#Camino Coin Company

[caminocoincompany]

Discover Top Deals on US Silver Coins for Sale with Camino Company

Are you a collector or investor looking for the best value in US silver coins? Look no further! At Camino Coin Company, we offer an exceptional selection of US silver coins for sale, perfect for enhancing your collection or making a strategic investment.

US Silver Coins: Investment & Collectibles

US silver coins are more than just beautiful collectibles; they are also a wise investment. Silver has been a trusted store of value for centuries, and American silver coins, with their rich history and iconic designs, hold a special place in the world of numismatics. Whether you’re interested in classic coins like the American Silver Eagle or historic pieces such as pre-1965 silver quarters, we have something for every enthusiast.

Our collection features a variety of US silver coins, each with its own unique charm and potential for appreciation. At our Company, we pride ourselves on offering top-quality coins at competitive prices. Our knowledgeable team ensures that every coin in our inventory is authentic and carefully selected for its value and condition.

We understand that purchasing silver coins is a significant decision, and we strive to make the process as seamless as possible. Our website provides detailed information and high-resolution images of each coin, helping you make informed choices from the comfort of your home. Plus, with our secure and reliable shipping, you can trust that your investment will arrive safely and promptly.

Conclusion

Discover the perfect US silver coins for your collection or investment portfolio today. Visit Camino Coin Company and explore our top deals on US silver coins. With our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction, you can feel confident in every purchase. Start building or expanding your collection with us and enjoy the beauty and value of American silver coins.

[gadgetsforusesblog]

Lufthansa, Eurowings and other travel industry players move forward with Web3 By Cointelegraph

After the recent launch of the Camino network Travel-focused blockchain legacy travel companies look to a Web3 future. Cointelegraph spoke to executives from Europe-based airlines Lufthansa and Eurowings – two of the first companies to use the Camino network – to understand how Web3 integrations are taking this industry to the next generation. Read more on Coin Telegraph

[mmoviejournal]

2018

I, Frankenstein (2014) 

Love, Rosie (2014)

Black Panther (2018)

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Definitely, maybe (2008)

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)

XoXo (2016)

Verónica (2017)

Still Alice (2014)

War Machine (2017)

I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore (2017)

The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)

Bad Boys (1995)

Bad Boys II (2003)

The Words (2012)

Insidious: the last key (2018)

Wall-E (2008)

White Chicks (2004)

The Good Dinosaur (2015)

Frailty (2001)

Belle (2013)

Rise of the guardians (2012)

Bright (2018)

Zootopia (2016)

Irreplaceable You (2018)

The Holiday (2006)

Creed (2015)

The Shape of Water (2017)

Red Eye (2005)

Orphan (2009)

Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

Rogue one (2016)

Lovesong (2016)

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

Annihilation (2018)

Tallulah (2016)

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

Miss you already (2015)

Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (2017)

The In Laws (2003)

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Legend (2015)

Freeheld (2015)

The Maze Runner: Death Cure (2018)

Tomb Raider (2018)

The Aristocats (1970)

Suffragette (2015)

Annie (2014)

Hollow in the land (2017)

Suicide Squad (2016)

¿Qué culpa tiene el niño?  (2016)

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Deepwater Horizon (2016)

American Assassin (2017)

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Collateral Beauty (2016)

Alien (1979)

The Girl with all the Gifts (2016)

A little Princess (1995)

Girls Trip (2017)

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Rough Night (2017)

Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018)

Baby Driver (2017)

Deadpool 2 (2018)

Seven Pounds (2008)

Comet (2014)

Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)

Gone Girl (2014)

Only lovers left alive (2013)

Twelve Monkeys (1995)

Total Recall (2012)

Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)

Predestination (2014)

Finding Dory (2016)

Nightcrawler (2014)

Super 8 (2011)

The Reader (2008)

Cargo (2017)

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

Morning Glory (2010)

Certain Women (2016)

Jumanji: Welcome to the jungle (2017)

Contagion (2011)

13 going on 30 (2004)

Just Like Heaven (2005)

The Duchess (2008)

Love, Simon (2018)

The Incredibles (2004)

Walk the Line (2005)

Alex Strangelove (2018)

The Breadwinner (2017)

Flores Raras (2013) 

Set it up (2018)

Ocean’s Eight (2018)

Duck Butter (2018)

Sisters (2015)

Teenage Cocktail (2016)

The Feels (2017)

Tau (2018)

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

A Wrinkle in Time (2018)

Tomorrowland (2015)

Lady Bird (2017)

Iboy (2017)

The Help (2011)

To all the Boys I’ve loved before (2018)

Eden Lake (2008)

A Quiet Place (2018)

The Martian (2015)

The Purge: Election Year (2016)

Unbroken (2014)

Like Father (2018)

Aeon Flux (2005)

Disobedience (2017)

Princess of Thieves (2001)

Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018)

Ultraviolet (2006)

Jupiter Ascending (2015)

About Time (2013)

The Open House (2018)

The Girl King (2015)

Aliens (1986)

Spirited Away (2001)

Hush (2016)

Desert Hearts (1985)

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (2015)

The Girl on the Train (2016)

Young Adult (2011)

Next Gen (2018)

Train to Busan (2016)

SPF-18 (2017)

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012)

Thirteen (2003)

The Indian in the Cupboard (1995)

Maximum Ride (2016)

La belle Saison (2015)

Mother! (2017)

The Equalizer (2014)

Gi-eok-ui bam (2017)

Sinister (2012)

The Terminal (2004)

Burn after Reading (2008)

Christmas Inheritance (2017)

Hereditary (2018)

Nappily Ever After (2018)

John Tucker must die (2006)

King Cobra (2016)

Straight A's (2013)

Hearts beat loud (2018)

Children of Men (2006)

Coin heist (2017)

Coraline (2009)

xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017)

Dark Places (2015)

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)

Scream 3 (2000)

Mustang (2015)

Scream 4 (2011)

Baywatch (2017)

Novitiate (2017)

The Purge (2013)

Storks (2016)

Slap Her, She's French! (2002)

Horns (2013)

Tully (2018)

Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

Candy Jar (2018)

Toy Story 2 (1999)

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Arrival (2016)

The Road to El Dorado (2000)

Operation Finale (2018)

Balto (1995)

Venom (2018)

Jenny’s Wedding (2015)

This Beautiful Fantastic (2016)

Oliver & Company (1988)

D.E.B.S. (2004)

The Iron Giant (1999)

The Purge: Anarchy (2014)

The United States of Leland (2003)

Gerald’s Game (2017)

We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (1993)

FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992)  

Yes Man (2008)

Lights Out (2016)

The Incredible Jessica James (2017)

Brain on Fire (2016)

American Ultra (2015)

Fighting (2009)

Errementari (2017)

It Follows (2014)

Friends with Money (2006)

AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)

Laggies (2014)

The eyes of my Mother (2016)

Malevolent (2018)

The night comes for us (2018)

Extinction (2018)

Friday the 13th (2009)

The Grudge (2004)

Kuntilanak (2018)

Halloween: Resurrection (2002)

Friday the 13th: The final Chapter (1984)

With a Kiss I die (2018)

The Duke of Burgundy (2014)

Hangman (2017)

The Grudge 2 (2006)

Apostle (2018)

Jennifer’s body (2009)

Verónica (2017)

The Holiday Calendar (2018)

Shut in (2016)

Never let me go (2010)

Girlhood (2014) (Bande de filles)

You’re next (2011)

Clinical (2017)

Alien³ (1992)

Winged Creatures (2008)

First Girl I loved (2016)

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

The Brave little Toaster (1987)

Underworld: Awakening (2012)

Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)

What dreams may come (1998)

Juzni Vetar (2018)

Equalizer (2018)

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

When a stranger calls (2006)

Beach Rats (2017)

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Inxeba (2017)

Focus (2015)

Nymphomaniac: Vol. I (2013)

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)

Safe House (2012)

Hellboy (2004)

Happy Anniversary (2018)

El laberinto del fauno (2006)

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) 

Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List (2015)

The Book of Eli (2010)

It’s Complicated (2009)

