Monday, September 11, 2006

Of upper bunks and 48-year old bladders...

I´m sure the previous posts might have been getting a bit oppresive for some, so on to more nitty gritty matters and one of my great triumphs on my short-lived camino. In younger life, I could sit at a negotiating table with the best of them, never showing weakness by meekly requesting a bathroom break. Let me freely confess that my 48 year old bladder is less robust, and when I first saw those upper bunks in refugios, many of which don´t even have ladders to go up and down, my first thoughts were 1. gee, I hope I don´t roll out onto the floor in my sleep, and 2. what if I have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night? Fortunately, I suppose because everyone lives in the camino in a state of semi dehydration, I managed to pass my upper bunk tests with the same bladder-stamina as when I was 20....

9 Comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Chris,

Well, I've been contemplating these travails of yours, and the insights you're gaining. Of course, early on in the piece, I wanted to say "It's okay to slow down!", but your feet got the message through...and the rest of the body joined in. Take very special care now and don't get on a plane if your ears are blocked (I learned that one on my way back from Mexico!). Lynda in Melbourne

9/11/2006 4:53 AM  
Anonymous said...

Great job, Chris, hope your feet and lungs heal. I'm proud of you effort and the high quality of your reflections.

At home, we reflect on the attacks on nyc 5 years ago. I walked by the site this morning and pray that those who suffered losses will find solace from God and will mourn undisturbed by TV cameras. Harry Walters

9/11/2006 6:13 AM  
Anonymous said...

Be well. You've done a fantastic job.

9/11/2006 6:31 AM  
Anonymous said...

Chris -
I've loved walking at your side on the camino...you've inspired my son and I to plan for our own journey in the next few years. Your entries have sent me searching the web for more information on various routes, traditions and customs, have helped me focus more on my own budding spiritual awakening, and have made me smile. Even if the physical self hasn't completed the route - it seems your main goal towards growing spiritual renewal is well underway. Great job - and take care of yourself!!!

9/11/2006 8:02 AM  
Anonymous said...

You did what you set out to do - which wasn't necessarily to finish - as per your previous post. And now the path leads to the next step of the bigger POCF journey; just a little sooner than you thought it would. We'll all be glad to have you back Stateside!

9/11/2006 10:19 AM  
Jim Manney said...

Congratulations Chris. It's been a great pilgrimage. I posted about it here:

http://peopleofthebook.us/2006/09/11/chris-lowneys-camino/

9/11/2006 11:55 AM  
Anonymous said...

Hey Chris.....well Colin is overjoyed that his uncle is coming home much sooner than expected. Now you can rest your weary legs, we have a cold schlitz waiting for you. We are so proud of you and we are committed to the camino ahead now that you have laid the ground work. Maureen.

9/11/2006 3:05 PM  
Anonymous said...

"The only unsuccessful journey is the one that is never embarked upon." - Vinny "Lao Tzu" DeCola

9/11/2006 4:58 PM  
Anonymous said...

Oh no! What am I going to do now at 4:10 in the morning! The CSPYA will welcome you with open arms when you return. The lessons you have learned about both God and yourself are great ones. They need to be shared with the CSPYA membership on November 9th. Thank you very much for having the guts to attempt this pilgrimage. There aren't many our age who would even consider it.
Please take care of yourself and let me know when you're back in town (I'll keep checking the blog until you leave.)

- Patrick

9/12/2006 1:16 AM  

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