I have returned from my travels and as I make my way through luggage, emails, bills, and laundry, I find that my words haven’t quite arrived yet. (Perhaps they’re stuck in the Frankfurt airport, along with countless other misplaced suitcases and bags?)
Sure, I can speak and I have been speaking about my trip, but more than any pilgrimage before, the words to describe this year’s experience are hard to find.
I can tell you that in this year’s trip I found my flow in new ways. I can also express my joy in walking with my Dad. I am quick to declare my love and appreciation for both groups I had the privilege to guide. But words to convey what this pilgrimage was? They’re still forming.
Often when I embark on a pilgrimage, I am processing my encounters real time, but this year, it’s as if these moments were all contained in a “cloud of unknowing”, with brief glimpses of understanding. I could both sense internal movement, but simultaneously a lack of words to convey my experience, as I walked.
All of this reminds me of the importance of the final stage of pilgrimage, making our way home. Last year I wrote a workbook, The Way Back, to support pilgrims on this often neglected stage, and I am finding how vital this coming home time is for me right now. So much of this year’s pilgrimage will be discovered on the back end.
So, as my words slowly arrive, here are some moments that I am relishing and delighting in from my time in Germany, Austria, Portugal, and Spain (in no particular order). Or as Julie Andrew’s might sing, “these are a few of my favorite things”:
The crisp air as I was stunned by mountainous beauty in Salzburg, Austria.
Singing “The Hills Are Alive” with abandon on a bus of strangers as we wound our way through Salzburg (and environs).
German breakfast. Sliced meats, cheeses, Nutella, and a whole new category of bread for me to love.
The beers of Munich and currywurst. My brief stop in Munich allowed me to sample some of the local beers and discover a new favorite meal. (Bonus: I was able to buy some spice packets, so now can make currywurst at home).
Learning that the city of Munich is named for monks (munchen), and their city logo depicts a female monk (not a nun, but a monk).
Being this close to seeing Harry Kane in person celebrating Bayern Munich’s win. (Let’s hope this carries on as he captains England in the World Cup).
Pastel de nata from my favorite shop in Porto.
Porto. Full stop. Even though I’ve been here before, I just love the vibe of this city.
Meeting Andres at the Pilgrim’s Office in Porto and sharing about my Camino, before and after.
Hooray for their being a Pilgrim’s Office in Porto!
Gathering together as a group in Vigo, Spain. We had no idea what was going to happen in the days to come, but those first moments were special.
Seeing our group unite as one of our members experienced some unexpected challenges.
Odd hotel paintings.
Nachos! After a long day’s hike, the heart wants what the heart wants, and mine wants nachos.
Walks by the estuary and stumbling upon a nude beach (perhaps more surprising than delightful).
A group reuniting and celebrating over dinner.
Conversations about life and vocation.
Tortilla Espanola.
A flower gifted by a stranger on the trail, which was a sweet nod to my first Camino and my daily flower in my hair.
Seeing Manolito on the way to Pontevedra.
Cooling my feet in the river that leads to Pontevedra.
Visiting the House of Mercy.
Remembering past moments with previous groups.
Walking with my Dad and learning to be present in new ways.
All the drinks: Port wine, Super Bock, Kas Limon, vino tinto, vino verde, ice cold Cokes, Estrella Galicia, tinto de verano, German pilsners, and dry Riesling.
Arriving in Santiago de Compostela and finding that it still brings me to tears.
Watching a pilgrim’s face light up as I congratulated him on finishing his Camino.
Catching up with a good Camino friend in Santiago.
Tinto de verano at my favorite, garden paradise of a cafe in Santiago.
Celebrating our arrival in Santiago with more nachos, and other fantastic meals (including a massive pan of paella) along the way. Enjoying our last moments together before departing.
A final night in Porto with Dad, sharing about our experiences, tasting port, and encountering some of the best cheese I’ve had in years.
A week of rest in Kaiserslautern, Germany with a good friend and her hospitable Brother.
The cutest dogs ever, named Maverick and Bogey. I may or may not have created a video in their honor.
Finding myself unexpected on the Camino once more, while on a walk in Germany.
Bananagrams, The Four Seasons, and a new friend.
The second group gathering in Kirn, Germany to walk St. Hildegard’s Way.
Visiting Hildegard’s birthplace and touring a small church with a copy of her book “Scivias”, realizing later that this would be one of the smallest, and yet most meaningful churches we would visit.
Walking in the green, lush lands of the Nahe region, and understanding Hildegard’s concept of “viriditas” (or greening) in new ways.
Staying at a lovely guest house, that was attached to a local winery, and resting that afternoon with a glass of wine and good coompany.
Witnessing a group member connect with and delight Germans (quite the feat).
Experiencing the ruins of the Disibodenberg monastery, and sensing Hildegard’s imprints on this place, while also sensing the challenge of her life there.
Towering trees that overshadow ruins of past cathedrals.
Coffee and cake - Germany’s response to the Brit’s tea time.
Protein packed dinners that were expertly crafted at our accommodations midway through the trip and even offered a salad bar.
Stickers, stickers, stickers.
Questions to ponder as we walked.
Taxi drivers who tell tales of visiting NASA.
Traipsing through vineyards.
Nutella sandwiches, AKA the Diane special.
The joy of completing a trail.
Hidden faces, carved in trees.
Spelt pudding, a la Hildegard.
Resonating with Hildegard’s health challenges and considering my own bodily limits.
Witnessing a group member discover Nutella.
Glimpsing an older couple, hand in hand, walking down the street.
World Cup matches.
Meeting the Hildegard trail creator.
Noontime prayer at St. Hildegard’s Abbey.
A quiet pause, at the church holding Hildegard’s remains.
A final celebration in Rudesheim.
My final meal of the trip, delivered by a German-speaking cat robot. I said what I said.
Finally arriving home after 6 weeks on the road.
Feeling intrigued by the life and ministry of Hildegard of Bingen? Or perhaps you’re drawn to the road of St. James (i.e., Camino de Santiago)?
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Spend some time savoring the summer season on a local pilgrimage with Hildegard of Bingen on Saturday, July 18. Mystic, doctor, botanist (and more), Hildegard often looked to nature as a way of understanding God's loving work with all creation. This unique pilgrimage experience will invite you to bear witness to the leafy, greenness of summer, by walking in and engaging with nature.
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Following the Camino, many pilgrims often find themselves lost when it comes to debriefing and integrating their experiences. Yet, this time of homecoming can be an incredibly powerful and clarifying season.
Join me for an online space to unpack your Camino experience. During this 1.5 hour retreat you’ll have space to share about your Camino with other pilgrims & explore ways to continue to bring your experience home.
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