2023-006 | CAMINO DE SANTIAGO CHRONICLES | BEST PHOTOS | DAY TWO

BEST PHOTO OF DAY TWO

The best photo I took on the second day of the Camino del Norte. June 20, 2022. I passed by this tunnel-like passage on my way to the wharf where a ferry would help me cross on the other side of an estuary.

This was in Pasaia San Juan, Gipuzkoa, Basque Autonomous Region, and it was early morning. Tolerably cold for someone who lived all his life in the tropics. The pavement were made of shale while the walls of the structures were made of sandstone.

After dinner and the night's rest, I regained my confidence to finish the last 825 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela. Somehow, it was too early for cafeterias and tabernas to open and I learned another lesson in Spain: they have their own time standards and I must respect it. Off I went without breakfast for the second morning.

I am a pilgrim from the Philippines.

2023-005 | CAMINO DE SANTIAGO CHRONICLES | SELFIES | DAY TWO

BEST SELFIE OF DAY TWO

My best selfie of Day Two on the Camino del Norte. June 20, 2022.

That smile says it all. That is confidence. I just crossed safely over from Pasaia San Juan into Pasaia San Pedro on a small boat despite those waves from the Bay of Biscay rocking the inlet waters. Despite the cold weather and deprived of even a simple cup of coffee. Despite the thought of 825 kilometers more to pursue.

This was the day that I wore that t-shirt for the first time which defined my identity and my image for the rest of my life-changing journey. It is from my organization: the Camp Red Bushcraft and Survival Guild, which I displayed proudly along the route of the Camino de Santiago. I wore this everyday. Washed it every night. With my long hair and my dark skin, I stood out from the normal touristy look of conventional pilgrims.

Behind me is a German pilgrim and ahead of me is a Swiss friend and fellow pilgrim. I was climbing up a flight of concrete stairs on the way to Monte Mendiola and to the city of Donostia (San Sebastian).

I am a pilgrim from the Philippines.