Small Moments, Big Meaning

Daily miles: 26.25 | Total miles: 14,628.77

I got up at 6:20am. Cold coffee, packing, and I was ready just after 7. Another day of walking, just to see how the body holds up and how it feels.

I first made my way into Valladolid and stopped for a coffee. There I met Bashir and Mira, and after a short exchange, I continued on.

As I was about to leave the city, a woman sitting on her walker asked me for the time as I walked by and greeted her. I turned around and did my best to tell her. Somehow, we both understood each other. She gave me two kisses and all her best wishes.

As I walked on, I thought to myself—this is it. This is why I love people so much. Sometimes, a very short exchange can bring so much happiness to both sides. I could feel how happy she was, and I truly loved that moment as well.

That’s what makes the world go round.

That’s what makes the world beautiful.

Along the road, there were many flowers planted—simple, colorful, and quietly uplifting. I crossed a river on an interestingly built bridge and asked a man if I could follow the bicycle path all the way to my destination. He told me it would mostly be gravel, but quite compact, and that I should be fine.

Since I was walking, I thought I might as well give it a try.

Well… as always with these bicycle paths, there were sections that were not so easy. You wouldn’t believe where the buggy and I had to go through at times. But by day 487, I’ve experienced so many paths that require improvisation, patience, and willpower—it almost becomes satisfying when you make it back onto a more normal track.

There were fields, muddy stretches, uneven ground—but over a 20 km section, I guess that’s part of it.

When I arrived in Tordesillas, I messaged the person I had booked the room with. Carlos opened the door when I rang the bell and showed me the small apartment.

It’s simple, cheap, and great. I love it.

Thanks for checking in, Andrea