Today, on the first day of the Camino, I realized that the peregrinos bond mostly over blisters. The things that people remember the most are names and blisters. Of the 4 to 5 pilgrims that I spoke to today, the consensus was that most of the peregrinos are friendly no matter their cultural background. A Canadian couple told me of the dinner that they shared with a Korean couple, who didn’t speak a word of English. Together they enjoyed chicken curry with rice and, a Spanish favorite, potatoes. I think that experience speaks of the magic of the Camino. Personally, the day was fairly easy; I expect things to get a rougher as we get sorer. I got two blisters but they’re very small and tomorrow I will be using different shoes in order to see if that help. I’m both looking forward and nervous for what’s to come, but with every peregrino conversation my confidence grows.
Jamie Osorio
First Impressions
When Dr. Hesp asked me to meet her in Bruggers just a couple hours after submitting my application to VT Camino, I never imagined that a couple months later that I would be experiencing what I have in the last 5 days of this program. In these few days I have gained a much greater understanding of the culture, society, and language of Spain and even Latin America as well. As a civil engineering major with additional minors in history, green engineering, and leadership studies, I have been able to expand my global understanding and comprehension in all of these fields in addition to making what I confidently believe to be life-long bonds with the other Hokie peregrinos of our group. I look forward to the next four weeks with friends in this wonderful country.
Josh Levine
Hokies hiking the Camino de Santiago 