June 25 Wednesday - Santiago de Compostela Summer In Galicia,Transitions

June 25 Wednesday - Santiago de Compostela

Summer In Galicia, Transitions

Summer in Galicia is like winter at home. The first few days I was here it was warm, not hot, but warm. The highs were probably in the mid-seventies. Then it started raining and there were thunderstorms. The temperatures are in the mid to high sixties, with moisture in the air, and occasional showers. That's winter at home. But it isn't winter, it is summer. And my mind has begun it's normal migration from where I am to where I am going. For about two weeks before I leave for Spain, my mind is half at home, but turning toward Spain. And about two weeks before it is time to return home, the process reverses and my thoughts start turning increasingly to home. I started becoming aware of this phenomenon about five or six years ago. 

I'm thinking of warm summer nights spent watching the Dodgers, friends, family, walks on the beaches, and soft summer breezes. I have enjoyed my time here, as Zi always do. I have enjoyed the food here, as I always do. And I have enjoyed the people here, as I always do. If for some reason I found myself living in Spain, I am sure I would be happy here. I would learn to love  fútbol, as I love baseball. I would make friends. I would learn to speak Spanish well enough to have long conversations. But I don't live here, I live in California. And I love my home. 

I think this year after walking three Caminos, serving as a hospitalera  twice and as an Amiga twice; I have come to the realization that I enjoy walking more than the voluntary service. It's not an easy thing to come to grips with or to admit, but I believe it is my truth. This is not to say that I haven't enjoyed my times of service. I have enjoyed them very much, met some amazing people and made some great friends. But I prefer walking. Maybe I like the impermanence, the continual change, and the sense of adventure. I'm not sure what it is and maybe I will get some clarity or maybe it is just one of those things I need to recognize and roll with it. Coming from a background of service, this has been a big chunk of truth to learn about myself. 

I seem to have come to a time in my life where I can appreciate that there are some things I like because I like them and something is I like because I think I should like them. I'm getting better at spotting the difference and accepting the reality of that distinction. I am no longer willing to do things because I think I should like them.