Camino de Santiago Reflections: Arriving in SJPDP

Hi there! I’m Nicole—a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago.

It’s been nearly a year since we (me and my boyfriend Alejandro) completed our first Camino, but this morning, I woke up with a strong pull to share the experience—day by day, just as I told it to my journal. To protect the privacy of other pilgrims I will be changing names and/or nationality.

Over 33 days, we walked 500 miles from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela. Each day, I’ll share my personal reflections, a daily haiku, a few photos, and small moments that left their mark. I’ll also include some added context and practical notes for fellow pilgrims.

If you’re walking the Camino, planning it, or just curious—I hope these reflections help you feel something real. I’d love to hear from you in the comments.

Camino Day 0: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

We started the day in Madrid, Spain – traveling by metro to the train station, arriving by train to Pamplona, and then catching a bus to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France.

It’s been the most magical day. I’m exhausted, but so deeply happy—full in the best way. This was the most meaningful start I could have hoped for.

What a beautiful trail family we already have. Joseph (from the Basque Country) and Flora (from Argentina) were our warm and welcoming hosts at Gîte Beilari. They prepared a delicious, nourishing, and hearty community dinner for us. As we shared the meal, we got to know each other—Sara (from Holland, traveling by bike), Kacey and Kim (a mother and daughter from the U.S.), another couple also from the U.S., a few elder Italian cyclists, and Hope from the U.K.

During dinner, Joseph asked each of us: “If your Camino were a book or a film, what would its title be?”
At first, it felt a bit silly to name something that hadn’t truly begun yet—but I was surprised at how easily mine came to me. I had already written about my intention in my journal, and just needed to shave off a few words:
Connection: Inside and Out.

The village itself is a dream—charming and brimming with some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. We received our pilgrim credentials from Henri, a gentle, soft-spoken local. Later, as we wandered through the village, we saw him walking with his family. He stopped just to say hello and wish us well. With so many pilgrims passing through each day, I was genuinely touched that he remembered us—and even more moved that he paused to chat.

For lunch, we bought simple baguettes and cheese and enjoyed them by the river. As we sat, strangers passed by smiling, wishing us “Bon appétit.” It felt like a gentle embrace from the town itself—so welcoming!
All day I kept thinking: Where am I? How can there be this much kindness in one place?

I feel so blessed to be here, already wrapped in the wonder of this journey. Haven’t even had a sleep on the Camino, and yet I feel I am exactly where I’m meant to be. 

I don’t usually use the word blessed, but today, it feels right. Perhaps it was the pilgrim’s blessing we received at mass tonight. Though it was entirely in French, and I understood none of it, I felt its weight, its warmth. It felt sacred.

Only a few hours into this journey, and I’m already overwhelmed with gratitude. Even if nothing else comes of this journey—today was enough.

Before bed, Joseph told us: “Tomorrow, you’ll wake up with the angels.”
I have no idea what that means… but I imagine I’ll find out soon.

Daily Haiku:

I got my first stamp

Magical community

I am on my way