“That’s the ideal meeting…once upon a time, only once, unexpectedly, then never again.”

Helen Oyeyemi

In the movie The Way, Tom meets three characters along The Way and joins forces with them. Along their Way, the four of them meet other characters. I met some characters on my path. Some I conversed with and shared a moment. Others I just observed.

There was Sue. I first met Sue through one of the group members who had met her along her Way. She introduced us at the end of one of our treks. I then ran into Sue along my own Way soon after. I learned that she is an English woman in her 70’s , traveling alone, and taking it step by step. She didn’t have hotel reservations anywhere, so it was a little tiring for her at each stop to find something. I asked her how her latest accomodation was. She said that it was simple and clean. They brought dinner to her at an appointed hour. She was pleased, and we said goodbye as she munched on her apple and granola bar. I snapped a picture of Sue and two other group members who happened to wander by at the same time.

There was a guy along the Way who I saw often. You pass people back and forth as you set your own pace and stop here and there. This solid man was probably in his late 50’s, had ear length wavy hair, wore shorts and a tank top, carried a walking stick, and was so friendly. He was like the Chris Kringle of the Camino. He would meet you with a hearty “Buen Camino” every time. I didn’t know his name or any personal information. He greeted anyone every time like you were old friends.

One of my favorite encounters was along the Way at a very unexpected stop. Stephanie and I rounded a bend and came upon a modern cafe/bar plopped pretty much in the middle of nowhere. It had a cool bar, a bathroom with sliding barn doors, and a patio with tables and metal chairs. It seemed out of place. As Stephanie was ordering beer, a woman who appeared Spanish approached me and asked if I was “so and so” from “such and such.” Apparently I looked just like this person and she questioned if I was sure I wasn’t. I was sure. She shared that she lived in Brooklyn and asked where I lived. I told her I was from outside Boston. Turns out her daughter goes to Boston College. Such a small world. Really. What are the chances? We parted Ways with a “Go BC!”

A farmer with gentle eyes and a sweet smile let me take a picture of him as he passed by on his tractor. The Galician people I met and observed were friendly and accepting of the pelligrinos. They have a lot of practice meeting new people. It was rare if someone didn’t greet you give a wave.

I wish I had met more characters. I know they were out there. It’s just about being open to them. Oh well, sometimes I’m just in my own Way. Next time I’ll broaden the path a little.