The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)

Obvious Child (2014)

Sorry to bother you (2018)

Before I Fall (2017)

22 July (2018)

Becks (2017)

Every Day (2018)

Wild (2014)

Letters to Juliet (2010)

The spy who dumped me (2018)

Inside Man (2006)

The Nun (2018)

Catch Hell (2014)

Rush Hour 3 (2007)

Cam (2018)

Monster in law (2005)

God’s own country (2017) 

The Keeping Room (2014)

The Flatliners (2017)

Little Women (1994)

The East (2013)

Elysium (2013)

I Spit on your Grave 2 (2013)

The Craft (1996)

My cousin Rachel (2017)

The Princess Switch (2018)

Big Fish (2003)

Regression (2015)

I Spit on Your Grave 3: Vengeance Is Mine (2015)

The First Purge (2018)

We bought a Zoo (2011)

The Pagemaster (1994)

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)

Gemini (2017)

Only you (1994)

Christopher Robin (2018)

The Wedding Date (2005)

Led (2018)

Race (2016)

127 Hours (2010)

Eat Pray Love (2010)

Gravity (2013) 

Lila & Eve (2015)

Salt (2010)

G.I. Jane (1997)

Divergent (2014)

Red Riding Hood (2011)

Passion (2012)

Catfight (2016)

Insurgent (2015)

A Christmas Prince (2017)

A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding (2018)

Changeling (2008)

Burlesque (2010)

El Camino Christmas (2017)

The Clapper (2017)

Battle (2018)

Jekyll Island (2017)

Amateur (2018)

Mowgli (2018)

The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea (2016)

Miss Meadows (2014)

Halloween (2018)

The Little Mermaid (2018)

Roma (2018)

Lizzie (2018)

Man on Fire (2004)

Aquaman (2018)

Bird Box (2018)

An Hour Behind (2017)

[mainswhere]

U.s. silver coins for sale

#U.s. silver coins for sale series#

It also includes different denominations of coins that add up the total value of the bag to $100. We sell bags consisting of silver coins produced by the United States Mint with 90% silver content. You can also buy a $100 Face Value Bag with 90% silver coins from 1964 and earlier. The $500 Face Value bag is an outstanding option in every respect to add tangible wealth to your portfolio or to collect significant coinage. Each bag approximately comprises 357.50 ounces of pure silver. The bag is filled discreetly depending upon the inventory at the time of the order. It includes dimes or quarters, dated to 1964 and before. These coins with 90% pure silver come in different denominations. The $500 (Face Value) US silver bullion coins represent an eventful era in US coinage. Now, as the Mint has completely removed pure silver content from the mix, these coins from almost 5 decades ago have become particularly collectible items. At the beginning of 1965, the US Mint started subtracting pure silver from the minting process and reduced the 90% of pure silver to 40%. This canvas bag contains a combination of 90% silver coins dated back to 1964 or earlier. The American Eagle Silver Coin is highly collected as it enjoys unparalleled liquidity and recognition.Īt Camino Coin Company, we offer a $500 Face Value Bag of 90% silver coins. government, which makes it an excellent choice for investors. Its weight, silver content, and purity are guaranteed by the U.S. It is available only in the 1 Troy Oz option with 99.9% pure silver. Weinman’s famous Walking Liberty on the obverse side. It is one of the most successful bullion programs produced by the US Mint as it has had a solid image in the market for over decades.Įvery coin in the collections features an extraordinary Heraldic American Bald Eagle designed by John Mercanti on the reverse and Adolph A. Ever since its launch, investors and collectors have widely appreciated the Silver Eagle’s classic reverse and obverse design due to the high quality and purity it offers. In recent years, there has been a striking increase in the demand for American Eagle 1oz Silver Bullion Coin. It first debuted in 1986 and has been coined with some common design elements.

#U.s. silver coins for sale series#

The American Silver Eagle is the premier bullion coins series from the United States Mint. Weinman (1916 to 1945), and many more.Ī few of the most celebrated US Silver Coins offered by Camino Coin Company are mentioned below: Weinman (1916 to 1947), Mercury Dime also designed by Adolph A. Morgan (1878 to 1921), Walking Liberty Half Dollar by Adolph A. Other historic US Silver Bullion Coins are the Morgan Silver Dollar by George T. They later came in denominations of Eagle ($10), Half Eagle ($5), Quarter-Eagle ($2.50), and the Famed Double Eagle. One of the most popular coins ever issued by the United States Mint was the $20 Gold Double Eagle. Each series boasts a unique design that includes pictures of figures like the American Bald Eagle and Lady Liberty. The US Silver Coins come in a range of designs from historical figures, iconic sites, animals, and more. There is no shortage of options to buy silver from the Mint. Although the US Mint no longer produces silver coins for circulation, millions of investors and collectors show a keen interest in their purity, affordability, and exquisite design. The Mint offers bullion coinage from gold, silver, platinum, and palladium to historic US gold and silver circulation coins. Before 1964, the US minted silver coins had 900 pure silver content. The production of silver and gold started in 17, respectively. It delivered its first circulating coins with 11,178 Copper Cents on March 1793. The US Mint was established on April 2, 1792, after congress passed the Coinage Act. The products from the Mint are very popularly known to investors and collectors all over the world. History of US MintĪmong the three mints in America, the United States Mint coins the highest volume of gold and silver coinage. The history of the US Silver Coin also excites the collectors. One very prominent reason for beginners and expert investors to buy silver bullion online is that Silver per Oz is much lower than the price of other precious metals such as gold, platinum, and palladium. You can buy silver in various forms including, coins, bars, rounds, statues, and more. Even though gold remains the king of precious metals, millions of people invest in silver to bring affordability and diversity to their portfolios.

[regularbeans]

Best Songs of 2017

Songs that I loved that were either not released as singles this year, were released in another year or were released as singles in another year LEZZDOTHIS. I do try to limit the number of songs per album I can have on this list but I always fail as usual so... bear with me. I also usually have a ~normal number of songs on this list but this year fuck that noise. I could probably get it to 90 or 100 somehow but I just ehh. Also the order is usually useless on this list so... check out all these songs o_o 

And because I’m very tired I’m not linking them all individually I’ll just link you to my Spotify playlist of these songs ok that are in all sorts of order so... whatever. I’m tired. 

Also check out my monthly playlists where you can listen to more songs I loved this year.

83 Lorde: Liability 82 Airways: White Noise Boys 81 Caesars: Jerk It Out

80 Pegboard Nerds: Emergency 79 AJR: I’m Not Famous 78 Belinda Carlisle: Heaven Is a Place on Earth 77 Prides: Are You Ready? 76 alt-J: Left Hand Free 75 Jack Garratt: Water 74 Halsey: Heaven In Hiding 73 Kaiser Chiefs: Hole In My Soul 72 Manchester Orchestra: The Moth 71 The Living Tombstone: No Mercy

70 Justin Bell: Twin Elms 69 Griffin Oskar: Never Loved Me 68 Matthew and the Atlas: I Followed Fires 67 COIN: Talk Too Much 66 Everything Everything: I Believe It Now 65 Company Ghost: Keep the Fire 64 Dotan: Let the River In 63 Cobi: Don’t You Cry For Me 62 Grizfolk: The Struggle 61 Gavin James: Nervous 

60 Klaxons: Golden Skans 59 The Band CAMINO: I Spend Too Much Time In My Room 58 Ian Grey: Sleep 57 Elle King: Ex’s & Oh’s 56 Alec Benjamin: End of the Summer 55 Paramore: Idle Worship 54 Straalen: Help 53 Finish Ticket: Color 52 Linkin Park: Sharp Edges 51 Matt Maeson: Grave Digger

50 Oxen: Luck 49 Mos Isley: Where Do We Go 48 Causes: This Sinking Ship 47 Jordan Mackampa: What Could Have Been 46 Blossoms: Charlemagne 45 The Federal Empire: Bad Habits 44 Don Diablo: What We Started (feat. Steve Aoki, Lush & Simon) 43 Démira: Fountain 42 Kensington: St. Helena 41 Kaleo: Automobile

