At the risk of sharing Camino secrets, I have to say that today and yesterday have held some very special moments. Both days we have stayed in the common sleeping spaces verses staying in a private room. Both days we have had dinner, provided by our albergue host, around a single table with our fellow peregrinos.

There are lots of opportunities for “magic” on the Camino, if we are open and willing to receive it. It also comes with some small costs, just like real life.

What is this magic? It’s a table full of pilgrims all making this journey for a variety of reasons, from 5 different countries, laughing together! It’s an albergue host, telling us about the stone she left at the cross during her own Camino, after crying daily for her father who had passed. She said a weight was lifted that day, and she was happy the rest of her journey. She lived in Brazil at the time, but moved here to open an albergue to serve other peregrinos. “Just for today” is the English translation for the name of the albergue, and it’s an appropriate mantra for El Camino, as well as our time in her home.

The meal she made for us was so special and delicious, maybe my favorite of all we’ve had. As we ate we discussed the fact that we are in our last 10 days. One lady at our table was a lady we roomed with the very first evening. We talked about those first few days, and how it might feel when we get to the end. She said sadly, “I may never see you all again.”

People bring the magic. Our individual journeys, shared experiences, and beautiful moments together. It cost us a little alone time and some euros. But it was so beautiful and powerful. We had a similar experience last night.

You don’t know what you’ll get in these moments around a pilgrim table, but I’ve been glad to have taken the risk. I hope to take this practice of being more “open” home with me.

Buen Camino!