, but relieved to be able to feel more like myself.

Really, I'm quite lucky. Whatever sickness I had, happened fast, was not contagious, and allowed for a quick recovery. We had to change our initial plans, but in the end, it all worked out.
Yesterday we trained and bused and trained to the Camino beginning, St Jean Pied du Port, an adorable French village where the walk begins. Ate delicious crepes and got our credentials stamped for staying in our first official Camino albergue. 

Today we officially began the Camino. What an amazing day.  Unfortunately, the trail does not leave much room for "breaking yourself in". The first 13 miles trek straight uphill through the Pyrenees. Beautiful, but challenging.

We had pre-made reservations at a village high up in the Pyrenees. (The only time on the trip we pre-made reservations, because the spaces here are so limited, yet prized). Boy am I happy we did so. It is quite the place (this is my view for writing). After showering and a quick nap, we are eagerly anticipating the dinner we will share with the other pilgrims staying here tonight.

Views  from Orrison.

I'm already learning, things don't always go as planned, and that's okay--because in the end, it will work out. You can't be prepared for the unknown- but that's what makes travel so exciting. (Although I do hope future "exciting" moments don't include getting sick or at least needing to use a wheelchair)