40 Matt Maeson: Cringe 39 Loic Nottet: Million Eyes 38 White Lies: Right Place 37 Kanye West: Power 36 November Lights: Talk 35 One Direction: History 34 Marian Hill: Down 33 Everything Everything: White Whale 32 Kesha: Rainbow 31 Kensington: Franklin Exits

30 Dean Lewis: Waves 29 Imagine Dragons: Monster 28 David Housden: A Time For Change 27 Kaleo: All the Pretty Girls 26 Misterwives: Not Your Way 25 Kensington: Send Me Away 24 Kaleo: Hot Blood 23 Plested: I O U Demo 22 Misterwives: Band Camp 21 Vance Joy: Georgia 

20 Kaleo: Vor í Vaglaskógi 19 Sunset Sons: VROL 18 Grizfolk: Into the Barrens 17 Bishop Briggs: River 16 Calum Scott: Dancing On My Own 15 Misterwives: Only Human 14 American Authors: Pride 13 Bear’s Den: Emeralds 12 Misterwives: Vagabond 11 Lady Gaga: Million Reasons

10 dodie: Secret For the Mad 09 American Authors: Mind Body Soul 08 Kaleo: Way Down We Go 07 Vance Joy: Mess Is Mine 06 Misterwives: Our Own House 05 Kensington: Regret 04 Kensington: Home Again 03 Misterwives: Reflections 02 X Ambassadors: Low Life (feat. Jamie N Commons) 01 Nothing But Thieves: Soda

[wanderlust-journal]

An Essay on Home

On a recent winter night, I curled up on the worn velvet of a plushy chair in a spacious, if poorly lit, hotel lobby. As the clock struck midnight, my companions and I continued a lively conversation that had started with the drastically different climates of the places we call home. We considered the California current and the gulf-stream and the “rivers” of weather they bring, of micro-climates in both in Mexico and California and the strangeness of humans pretending to control life by building a wall between the two countries that are so inextricably linked.

The Geneve is an anachronistic hotel in Mexico City’s Zona Rosa district. A step back in time, men in long coats open the doors with a flourish, a statue of Porifirio Diaz guards the foyer, and live birds chirp from hanging whicker cages.

I’d spent the evening with my daughter, a friend, a Mexico City local, and the conversation flowed easily, a frolicking bilingual stream of consciousness.  We covered politics on both sides of the border, the future of journalism, the gauging costs of graduate school, global warming, growing up in big families, and the benefits and drawback of cannabis.

My daughter had been there six weeks, and her Spanish bubbled like champagne. A chronic illness warrior, she seemed healthier in Mexico, many of the symptoms fading to a low murmur. She wrote prolifically, her sense of adventure dominated, and she laughed easily.

At twenty-three, she is approximately the age I was when I took my first sojourn to Mexico and Guatemala.

In San Francisco’s wet winter of 1988, I saw a flyer for a one month trip to Mexico and Guatemala at an irresistibly low price. At least a priceIcouldn’t resist. The flyer showed pictures of hippies, college students and senior citizens traveling the countryside on a dilapidated bus, waving from the windows as the bus teetered on the edge of green hills. I’d been marooned under a three-month depression, each morning feeling like a painful slog even to get from bed to the tea kettle. My bones actually hurt when I reached the top of our steep hill every morning to catch the clanging metro to work.

I took the flyer home, drank a beer, then sent in my deposit before I could change my mind. My hand shook as I wrote the check, but once I dropped it in the mail, a rush a blood came from my heart to my head, and the air tasted slightly like hope. I quit my job, bought a plane ticket, and tried to practice walking with a backpack.

I arrived in the Mexico City airport anxious, sleepless, and feeling weakened by heavy back pack. I tried to navigate through a seething mass of people – women with children tied to their backs, business men rushing down the corridors, older couples pulling enormous suitcases, heavily armed guards.  The airport was enormous, the loudspeakers blaring in two or three languages, and sweat rolled down my back under my pack.

“Hola! Con permiso?”  I tried on various travelers who appeared to be locals. But they all had somewhere to be and little patience for the lost Gringa from California.

This was long before the time I might carry a cell phone, all I had were cryptic directions, scribbled in my notebook. My Spanish, learned years before in Madrid, was disappointingly rusty.  My chest grew tighte with anxiety and my feet hurt. I found a chair, and tried to calm myself, closing my eyes and calling up my inner strength.

When I came back to the present, I looked across the room and spied a group of disheveled hippie types, drinking coffee on high black stools, back packs at their feet. One of them had a bandanna tied to her back pack with the travel company’s logo on it. Thank God, these were my people.

Within a few days, I was scrambling up volcanoes, praying at temples, flipping a coin to see who bought the next round of cervezas, ill on the side of the road from ceviche, and chattering in Spanish like a hyper parrot to anyone who would listen to me. I’d found the “camino” to my happy place.  I found a confident, strong, relaxed but determined friend to travel with: myself.

The trip to Mexico thirty years ago started a love affair with the countries south of the border. It has led to evenings of joy, dancing in the streets – the way I always know I’ve truly arrived in Latin America- and to long nights of worry about the inhumane treatment of our Southern neighbors. It led to months of travel and stays in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, immersing myself in the cultures, absorbing what I could of the history, art, political complexities and most of all, people.

My travels sowed the seed to the adoption, years later, of my youngest child, who made the family whole when we didn’t even know a piece was missing.  My concern for the immigrants’ experience in the US changed the course of my career, pushing me to public and advocacy for Latino youth.

Mexico eventually solidified my relationship with my husband. We shifted from dating to serious in a little town outside Oaxaca. We got engaged on the coast of Baja. Latin America was the setting where we our love emerged in the sun and we could see the metal we would use to forge our family.

Now thirty years later our daughter Casey, a journalist, was winding up her six week stay and planning for her return. Could she live in Mexico City, she wondered? How long would the free-lancing last?

In the prior few days, I had observed as she interviewed artisans in Oaxaca, joked easily with babies, mamas and an elderly taxi driver, shared her new avarice for Mexico City with me, and relaxed in the warmth of her friends.

In the morning, as we packed up to go catch a plane back to the States, she looked crestfallen. Her heart was a kite, caught in the tree of Mexico. I picture her standing below it, tugging on the fragile string.

“Mom, come help me get my heart down.”

I look up, noticing the goldfinches fluttering in the branches. If the metaphor holds, the tree would probably be carved with the initials of local school children, and there might be a few abandoned cigarette butts dropped among the roots that push through concrete. The branches would stretch high into the sky, however and yellow flowers bloom.

“No,” I advise her. “You can’t yank it down. Better to leave your heart here and come back soon.”

So we get our bags in the taxi and wave goodbye to Mexico. . . to long evenings in the fading light at the Zocolo while babies toddle by, their hands loosely caught in their abuela’s shawl. To buying trinkets from tired men, hoping they will use the pesos to eat something.

Goodbye to constant reminders of Guadelupe, to teen boys strutting across the plaza in tight t-shirts, muchachas roller blading the other way, to taxi drivers who explain the significance of Opera to us, and indigenous healers who literally blow smoke on Casey, determined to burn away her illnesses.

It occurs to me that home is not where you are born, or even pay your taxes. It’s a latitude. The place where gravity feels heaviest, where no matter how many times you go away, you feel the earth’s incessant pull to return, to surrender. To lie down on the ground and say “Yes. Here. Home.”

Casey doesn’t look at me as the taxi joins the wave of traffic, her eyes on the sun-splashed streets.

“Don’t worry,” I promise her. “You’ll be back soon.”

BIO: Joanell Serra MFT lives and writes in Northern California. Her debut novel, The Vines We Planted, (Wido 2018) was a finalist for the American Bookfest award (multi-cultural fiction category) and was chosen by the Latina Book of the Month Club. She has published stories and essays in Eclectica, Blue Lake Review, Black Fox Literary Magazine, Poydras Review, Gravitas, Meat for Tea and many other journals and has won awards for her stories and essays.

