A lot has happened since I planned this Camino and I wanted to reflect on some of this before I mentally prepared myself to start my Camino.
So I had pretty much planned this trip last November at the time I was just working away and living the life of a single Pringle. At the time my main motivation of the trip was to recunjur my inner pilgrim. Along with trying to see other Camino routes and especially see some of Portugal. The icing on the cake was the walk out to Fisterra/Muxia after visiting last year briefly on the bus I wanted to walk it.
Last year was great and it was a Camino but was mainly good time spent with my dad. But it missed the Pilgrim spirit I loved from my first Camino. So this was the plan, whisk forward 6 months and I found myself in a whole different situation. No longer single and having the benefit of a good woman in my life which has been and continues to be great. However many stories you tell about the Camino it’s hard to share the experience in its true form and Lauren being the kind of person she is did not shy away from the challenge when I asked if she would like to join me for the second half of the Camino and I am very excited to share the trials and tribulations of Camino life with her.
Whilst all the plans were coming together I had some bad news in work that I was to be made redundant due to the downturn in Oil and Gas (at least that’s the excuse they are sticking too). As you can imagine this can be a super stressful time for anyone and made trickier by the fact I had 3 and a half weeks booked off and all paid for for the Camino. The date was given that my last day would be on the 30th of September (after an extension) so at least I would return from Camino and have another month of work left to look for a job. So for the last couple of months as you can imagine in work it has been a bit crap with a massive cloud over everyone in my team and the IT industry in Aberdeen being very slow to recruit. I kept my Camino as the thing to look forward to and keep me motivated. Even tho the redundancy is not based on performance it’s hard to not think that your not to blame in some way or form. I’m a confident guy but have to admit the last few months have been a roller coaster even if I have been outwardly staying positive and giving work my best efforts. During this time it has been great to have Lauren’s support and have someone who I could run through things in my mind.
With everything going on and unknowns looming I also had a number of issues with the flat I was staying in and with only a few weeks to go to the Camino my flat mate had to move out. At the same time Lauren has been saving for a house while living in a single bed flat. While out on a training walk for the Camino I discussed all this with Lauren and it was by far the most adult walk in had by the end of it the decision had been made I will move in with Lauren so she could save more money for a deposit for a house and save me the trouble of trying to find a new flat mate.
Adulting is hard work but we were doing well, so all moved in. I was still looking for another job and sorting out the flat to give the keys back when a job came up at the Uni I went to within their IT department. I will be honest to say I just went there is a massive understatement I was there for 7 years and was union and student president. So obviously I applied with a feeling in the back of my mind that the mothership may be calling me back I persevered through the super long application process. While all this was going on Lauren found a house she liked 10 miles outside of Aberdeen and put in an offer. This was swiftly accepted and just like that a path was being prepared in front of us. Just to stress it’s not a we house it’s a Lauren’s house (I’m just tagging along for the adventure) so just a lodger 
. With the moving date towards the end of September along with my redundancy there’s was a mixture of excitement and fear. Then I got the email that RGU would like the interview me. The Monday before I leave on the Camino.
The interview went well but my focus was on making sure I’m ready and got everything I need for the Camino. Fast forward to yesterday and my plan was to work from home so I could go to the airport straight from The flat. Half way through the day I got a call and instantly the weight off my shoulders was dropped the job was mine. I called up work to give my notice so I will return for one day when I’m back then start at RGU.
Why am I telling you all this? Well in many blogs I read on the Camino and I do read a lot no one talks about the stresses and strains that can weigh on you. For me everything has come good and it means I can go away without worry or fear but we are all human and this has all been part of my journey to the Camino. As such my motivations for the Camino have changed from my first expectations.
So why am I walking the Camino?
Firstly to chill the fuck out, to mull over the last few months and make peace with them. Next to regain my pilgrim roots and to share the experience with my partner in crime (when she gets here). I am excited about the Camino and potential future ahead. And who knows maybe I will figure out another reason why I’m doing it.
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