We need a videographer!

I mean, seriously. There were many opportunities today to film a new series. Five women, between the ages of 59 and later 70s, coming off the train in Viana do Castelho, heavy suitcases in tow. Yes, we are actually doing the Camino. Many do it carrying their belongings on their back, but we're just dipping our toes in, having a 12-day initiation. We have opted for the luxury Camino, which is a non-sequitur from the get-go.

So it's a heady combination of shared power bars, hydration mixes, drinks in the lobby and a lifetime of habits. Can you imagine trying to come to a consensus as far as a start time tomorrow? I mean, it's the first day of walking. Five of the six of us have just arrived from North America, so there's jet lag to contend with, never mind completely different morning routines.

We trundled our standard-but-heavy suitcases down the central avenue, turned right just past a street-side restaurant that sent delicious scents of fish and garlic and tomatoes our direction (did I mention it was 3 already and we hadn't eaten lunch?), then hit the hard-core cobblestones. Not the time for a wheel to come off.

Fortunately, none did. Instead we arrived at our gorgeous, waterfront hotel. My room is a deep blue. Or maybe it's green. Hard to tell with the low light reflecting off the antiqued armoire doors. There's a pool table in the lobby area and the spa, I gather, is divine. Outside my large window, I can hear only the gentle whirr of air conditioners. My bed looks inviting.

After a journal writing stint in the comfortable lobby bar, glass of white wine at my elbow, the complete cohort of six (where's that videographer?) headed off for dinner, only to be thwarted by the lack of a reservation and so we ended up at a typical restaurant where the wine came in jugs and (too) much of the food was fried. But we laughed and shared stories, and tried to come to an agreement, yet again, as to when we should start. 8 am? Our bags need to be down by then to be transported to our next hotel (no more cobblestones for us). But suddenly that seems early.

Even while being in a group like this is so unlike my normal, independent way of traveling, I am so looking forward to spending the next couple of weeks with such fabulous women. There isn't a shrinking violet amongst us, so I wonder how it will unfold. 

The end of the day before the first walk. I may or may not write regularly. The goal for me for this Camino is inspiration. Writing inspiration. Everything else I've thrown to the wind recently has come to fruition, so here's hoping.