        The Latitude of Home by Joanell Serra An Essay on Home On a recent winter night, I curled up on the worn velvet of a plushy chair in a spacious, if poorly lit, hotel lobby.

[caminocoincompany]

Discover all you need to know about the Australian Kookaburra Coin with this comprehensive guide.

Discover the history, design features, and collectible appeal of the Australian Kookaburra Coin in this complete guide. Explore its art and investment value for your collection now!

[dreweric]

June 2016, El Camino de Santiago, my Journey-of-Self-Discovery

Can I do this, can I make a Camino Family?

My Band-of-Brothers

The Camino is a funny place. Relationships start; they burn hot and can have a life-span of a few minutes or a few days. In this world of fast paced connecting, we have what is affectionately coined “The Camino Family” which constitutes a group of individuals walking together and staying together for whatever time they last.

I haven’t seen very many of these relationships last much longer than eight days. My first Camino family lasted that long. My second and third Camino family lasted even less. Enter family four and five. I finished the Camino splitting my time between them. On my last day I walked into Santiago going it alone, leaving both families–only to reconnect with both as they came into Santiago. If this sounds confusing, I’ll attempt to sort it all out, there is so much to tell.

What I’ve learned on this journey has been based on attaching, separating and learning how to be ok with what is. We learned to honor our individual needs and to walk together in a way that best supports us all. It was an enlightening experience to pay close attention to energy and subtle body language.

I came up with this explanation and many fellow pilgrims agreed. The Camino is about 32 days in length.  So, if you equate that to the length of the relationships you have here on the Camino then one day equals one year, ten days equals ten years. (A Camino flip on dog years!)

For shorter encounters, six hours might equal six days and one hour could be an entire day in the real world.

So, imagine 32 years of your life and the people who will impact you during that time. Imagine meeting them all in a day, a week or a month. This is a lifetime of learning, meeting and growing at warp speed.

So when I say my band of brothers is still walking together after so many days, that’s quite an accomplishment.

I met one of my brothers the day I climbed the mountain. He was staying in my Albergue/Hostel. We didn’t talk much at all. He is from Australia and currently lives in England. I will call him the Aussie. I learned that the Aussie is two months younger than I am, and it’s a kick to remind him of that. He was walking with a coworker, originally from Canada.

This past week I was feeling pretty sad and lonely, still in the middle of processing how I felt about chasing the popular kids. It was then that I met another brother from Sweden. He turned in his chair and started talking to me in his slight Swedish accent. On the attractive scale he is pretty damn adorable and is in his mid 20s. I will call him the Swede. I certainly didn’t mind chatting with him even though my feeling of worthiness was at a low and I was feeling a little afraid of him.

I joined him at the table for conversation just before he received a phone call. I moved back to my writing on the lawn, still feeling sad. Eventually I realized the only person isolating was me. It was time to take action.

I got up, put my computer away and looked in the dining area to see who was around. The Swede and Aussie were in conversation at a table. A lovely woman joined us completing our new group of friends. We spent the next five hours talking, drinking and eating, all without getting up from the table. It was a special evening.

The Swede was sitting across from me and was very attentive throughout the evening, making long eye contact with me while we talked. I could clearly see we had a connection and would probably spend some time together in the next few days.

As it turned out we were all sharing a room and the Swede seemed quite interested in me as he kept up a conversation in between teeth brushing and getting ready for bed. Now my intuition was telling me he wanted to walk with me tomorrow.

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—Thursday, June 23— Because of my confusion and chasing the popular people, which I no longer am, I got a cold. Please send me healing energy. It’s very mild so no worries.

Walking with someone is essentially going on a first date here on the Camino. If you walk for more than an hour that means the date has been going well. You really don’t know what’s going to happen. It could end in an hour, last many hours or continue for days.

I wake up every morning not knowing who I will walk with, meet, where I will stay or how fast I will walk. Everything is up in the air, which is exciting and scary at the same time.

—Added new photos— Good morning world, hello from the other side. No shadow yet, soon…

On this morning I woke up with my realization that I was chasing the popular kids—a recurring theme. It was very heavy on my heart and I could tell something was about to happen for me, including a shift in perception. I could feel my heart racing with the heaviness.

At 5:30 a.m. my alarm went off. I was getting ready but the Swede was still sleeping.  I wanted to run out of the hostel, but I had this intuition he really wanted to walk with me. I was torn, I had something to process and he was still sleeping. So I reach over to his bunk and tapped his foot figuring if he wakes and starts the morning process then maybe we will walk, but I’m not counting on it.

My foot tapping worked, he rises and starts slowly buzzing about his stuff. His belongings appear to be everywhere as he begins packing them up. In other words, to me, he was a typical 20-something trying to get ready. I saw he wasn’t moving fast enough and I chose to leave. I didn’t see him before I left and felt bad because I just really knew he was reaching out for connection.

I took off, out the door, on my way in the dark of early morning. Still not knowing who I would walk with, who I would see or where I would sleep and still trying to figure out what the hell was going on in my head about the popular kids. I eventually had my realization and cried, leaving me raw and emotional.

I came across a beautiful bridge with pollen fluff on the ground that looked like summer snow. The light was just coming over the mountain. Across an amazing stone bridge was a tiny home with unusual metal furniture, artwork and benches. It was a beautiful setting to do some writing.

I also thought I would wait for the Swede to catch up. I was ready to spend some time walking with him after having an “aha moment” during my writing. Half way into my writing he walked up and said, “I was looking for you this morning but I didn’t find you.” I replied and said, “Yeah, I know you were looking for me.  That’s why I am waiting here so we could walk together.” He seemed pleased. It was several days later when he told me about some girl accidentally hitting his foot that morning. I told him it was me waking him up. He had no idea and was tickled it was me.

I closed my computer and we walked on. Now remember, most pilgrims go deep and vulnerable in a matter of seconds. This was no different, we immediately jumped in.

Perhaps an hour in, I said something that really hit home for him.  So much so he needed to stop walking for a second.  I saw he needed a minute so I told him I would walk ahead and see him in a bit. When this happens you never know if you will walk again or not. The Camino is that unpredictable.

When I found a place to pause again he walked up with Aussie from the night before and the three of us walked the rest of the day, sharing and opening up about ourselves and our lives—my favorite conversations.

The Aussie was a bit angry, shut down and closed off. He barely smiled but was willing to walk with us. The Swede was full of stories about Sweden. He continually talked about Sweden, it was a hoot. Like white noise, I can still hear his accent in the background of my Camino, I loved the sound of it.

We spent that first day together and I could feel a real connection between us. Not really sure what would unfold but I was willing to stick this out and go for the ride. By now, I have grown quite accustomed to being in the company of men on the Camino so I wasn’t having an issue about letting my flags fly and being myself.

Actually I started to realize that I am attracting these men. They both seemed sensitive and emotional and somewhat giving. I could see Aussie was struggling with opening up but I am the type of person who doesn’t really let someone get too comfortable in their comfort zone. I push them right out of it with my coaching ways.

After another long day of walking we began a tradition of drinking beer for the electrolytes (after marathons they give out beer.) During our first full day, I have pushed buttons, made them leave their comfort zone and forced deep conversation about themselves, their lives and surprising me, they still stuck around.

That is an amazing feat. When I get going with my coaching/spirituality conversation, it can be overwhelming for some people. I could see I was pushing them and they both loved it. I even set some ground rules for our discussions and they were happy to oblige.

You can’t use the word “but” as in “yes but”.

You can’t use the word “sorry”.

You don’t have to answer a question right away, you can defer for a later time.

You must be open for possibilities, not closed to new ways of thinking.

It’s your Camino you do what you need on your Camino.

“It’s your Camino, NAMASTE” a way to keep a little humor in our conversations. (Sidebar: In the Whole foods parking lot, Namaste has a slightly different meaning. That was my parking spot, NAMASTE. That was the last grocery cart NAMASTE. You’re not going to put your cart back, NAMASTE! Are you getting the meaning?)

I was astounded that they enjoyed the rules. When we talked and were all open it was a beautiful experience as we were open all the time.

We established patterns like purchasing supplies after a long day walking to make sure we had pre-dinner beer and wine for our long conversations.

