Camino de Santiago (Frances)

I was first introduced to the Camino de Santiago in 8th grade by a Korean TV show that translates to “Korean Hostel in Spain.” It was a show where Korean celebrities tried to run a hostel for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. I was mesmerized by the drone shots of never-ending green landscapes and a road that seemed to stretch on forever.

My dad and I decided to take on the Camino after my junior year of high school ended. As soon as my spring semester’s finals ended, I flew across the Atlantic Ocean for the first time.

We explored new cultures, ate new foods, and met new people as we hiked from France to Spain. We walked every day. We experienced what we had only seen in videos before. I rode a mountain bike through the middle of the Camino, then returned to walking for the last 9 days. In total, we spent 21 days on the Camino de Santiago on the Frances route. It was an achievement unlike any other.

I’m so fortunate to have had this opportunity to learn about myself and spend time with my dad. I wish to hike on the Camino de Santiago again, reaching the final city Santiago de Compostela by the Portuguese Way or the Northern Way!