33rd Hiking Day
On the way from SJPdP to Roncevaux / Roncesvalles. Just said goodbye to Evelyn, Jenny, Roger and Gerard. Really lovely people. I notice how at times I have adopted endearing behaviours from them. The stubborn blinking of the brave Gerard, this dry and differentiated way of speaking of Roger, the pleasant singsong of Jenny, the lovable French dialect of Evelyn when she speaks English. As far as I'm concerned, I've experienced them all as wonderful people, each different and yet likable in their own way. Not to forget the comment from Roger when I announced the Camino Frances: "What really matters, are the people." Exactement, Roger! I would have phrased that in exactly the same way in terms of content and words. Oh what the heck: Cheers for the Strasbourgers! Now on the Napoleon route. So many people on the way now. I can hardly complain about that. That is exactly my reason for the Camino Frances. I would get really dizzy if I would judge every single walking pace in their very different ways. I prefer to look at myself and try to keep my thoughts focused on myself. Overall, I'm looking forward to being on the road again. And by the way, I walk now in the official footsteps of Hape Kerkeling. It's a good start. Now let's enjoy the landscape. It probably makes a strange impression when people pass me and see that I write while walking. But strangely enough, even in this situation I can concentrate well on writing. If only the books would not keep falling out of my pockets all the time.
Very excited and already torn apart. But one thing after another. First we said goodbye to Richard and drank two beers with him. Paul is great and I get along better and better with Sophie. She being single. Let's see if we can find a Spaniard for her. Calmness and relaxation are key here.