After our second day of walking I saw a young man sitting alone on the front stoop of the albergue. He looked as if he wanted a hug. So I asked him to join us for pre-dinner wine and he accepted. That small invitation lasted far longer then we all expected.

“I want a hug” is from Germany so I will call him the German. His English sounds pretty good but you can tell he gets a bit lost if we speak too fast. I never expected him to stay long because of the language barrier and there are lots of Germans on the Camino for him to hang with.

So the German is a little bear type kid whom you want to constantly squeeze or hug or both. He is so kind he exudes a loving presence out of every cell in his body.

I literally saw him pick up three snails off the road and move them to the grass on the opposite side. I doubted that he’d ever get to Santiago if he picked up every snail on the way. He even picked up a couple of worms and moved them. He told me once, “I don’t want it too easy for the birds to get their food. It is important for the birds to exercise while hunting.” (His words, no kidding.)

—Friday, June 24—  I don’t know what’s happening but I like it.

So let’s review who the characters are…

The Swede is super cute, great accent and a bit flirty to anyone around him. He is flirty, confident and himself all at the same time—a real charmer who likes to push your buttons and boundaries. You can see he is sensitive, emotional and open.

This would be the second person I encountered on the Camino with those traits and I had fallen in love with the first one. But this time I was more present to this type of behavior and knew not to get sucked into the trap of his allure.

The German was clearly sensitive, open and highly emotional with a loving manner you don’t see in many men or people in general—just a bear of a boy.

The Aussie was a different story. I couldn’t figure out why he was there and walking with us. I wasn’t sure if he was interested in conversation, being emotionally open or just enjoying the energy and flirting tension that could be thrown about in our new boundary-less environment.

He was angry and pretty closed down when I met him. He was struggling with his Camino and traveling with a work colleague. Who wouldn’t have a difficult time traveling with a work colleague? So I sat back and waited to see just what Aussie wanted to get from our new band of brothers.

I am highly emotional, my sensitivity and intuition are off the charts. I just had my heart opened on the Camino so I was ready for anything the Camino was going to bring forth. I was so ready and prepared for these guys to walk into my life at just the right time.

My belief system is, “Every conversation and experience has a benefit and a purpose.” I believed we were forming a Camino family that would serve a purpose for each of us. I was excited to see where it would go and what the lessons would be.

Clearly I can attract sexual tension as seen earlier on the Camino. I am also attracting emotional, sensitive, loving and kind individuals. This makes me really happy. All these men seemed to be comfortable with themselves, each other and me. I have never felt this level of comfort before with other men. In three days time (three years on the Camino) I felt at home. I felt a calmness wash over me, a peacefulness. I felt they had my back and I didn’t have to be afraid any longer, especially in the wake of the Orlando tragedy.

On the second day we walked, I was just a little unsure about the Swede because he seemed a bit snappy during the day. This turned out to be a benefit since a great lesson unfolded for me. I pulled back a bit in an effort to give him space since I know I can be a bit overwhelming at times.

On the Camino you can have a relationship so intense that it feels like a Roman candle shooting high into the sky. Once a Roman candle burns out, it’s done. I didn’t want this band of brothers to burn out so fast.

So, on that second day I decided not to shine so brightly in an effort to keep from igniting the Roman candle. It seemed to work because none of us tired from being together. So much so we would walk and talk all day then grab some beers and wine and drink and talk till bedtime. Our beds were even in close proximity to each other. Then we would wake up and repeat, day after day. It was like summer camp for all us boys; it was like a family, a Band-of-Brothers

The Aussie, slowly but surely, started to soften. He started to smile. Ever so slowly he showed signs of opening up. I kept pushing him with questions and wouldn’t let his answers be surface ones. I wanted to really hear the truth from him, he hated/loved it. He had nowhere to hide and wasn’t interested in walking away; he stood there, clearly outside his comfortable zone and grew.

One special morning we were walking to the big cross. Here is where pilgrims leave their burdens. The idea is to bring a rock from home that represents our life burdens and leave it at the base of the cross. This is a particularly difficult part of the trip. We were all emotional and had feelings of foreboding about the experience. Eventually we split up and arrived at the cross, claiming our own space.

However, prior to our splitting up, I started to cry about my burdens, about losing my mom and my divorce this past year. On my mother’s nightstand, when she transitioned, was a baby Jesus from a miniature nativity scene. I have held it all these years. When I was moving out of my apartment, someone told me to bring one thing with me from home. Then said I’d know what item to take when I saw it. When I packed and found the baby Jesus I knew it was the one item to take with me. I also had a rock from the garden at my first apartment as a single man. I was now choosing to leave both burdens at the cross.

The Swede saw me getting choked up and started to reassure me it would be all right. He told me to go ahead and feel. I am not sure all he said but it was working. I cried harder as we walked. It was like he was channeling my mother.

Then he surprised me by telling me to forgive my mother, to let it all go. I was in full blown tears; he was bringing up pain that I needed to get out. Eventually the crying slowed along with the talking. We eased back into our own worlds and continued getting closer to the cross.

When it was my turn to find the cross, I climbed the rocks on its base that were left by other pilgrims. I found the spot and placed my mother’s baby Jesus and my divorce rock next to a lovely bracelet and a flat rock with the date on it written in chalk. I took a picture through my tears and felt the emotion of the experience.

In sharing our emotional rawness, I showed Aussie the picture of my baby Jesus and the rock, he was flabbergasted. Without knowing it, I placed my burdens against his rock.  We both have pictures of the same spot. We were stunned how divine intervention played its part on bringing our burdens to the exact spot—no coincidence there.

My Band-of-Brothers and I had such an ease with each other we never once questioned anyone’s feelings, emotions or actions. It was like we had a psychic connection and we understood. We would walk separate, take a different pace then come back together with ease and love. When someone would slow a bit or walk ahead we all knew that they were taking the reflection time and the personal space they needed. We were all attached to the flow of the Camino and one another’s flow, effortless, smooth, loving and beautiful.

— He picks up snails on the road and puts them in the grass. I saw this 3 times. He is always looking at flowers and searching for little critters. He requires you to share his food. And always looks like he wants to hug you. This is how a man should be, kind, warm and loving. He is German and I love him. 

J.M.H.— When you come back, (if you come back) remember these lessons learned… 

The German required the most space. He floated in and out all the time. He would be with us one minute, we would look back, and he is furrowing for critters along the path. He loved the animals of the Camino, truly loved them. That was his Camino.

— My friends socks, the German! And I quote “I will wear them one more time!!!” I made a gagging sound!!! 

Mark H.— think they can walk the rest of the way by themselves. 

Salvador C.— That’s cute, give him a surprise gift with tons of socks. 

He also talked with his hands incessantly. He held them close to his head and shook them about, however his hands didn’t further any conversation, they just shook about. It was totally awesome to watch his boyish energy and loving charm. I could sit and look at him all day, just watching him talk, or sitting quietly. He often caught me looking at him and would instinctively know how much I cared for him—and I could feel his affection for me. He was the most loving individual I met on the Camino. I love him and he loves me.

— He is emotional, vulnerable and kind. He exudes love in every direction always talking, always sharing, always looking for connecting. He is from Sweden and I love him. 

Ray S.— With everyone you meet , they have a story of their own , then you become a part of their story forever . That’s cool…

The Swede had such charisma and you could feel his loving energy. Sometimes I felt it a little too much. He could use a little practice dialing some of that energy down a bit. We laughed and shared, made jokes and got drunk several times, it was so much fun. He was so free with his love which was intoxicating.

Luckily now, I was better prepared for intoxicating young men and I was able to resist this one’s charms. I was able to accept him for who he was and I did love him, in a safe way for him and me. He is the most charismatic loving person on the Camino, I love him and he loves me.

— My younger brother. He smiles and I see the boy he tries to hide. I have watched him be reborn from a caterpillar to the loving soul he shows off today. Exuberant with a boyish energy. He is from Australia and I love him. 

