"The Way"

The family and I watched a movie last night called The Way starring Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez. Actually, three of us saw the whole thing. Kaylin was sawing logs on the couch before it even started. Kamryn lasted through half of the film, while Kodie, Estalita, and me watched the whole movie.

The central character is Sheen, (Martin and not Charlie) and it focuses on his journey to overcome the sudden death of his son. The middle aged son is played by Emilio. His character is full of wanderlust, and he aims to see the world. He shrugs off the conventions of American living and the idea of finishing his doctoral degree, instead deciding to follow his heart and travel. His dad is living the conventional life, working as a doctor, and busy as many Americans are. Along the way in life, he sort of loses himself and forgets to smell the roses. Sheen sets off to find himself on the Camino de Santiago, a long 800+ kilometer trail that winds through France and northern Spain. Many walk this trail as a sort of pilgrimmage, or a way to pay tribute to someone or something. Some walk for religious or spiritual purposes, while others walk to get in shape, overcome a particular struggle, or simply to experience a sense of adventure. The plot development is a bit weak in my opinion, but the scenery is spectacular and the actual story line is very interesting. The movie hits pretty hard on "American stereotypes" by classifying most of us as self-absorbed, overly opinionated workaholics who live life in the fast lane, conveniently ignoring the need for self-examination and personal reflection. I only agree with about 90% of this!!!

George Contreras, a coaching friend of mine currently coaching in Switzerland, walked the entire length of the Camino in the fall of 2010. George is in his early sixties, and he is full of energy. He also has a wonderful zest for life, and a contagious spirit of adventure. I have been thinking for the past few years about someday tackling the Camino. It is officially on my "Bucket List." Anybody out there want to go along?

Here are some images I found online that beautifully capture the essence of the Camino de Santiago.

Lights out.