My Camino de Santiago Journey : Part 1

I recently completed my Camino de Santiago journey, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of my life. In this post, I want to share what led me there, what I discovered along the way, and the lessons that stayed with me.

🌿 Spiritual or Religious Reasons

For centuries, the Camino has been a Christian pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint James in Santiago de Compostela.

To be honest, I’m not very religious. I went to a Catholic school, and I sometimes go to church, but I didn’t even know who Saint James was. Yes I believe in God, but I’m embarrassed to admit this—I don’t know how to read the Bible.

It’s intimidating. 

Where do you even start? Do you just go from the first page to the last? Some people can instantly flip to “John chapter something-something,” while I wouldn’t even know how to look for that. 

So… I avoided reading it unless I really “have to”. I only started reading everyday this year when I picked up a “One-Year Bible”. It’s easy because you only read the verse and insight for that day.. then you reflect on it. Sometimes I can relate to what I read that day, sometimes I can’t understand what I just read. But I still continue reading.

During the planning of this trip, I suddenly felt like canceling everything. I was worried. I was anxious. I’ve never been to Europe. I was scared of going by myself.

But when I opened the Bible for the reading that day—it mentioned Northern Spain. And guess what? Galicia (where Santiago de Compostela is) is in northern Spain. A few days later, I read another verse about a journey. 

I took it as a sign from God to go.

I also talked to some people on the forums about my fears and they really encouraged me to go ahead with my plans.

Some walk to seek forgiveness, to reflect on their faith, or to feel closer to something greater than themselves. Others do it to give thanks for prayers answered and blessings received. 

Even non-religious people find a kind of spiritual peace on the Camino—seeking clarity, peace, or healing. The Camino can be quiet (except for the occasional group of people who play loud music). Long walks alone with just your thoughts can bring up things you didn’t even know you needed to face. 

Some people cry while walking. Some find answers. 

Some find peace in the not-knowing.

💭 Personal Growth and Reflection

Many pilgrims are going through a life transition: a breakup, job change, grief, burnout, or simply a feeling of being “stuck.”

The slow rhythm of walking gives people time to think deeply, disconnect from daily distractions, and reconnect with themselves. I experienced this too. Even thoughts and traumas I thought I had already dealt with came back to me on the trail. 

And that is okay. You get comfortable with your thoughts.

You accept them as a part of you instead of resisting them.

🥾 Physical Challenge or Adventure

The Camino is not Everest, but walking 100 to 800 km with a backpack still tests your body and willpower. My breaking point was on Day 3.  My feet were hurting so bad I had to cut my planned 30km walk and take a cab to my hotel to ice it and rest.  I felt defeated.

That day, I had to let go of control and listen to my body. It wasn’t easy. It took effort to remind myself that resting wasn’t a failure—it was wisdom. Listening to my body was an act of strength, not weakness.

I took a taxi the next morning to return exactly where I left off and continued walking.

Part of me wanted to prove something to myself. I’ve always had a habit of giving up when things get hard. I dropped out of school at 18 because life was hard back then, to work full time. I went back to school while working full-time at 25—and ended up hospitalized from stress and exhaustion. Couldn’t finish school to the end.

This time, I wanted to see something through—even when it’s hard.

🌍 Cultural and Historical Experience

The Camino passes through ancient villages, Roman bridges, cathedrals, vineyards, and landscapes soaked in history. It felt like stepping back into medieval times.

I’d wonder—how many people have walked this exact same path? Probably even kings and queens. But on the Camino, everyone is equal. No special treatment, no hierarchy. Just humble pilgrims—Peregrinos and Peregrinas.

It’s a chance to truly experience Spanish (or Portuguese, or French) culture, meet locals, and learn in a way you can’t from books. 

Honestly? I barely knew anything about Spain beyond the fact that they colonized the Philippines for over 300 years. About Portugal? Zero. Nada. 

Even with food—I thought I knew what paella was. I eat it all the time, it’s my favorite.

In the Philippines and Japan, we pronounce it pa-el-ya. But in Spain? It’s pa-e-ya!

🤝 Connection and Community

Pilgrims often say “The Camino provides”—meaning the path seems to offer what you need, when you need it.

Along the way, people form deep connections with strangers from all over the world, often bonded by shared challenges and heart.

I have a whole feel-good story about this that needs a separate chapter. But long story short, I lost my walking stick and someone I met on Camino (my Camino momma) gave me hers even when she needed it more.

🌀 Just Because

Some people walk it because they saw a movie (“The Way”), read a book, or heard a friend say, “It changed my life.”

And sometimes, people walk it for no clear reason at all—just a feeling that they’re meant to.. This, my friends, is where I probably fall under.

They say the Camino doesn’t start when your feet hit the trail—it begins the moment you feel called to walk it. For me, that calling began when I stumbled upon the Dual Pilgrim program while researching the Kumano Kodo (in Japan). 

I couldn’t explain why, but the more I read about the Camino, the more I felt I had to go. 

Some people walk the Camino just because it’s beautiful.
You’ll pass medieval towns, sunflower fields, vineyards, quiet villages, mountain trails, and ancient churches.

Igrexa de Santiago de Barbadelo

Built in the second half of the 12 century (around 1150-1200).

Iglesia is the standard Spanish word for church. But in Galicia, they spell it “igrexa“. Galego (Language of Galicia) is closely related to Portuguese. In Portugal, they spell it “igreja“.

You don’t need to plan your days. You just wake up, walk, and rest.
Everything becomes simple: What will I eat? Where can I drink? Where will I sleep? Where can I pee? How are my feet? – That’s all you need to think about.

I met travelers who weren’t particularly spiritual or emotional—they just loved hiking and history.

I didn’t expect life to change dramatically, but somewhere between the silence, the strangers-turned-friends, and the long walks through ancient towns—I let go of things I didn’t even know I was holding.

And I think that’s the beauty of it: you don’t need a grand reason. 

The Camino welcomes you anyway.