Ray S.— Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly… 

The Aussie is the most transformed individual I met. He went from a caterpillar to a beautiful schmetterling (the German word for butterfly). He now freely uses the word love and openly gives hugs. On those first few days he described his home life as nice, pleasant, and good. Now, he uses expressions like “fucking fantastic,” “incredibly cool” and” totally awesome.” The words he uses now have passion in them. The man has gotten way sexier, happier and has a bounce in his step when he walks. He appears so fucking happy to be alive and walking the Camino. I am sure there is no other place in the world he would rather be than here, with us, in Spain.

I once asked him a question and he answered with, “That was nice” I shot back with, “just nice? That’s the best you can do?” Several days later after an in-depth share I said, “That was a nice exchange, thanks.” He looked me dead in the eye and shot back, “NICE?” Wow, the student becomes the teacher. Today, he is the most passionate man I have met on the Camino. I love him and he loves me.

Mark W.H.— Can not wait to read your book… If you could only see your journey from this side. Emotional-Raw-Masculine-Real… Your shadow will always be with you.

— Today is a good day. Last night over wine we discussed a plan we all agreed upon. The 5 of us would get up at 5:15 and walk early into Leon, Spain. Spend a long day in Leon at a nice albergue, then leave a little late the next day. Which means we will be spending the day together exploring Leon. It was a relaxed walk and short. The company was perfect. These are good men. We walk well together. We fit well together. Today is a good day with my band of brothers. 

Erik T.— Wow! Awesome my friend. The frame in which you see and experience all others will never be the same. The power of traveling… 

When we were together in Leon we had a blast. We were tired and wandered around the city trying to figure out what we wanted to see and do. Several ideas were thrown about with no real interest. We finally ended up near the Leon cathedral and I said, “Ok, it would appear all we really want to do is find a bar, sit, and drink and talk more. So let’s make a circle around the cathedral, completing our sightseeing, then we can sit in a bar somewhere for the rest of the night.” That made everyone happy.

—Saturday, June 25— I’m in Leon Spain exploring with my buds, this town is great. Welcome to my reality. I feel something happening in my future. 

After the fourth day together I made a decision. With all I’ve learned up until now about men and how to be comfortable with them, I decided not to withhold anything about me, including my need for physical touch and expression. Yes, I was going to get physical with these men and they were going to like it. I wasn’t going to hide my affection for them, I was going to touch them and kiss them in a way that is acceptable for them, mostly.

I decided I was going to wake them up with kisses and that’s just what I did. I even told them what my plan was after our walk, over electrolytes—beers. We talked about everything. I talked about my blog, everything I’d learned thus far and falling in love with a boy on the Camino. I even shared what the men of the Camino, including them, are teaching me. I told them everything and they didn’t walk away. I felt their love all the time.

The next day the Swede and German were still sleeping and I sat on the Swede’s bed and rubbed his arm till he was awake and then gave him a kiss on the forehead. He smiled and laughed as I got up. I went to German’s bed and rubbed his arm till he woke up with a big grin on his face. Pure love. So I got up higher and smooched on him all over his forehead as he giggled and squiggled like a boy. They both loved it. Weeks later I finally gave the Aussie his kiss when I felt he was ready for it. He accepted it with a smile. Good men they are.

— I woke my boys up with kisses, they are still taking about it. Love these boys. 

Sherry S.— Love it!!! THAT’s “our” Drew!!

We even had a guest walk with us for a few days. I will call him Atlanta. He was a very kind man, great smile, big heart. He was lying in his bunk snuggled in his sleeping bag so nicely. I just walked over to him and kissed his forehead as I left the room. I kissed him before any of the others. All he said was, “He is a good guy, that Drew.” Don’t ask me why I felt I could kiss his forehead, I just did it on instinct.

— Having lunch with my band of brothers, I love these guys, good men. 

Ken C.— Adventures make life long friends, keep it up, u inspire me. My dad told me when we lived in Germany to remember everybody u meet, the things u see, the feelings u have, it may be the only chance you have in life too experience them. Treasure them. Glad you are, be safe, have fun. That was 1975 and I remember everything, life is good.

When you’re walking as a group you figure out who is the strongest and weakest and you make adjustments according. Luckily the Swede with his bad knees kept himself medicated and was very interested in walking our slightly faster pace. The only one with a deadline to leave was the Swede who was as invested in arriving in Santiago on a timely basis as the rest of us were.

After six days of walking we had a genuine rhythm that was working really well. The four of us tended to keep up in the front while the Aussie’s coworker with his blistered feet, tended to take his time a bit more and walk in the rear.

— I used to wake up not knowing who I would meet, where I would go or who I would talk to. I don’t anymore. Now I know. I love these boys and they love me. And I’m proud to say, I am the oldest. Lol. 

Ann A.— Drew…You’ve come a long way from that scared boy who left Wilton Manors… You’re now a Camino Man in Spain… Amazing Journey… I am loving every minute watching you grow… 

On the Camino groups form and fall apart all because of walking rhythm. You could really love your Camino family but if their Camino rhythm isn’t jiving with yours, then you need to let them go. It’s their Camino, Namaste!

However, we had been working really hard on our rhythm, pace, honoring the need for individual quiet time and the ability to talk endlessly with each other. It was a magical exchange.

On the seventh day it fell to shit…

—Sunday, June 26— We have a new guest in our midst. 

We had another amazing walk on day seven. Everything was perfect. The five of us were in sync with rhythm, conversation, quiet time and walking speed. What could happen to break this apart?

That night Indiana walked into our lives causing a shift. We transitioned from what was to what it would be. Our honeymoon stage was over. A new reality started that night.

Indiana sat with us just before dinner. She was very pretty and similar in age to the Swede and the German. She was friendly, confident and easily shot back some quick one-liners. She seemed as if she would be a good fit and meld well with our established rhythm.

She told us it was her plan to finish the Camino in ten days and make her flight connections. I, of course, understood the Camino much clearer than she did and knew her plan would never work. The Camino has its own plan for finishing. Try as you might, you cannot fight the Camino and win.

Over dinner, drinks and conversation I could see her connecting with the charming Swede. I said no less than six times, “Don’t fall under his allure and charm, it’s intoxicating”. Clearly I must have been having intuition of some kind.

I invited her to walk with us knowing she might not be able to keep up since most new walkers get blisters. We all had them in our first few days.

Sure enough the next day, her painful blisters slowed her pace. The Swede chose to walk more slowly matching her pace while the rest of us walked at our normal rhythm.

We could feel the connection separating with one of our own like a long tether about to snap. I observed, all day, a shift in the energy flow from us, towards her. At one point even the Aussie asked me, “Why am I feeling jealous?”

I explained to him that it will be fine and all will work out in the end. He loves us and he has our back. There’s nothing to worry about because of the love and care we all share for each other.”

That day when we arrived in town, we ventured out for lunch and electrolytes (beer).  During lunch we talked. However this time, our rather liberal views were in conflict with her conservative point of view.

She brought up her interest in attending a bullfight which surprised us all. None of us felt comfortable with the treatment of the animals in such a situation. Remember the snail loving German!

It was during this lunch I began to realize Indiana might not be a good fit for our Band-of-Brothers. My Camino has been filled with loving individuals that I have chosen to walk with. Now I was faced with walking in the company of someone whose opposing views make me uncomfortable. Having different views wasn’t the only problem.

We make it to the hostel later in the day and check in. Now we are a bit offended, jealous and disappointed she is walking with us and changing the flow of the group we have worked so hard to develop. We felt like our brother was slipping away from us.

We can clearly see that the Swede and Indiana have a “connection.” Their chemistry is palpable. What most concerns us about their connection is how the Swede’s girlfriend will feel about his connecting with another woman on the Camino. My concerns for this situation run deep because I care for all my brothers.

