As John Denver once wrote...

All my bags are packed

I'm ready to go

the taxi's waiting 

He's blowing his horn

Already I'm so lonesome I could die....

Alicia and I are layin' low today, both anticipating and dreading tomorrow's departure. Last night I took everything out of my pack, then put it back with a fresh set of eyes. I need to ensure I have all that I need and nothing that I don't need. One of the lessons from my backpacking days that remains engrained in my memory is that weight is everything. Anything that you can avoid carrying on your back will pay dividends down the trail. This trip is a little different however.

Between the time I board my flight in Chicago and the time I debark in Madrid I need to morph into a different animal. I've long carried my important items in my wallet. Credit cards, drivers license, green backs; all will be morphed into Euroman! No driving - replaced by a Eurorail pass. No U.S. money - replaced by Euros, a form of money that differs from our familiar dollars not only in denomination but physical size (they won't fit in a man's wallet, only a man-purse!). The typical use of a drivers license as a universally accepted means of identification turns out to be only a nationally accepted means of identification. The passport now reigns supreme, and it too will not fit in a man's wallet! 

My language, my voice in dealing with every day life, gives way to an app on my phone that now tells me that the only Spanish I remember from three years of grade school language classes is incorrect. (Who would have dismissed El Crappo de Toro?)! 

My biggest challenge is that I must leave my bride of barely a month, behind. She has been very supportive, encouraging me to go and have a grand adventure. That being said, my heart still hears the thoughts echoing in the empty spaces between her words, a reflection of those same thoughts rising up within me. I will miss her immensely, and she will likewise pine for my return. Technology will struggle in vain to placate our spirits. Phone, text, video chat are not a suitable replacement for emotions that have grown rapidly, not knowing the soothing comfort of time. My Camino will be markedly different than hers, but we both know it will be a journey for both of us. Mine will be many more steps, but the physical challenge will pale in comparison to the emotional longing with which we will both have to deal. 

But for now, Frederico, the Spanish God of the trail, beckons. Bend your left elbow my sweet, and I will see you each night.

Buen Camino

Frederico, my Camino companion.