The trail descends into Pamplona, Spain.
We came across Dan on the side of the trail into Pamplona. He had a booth that catered to peregrinos. I spied some bananas among the foodstuffs and trinkets he had on display. I looked closer because it was midmorning and I was hungry.
“Where are you from?” Dan inquired. His eyes were bright.
“Tennessee,” Bob answered without hesitation. I shot him a sideways glance.
“Ah! I'm from Idaho,” Dan said proudly. His English was colored by a thick Spanish accent.
“Really?” It was my turn. “I have family there.”
“Wonderful.”
Dan and Martin were posted.
While we were carrying on about such things another group of hikers came up. I was still eyeing the bananas.
My interest was noted. Dan whispered, “Just put something in the jar. For a donation.”
Meanwhile a member the other group spotted a picture hanging from one of the posts. “Hey, is that from the movie, The Way?”
Dan nodded. “Yes. I was a camera operator.”
We were impressed.
Move poster from The Way. Image from here (accessed 9/8/2021).
If you missed it, The Way is a 2010 film starring Martin Sheen. It was written, directed, and produced by Sheen’s eldest son, Emilio Estevez. The story revolves around an a bitter father who travels to France to recover the belongings (and remains) of his only son who dies while hiking the Camino. Through a series of events, the father ends up walking the trail himself in the company of his memories and unlikely friends. Along the way he finds faith, community, and redemption. The Way captures the magnificent scenery of Spain and spirit of this historic pilgrimage. It made me laugh and cry and (if you will listen to this professor) is required homework for anyone who is thinking of walking the Camino de Santiago. For those who have already walked it, it is a great way to relive the journey.
(To view the movie trailer, click the link here.)
I put a coin in the donation jar and took a banana. Cameraman Dan from Idaho nodded approvingly.
Bob spoke next. “Did Martin Sheen walk the whole trail?”
“No. Only about four kilometers that day.”
¡Buen Camino!
No, this is not us. It is a still from The Way (2010). Image from here (accessed 12/23/2021).
We have a full slate of trips to the Bible Lands ready to launch in 2022. One departs New York for Israel on March 12 and returns on March 25. This high-energy study tour will move light and fast, so pack your hiking shoes! Walt Harper, professor from Central Christian College of the Bible and Jeff Snell from Johnson University will assist with teaching duties on this one. For more information click here or contact me at markziese@gmail.com.