Ann A.— Interesting situation…All I can say is if the Swede and Indiana hook up the Swede’s girlfriend will start to cause drama. That is NOT what any of you need because indeed you have formed a great band of brothers… I’m afraid that you may have to walk away from the Swede if this happens… It will disrupt your harmony. Girls have a way of doing this… And men fall into their clutches like helpless souls… This will definitely affect everyone involved… If this should happen, walk away from the drama… You have worked too hard for the Swede to disrupt these connections… Too bad Indiana stepped in…

That evening, while the Swede and Indiana were taking a nap, the Aussie, the German and I planned our walk into Santiago—how long it will take, how many days and miles and what our plans are when we arrive. We decide to average 20-24 Kilometers a day and not rush ourselves, arriving on a Friday. The German wants to walk onto Finisterre (The end of the earth) while the Aussie has a flight on Sunday. I am open, with a flight on Tuesday, and have no rush.

We decide to get in early on Friday and spend Saturday together. Sunday we would all go our separate ways after two days of relaxing and drinking together in Santiago. Our plan was set. All we had to do was let the Swede know to see if he is on the same page.

The next day we walk and, in general, the familiar energy connection was evident between the Swede and Indiana, although today they seem to be even closer and further separated from us. This feeling leaves a break in the circle, our connectedness.

Later in the day we checked into the albergue. Once checked in they showed us the dorm. The Swede picks his bed first. The bunks all around him are open and we each take one surrounding him, leaving no room for Indiana to be near him. I am sure it was just a coincidence. It would appear we were feeling a bit protective of him, since we all sensed the potential impact this could have on his relationship back in Switzerland.

When Indiana approached us and asked me if the bunk next to the Swede was open, I said no it was mine and pointed out the bunk across from us was open. With a sad face and turndown eyes she took the further bunk. I felt I might have been a little harsh, I wasn’t really sure what to do, I was going on instinct, as we all were.

As drinks and dinner progressed they all but ignored the rest of us and were giggling and talking with each other. We were all getting very uncomfortable. I even overheard her ask him to “move bunks”. My concerns grew by the moment.

On and on they giggled, touched and chatted. The sexual tension was palatable. Remember, he was giving me/us the same flirty energy just a few days ago. It appears to be one of the tools he uses to win people over, being charismatic, flirting and sending sexual energy in all directions. Now I am witnessing his sending that energy to a woman that isn’t his girlfriend.

I needed a break from this, in walks a homosexual, I assume, my knight in bright clothing. The Brit was sitting at a table behind me. I noticed him and his friends during drinks. It peaked my interest since it had been almost three weeks since I had a conversation with another gay man. So I jumped up and entered a conversation with the Brit and his friends. It went well.

Now I am jumping back and forth between two groups, two tables and making new connections with some Brits. I like them and they seem to like me. What a joy it is to flirt with a boy. It’s been so long since I have had the opportunity since everyone I have meet for the last two weeks or more has been straight.

My other table of brothers and the guest from Indiana weren’t getting along so well, apparently Indiana was over sharing her conservative views again upsetting the rest of the men.

Indiana and the Swede finally left the table and went to bed earlier than the rest of us. The Brit’s girlfriends went off to bed leaving us alone to get to know each other a bit better. My band of brothers joined us for the tail end of the evening before leaving for bed.

I was happy to see my brothers show an interest in my new friend. I felt so loved when they both came over to join us for conversation. It was a gesture of kindness that I noticed and appreciated. I felt worthy of their friendship because they were interested in my wellbeing and my new friend.

We finished up since the Brit needed to head back to his hostel before curfew; they set a door closing time, out of respect for the sleeping pilgrims.

When he left I mentioned to my two brothers what I overheard about the Swede switching bunks to be closer to Indiana. The German couldn’t understand how this could be happening. The Aussie shared with me his discomfort with all Indiana’s over sharing. We were placing bets whether the Swede would actually have moved. I also heard him say at one point he liked to be the little spoon while sleeping.

In this Albergue, the bunk beds were side by side putting two beds up against each other. This was not a common practice in the Albergue’s but it was here.

When we went into the dorm, he had moved and was the little spoon asleep on the shared bunk. Holy crap, we were stunned, upset and concerned.

I woke the next day with an overwhelming foreboding feeling. I was uncomfortable with the changes in our group and I wanted to do something to restore what we once had. I was afraid of losing the connections we worked so hard to develop. And, I was concerned for our brother’s relationship with his girlfriend, even if he didn’t appear concerned.

The German couldn’t understand how he could be spooning with a woman that wasn’t his girlfriend and he was visibly upset. The Aussie was feeling rejected and a little jealous that she was pulling his attention away from us.

I asked the Aussie if I should talk to the Swede or her. He said talk to him, so that’s what I did. I didn’t know what to say or how I was feeling really. We were all feeling conflicted and didn’t know where this was headed. I could be overstepping my bounds. I could be doing the right thing looking out for the Swede’s best interest. I could be screwing up everything. I really didn’t know. I decided to stick with honesty.

I found the Swede and asked if we could speak and he agreed, appearing a bit confused. I didn’t want to come right out and ask his intentions with this new girl or remind him of his girlfriend at home. I chose to discuss the matter in a different way since it was none of my business what his intentions were. This could be a regular thing for him, I really don’t know.

I explained how we were feeling uncomfortable in her presence since she was excluding us from her conversations and focusing all her attention on him. In addition, some of her conversations when she does speak to us are her positive views on bull fights, how terrible President Obama is, all deepening our discomfort.

Our pace has been pretty steady now for several days. With her being a new walker with new blisters, she seems to be lagging, making it difficult for the rest of us to keep our pace. “Do you want to walk with her or us as she doesn’t seem to be working for us as a friend or a walking companion—unless she wants to walk with us and be more inclusive with our group?”

I was not being my best self, I admit this. I was trying to save our connection, however the connection was already dwindling, I see now. Our group had changed with the new member and it was never going back to the easy flow it once had. I did what was best for me and that was to be honest about my feelings. I didn’t want my Camino to be impacted negatively by their budding relationship. I gave him the choice to go and have his fun and then come back. However, he wanted to stay and walk with us.

He seemed a bit confused by the exchange, so when I saw him trying to explain it to her and struggling, I stepped up and joined in their conversation. I explained what I had told him. I reiterated that if she was interested in us and being more inclusive she is welcome to walk with us. But currently she seemed to only be focused on him. I also explained we have different personal views and if she could be more sensitive to that it would be helpful while we are sharing the Camino. After consideration, they chose to walk with us.

—Tuesday, June 28— Drew Miller shared Heart Centered Rebalancing’s photo. (Open your mouth only if what you are going to say is more beautiful than silence-Arabic Proverb) I recently used the wrong words and I am paying for it. I was not my best self and it hurts.

That morning I extended an olive branch and struck up a conversation with Indiana. I told her all about my Camino and shared my lessons for more than an hour. I shared about how the Camino has its own plan and about the relationships I saw on the Camino start and finish along with my own past relationships. I felt it went pretty well.

She seemed moderately interested however didn’t really interject or share. Later in the day they seemed to fall back into their connectedness and slower pace.

—Wednesday, June 29 added new photos— Me, swimming in a river in Spain, in the freezing cold water, In my undies because I have no swimwear. Totally cool life. 

That evening we checked into our hostel and chose our beds with them again next to each other. Lots of giggling and low talking between them. I then saw him turn to face her directly, preparing to change his clothes. He pulled down his pants and popped back up with a quick jerking energy, exposing his underwear. She was seated on the bed in front of him with her head waist high. The room filled with sexual energy that you could cut with a knife. This is the same action he did to me four days earlier.

I was stunned. He was now cut off from us completely and sending her all his charismatic, sexual energy to win her over just like he did with us. I was very uncomfortable, I wanted to leave, run out of the room right then. This was not my Camino; it was very distracting from my journey.

— The Camino has plans I am not aware of. Everyday I wake up expecting the Camino to tell me something new. The Camino tells me who I will see and who I will be with and what I will say. It’s not up to me. I live in the Camino flow. 

Martha H.— You look well but remember this is your trip. You have the right to go your own way… A traveler has no set destination… It’s the journey… If you are feeling cramped go see what your soul calls for… Not everyone is on the same path… and yes, your voice does count. 

Laura B.— Your soul looks happy. 

Ralph B.— You are still doing it, live in the flow. 

