9 people you'll meet in the camino
So for this blog post, I decided to do a more buzzfeed style story: the 9 people you'll meet on the camino de Santiago 1. The do-gooder The do gooder is rich with stories of volunteer work in Honduras or the Congo. He/she adores children, can sleep in any circumstance (since they've experienced the dirt hut floor of their volunteering), and is walking for a cause/to seek spiritual enlightenment. 2. The MAMILS (Pronounced mammals) Hated by all. Stands for middle aged man in Lycra shorts. In case you are unfamiliar of the Lycra fabric, it is similar to spandex in the manner that it hugged every saggy wrinkle of this mans' woefully exposed buttcheek. This man may double as a number 6. 3. The "sin muchila" (without backpack) These are the people who join the seasoned dedicated bunch for the last 100km. They not only don't carry a backpack, they hire a company to transport their luggage as they gently trot from city to city. At each city they are provided lemonade and coffee. They often wear makeup and jewelry that is matched with their ridiculous outfits and attempt to pass you on the trail (as if it's a race...). They have conveniently skipped the mountains. I'm a little bitter given the fact some women in matching bedazzled Nike outfits and neon keds (LOL) pointed and whispered about my woefully battered feet. Their motives? Lose weight, steal my spot at the nice hostel in town. They bring hair dryers. To Go Hiking. 4. The Super Man (or Woman) They average about five million km a day. They hike mountains in a single bound. Is it a car? Is it a moto? No it's them, sprinting down the highway with out even breaking a sweat. Their backpack weighs as much as a baby elephant. You will feel both jealousy and burning desire that they carry you down the mountain with them. They've hiked the Appalachian trail and basically swam the Atlantic to Spain- they're just a badass. 5. The Smooth Talker European guys think they're slick. This is obviously a generalization, but the ones I've spoken to know how to lay on the charm. The smooth talker will charm the hiking boots right off you, but it's better if you let the flattery roll right off. Flirting is their way of being friendly- don't read into it. 6. The Nudist There is a high chance this man will be German or Dutch. There is a 100% chance he will be chubby. You know this because he had no shame when it comes to dropping his towel in front of the 50 people that have been crammed into your hostel. Avert your eyes when he tries to climb to the top bunk. There his some saggy bits you can never un-see. 7. The Tourist Do I cross here? How do I get to Sarria? But my guidebook says something different, look! Lady, I'm not your tour guide. The tourist is the camino version of a stage five clinger. Help them once an they'll never leave you alone. These are the kind of people that think everyone is a their beck and call: translate this for me! Hey you, give me directions! I am just as clueless as you are, tourist. They've never heard of please and thank you. One of these types was so obnoxious as to even say "I don't think this is the right way! You better be right! How could you not know?" To which I replied, "I don't know. I'm not your tour guide." 8. The horny old people They're not really old, but usually 40+. They've come on the camino to find a cuddle buddy, a special someone. And they are desperate to show you the result of their 2 week old love. Expect to uncomfortably witness butt squeezes and sloppy kissing, thigh caresses and middle school-esque giggles. Normally I'm all for people doing what makes then happy but not when I'm trying to avoid eye-contact and they massage each others thighs in a bed two feet away. 9. Yourself Now this isn't a deep post about finding the "real inner you." It's merely the truth that while on the camino, you see yourself in others. You see your past self, usually in those starting out at a later town. Bright eyed and unsure. You must remind yourself to be sympathetic, kind. They're in the same boat you were 3 weeks ago. You wishfully see future you in the super people who look like tanned Greek gods. You see yourself in the friends you make, the people whose lives you touch just by talking to them while hiking a few km or sleeping in the bunk next to them. The camino will change you. But so far, I like my changes. Buen camino, Kat