I lay down on my bed for a moment in an attempt to sort this out. When I looked up, the door opened and there was my answer. The Brit, looking for his room accidentally came into mine. I felt relieved. I realized then leaving the group was necessary for my own Camino growth. I was uncomfortable and I could leave, I could walk away. I wasn’t tied to anyone and didn’t need to stay. I could freely walk on my own path.

With the sexually charged energy in the dorm room I chose to sleep on a different floor of the hostel. I told the Aussie and the German I was going to walk on with the Brit. It was too distracting for me to stay and that was what was best for me. If anything changes let me know. We can still be together in Santiago. We can still keep our plans for the weekend. I just need to remove myself from their new relationship.

— Been having an experience the last couple days. Sorry I haven’t posted.

K.C.C.— Let me see if I got this straight (no pun intended). You go on a life changing adventure. You are living your life and enjoying yourself. You can’t take time away from the real world to post in the virtual world? I don’t get it.  🙂 Keep enjoying yourself and post updates when you are able.

Drew— Lol, I’m sharing the fact something is shifting for me and I wanted to let you all know, that’s all. Wait for the update. K.C.C. you made me laugh. Thanks I needed a laugh. 

Erik T.— Understood. Perhaps you should completely disconnect for a while. This is such a great opportunity to be quiet n go within. U got this. 

The next morning I walked ahead with the British group. I never told the Swede of my plans. I did what was best for me since I was uncomfortable, I walked on.

— Yes I have one more new Camino family. You can never predict what the Camino has in store for you. The Way has more twist and turns then imaginable. Some with rocks, roots and loose gravel to trip you up causing injury. Some with fine grands of sand and stones with pretty little flowers that brush your pants. Yesterday was roots, today it’s flowers. Tomorrow, I do not know.

Lantz T.— But you are present in the moment that you’re enjoying. Goals have been met!  

After a couple wonderful days getting to know the Brits, I ran across my band of brothers. I went over to see how they were all fairing. I wanted to know if I was still loved by them and what the future entailed for us all.

They seemed genuinely excited to see me. They wanted to know if I was well and asked about my new friends. I totally felt the love they had for me. I even sensed a good feeling from the Swede.

Indiana then said goodbye since she needed to take a bus ahead in order to complete the Camino in 10 days. She would be leaving the next night. The Camino has a plan for everyone and she was following hers.

Hmmmm, maybe its time for me to join my band of brothers again. With Indiana leaving maybe things will be as they were—one big happy family.

I discussed it with the Brits and made my plan. The next day I would spend the morning walking with the Brits, getting in some last minute quality time, then walk back to the city I just left and wait for the Band of Brothers to join me. Yeah, I like this plan. Sometimes you must go backwards in order to move forwards.

—Friday, July 1— Sometimes you must go backwards in order to walk forward. Today I am walking 2 hours along the path in which I came. Changing families for an extra day on the Camino. I have taken a well needed identity break for the last 4 days. Checking back in with my natural self. My safe place, my comfort place, my place of home. I left the Camino world. Now I am adding 1 more day to be with my band of brothers.

Drew— This is the second time on the Camino I have walked in reverse. I can’t wait to see the fun the Camino has in store for me now.

Peter G.— Look at the shadow of your walking stick. It looks like a machine gun!

James M.— Peter I thought the same thing, it does look like a machine gun.

Drew— There is so much subtext in the post, lol and your seeing the shadow?

Michele W.B.— Personally, I agree that it looks like a gun and your shadow looks like a soldier with combat gear and helmet. I think it’s the perfect subtext for what I’ve seen you become on this journey. I’ve seen you turn into a fighter, a soldier, a warrior, a strong man.

When I walked back into town I found my brothers but something seemed strange. I didn’t see any cohesiveness. Everyone seemed a bit separated and withdrawn—misalignment everywhere. I spent some time observing to see if I could get a sense of what was going on. I started with the Aussie and asked him. He really wasn’t sure but he also felt something was different and uncomfortable in the air. He was doing his best to be normal around all the tension but even he wasn’t his usually jovial self.

I continued to observe body language and moods with the rest of them. Yes, something was different. I wasn’t sure if it was my presence or something else.

Aussie was still concerned and making sure everyone was taken care of, other than himself. I suggested he take a break so we could do some catching up. He was happy to oblige and was soon back to his old cheerful self without assuming the care taker role. Our conversation was quickly comfortable and easy like we were never apart.

The others walked in and chose to sit at the bar for a drink while we were at a table, yes different energy happening over there for sure. After our beers we joined the others and went outside to walk about a bit to see this small town.

Body language tells all. I did observe a difference between the Swede and Indiana. They seemed to have calmed the closeness. I didn’t see any more giggling or whispering and casual touching. Hmmm, I wonder why the change. They don’t seem mad at each other but I can definitely see a shift in their energy.

I continued to observe them over dinner and I noticed something that was a bit more telling. The Swede—while sitting next to Indiana— had turned in his seat leaving his shoulder out, effectively cutting her off from him. I also noticed there was little to no conversation, touching or contact of any kind. At which point I made an assumption. Something over the last few days has caused the Swede to turn his back on his new friend.

I was now upset at how much has changed since I left. I was desperately trying to hold on to what we once had and not really sure how to handle what we have now.

—Saturday, July 2— Back with my men. 141,314 kilometers to go. I love this life. 

Mark W.H.— I don’t think you realize how much you are inspiring us all… Keep on. Keeping on! Thank you!

Jorge P.— 141k KM? You sure?

Drew— 141,314 km

Jorge P.— One of the longest routes is 610 km tho…

Drew— Actually I am walking 800 km. I guess I am not sure what the sign means then. 

Jorge P.— Right. The sign must mean you have 140 km to go. Not 141 thousand. That’s a lot! You’re almost there!!!

Drew— Yes, almost 🙂 

After dinner we split up and all went to our separate beds for the evening. The next morning, after she left the Swede, said he was going to walk with another friend that he has not spent time with in a while.

He seemed different to me also. He wasn’t making eye contact, not being his jubilant self and made it clear he wasn’t walking with our band of brothers today. Yes, things are not the same.

I decided to be direct and honest and ask what’s happening for him—rather than making assumptions.

I shared my observations about him seeming different towards me and he chose this time to explain how he was actually feeling.

He said he was upset at how I spoke with them. It reminded him of being bullied as a child. Just the way I was direct and told him how I felt about Indiana. He told me I was a bully and that’s not how I should speak to someone.

I didn’t see that coming. That was a blow. I don’t want to be perceived as a bully, ever. We parted ways for the day. I had a lot to think about.

This was a dramatic blow. I spent the day getting present to all that has happened. I knew this would be a big lesson with many painful benefits.

I walked with the German and the Aussie. We were terrific together. For the three of us it flowed wonderfully and the day was just as it was before.

— Lunch time, Empanadas and beer, we are reliving our moment with the cross.

That night the Swede was back and we spent the evening together. He was moderately friendly after a few drinks. I was beginning to think maybe forgiveness was on the horizon.

— So I am with a bunch of Germans watching football/soccer in a bar in Spain. Germany and Italy are playing. I am This cool. This is my life. Camino/friends/football. I love my life.

Courtney C.O.— I love your life. 

Drew— It is so unreal, but it is. 

Laura B-T.— I bet they went nuts! Going crazy here in the Alps for sure!

Diana C.L.— Eurocope! Yeiii

—Sunday, July 3— About 115 km left. This will be over soon. And my new life off the Camino will begin. A new adventure, new people, new sites, new feelings. I will be in the unknown.

John B.— But knowing yourself so much more! 

Drew— Yes I am. 

Marcus B.— You sound so happy. 

Drew— I am so happy, and it is just beginning. 

At Casa Barbadelo— I am enjoying beer at the pool. Life is hard on the Camino. But I can do this!!!

Wes M.— Doesn’t look too hard 😜

— I have watched the move “The Way” and I have to say, actually doing it is 1000 times better. Even the hard, emotional, crying is worth it. The personal growth and challenges are so worth it. I am in the right place with the right people doing the right things. My life is amazing.

Anne S-B.— Really happy for you, and proud of you for challenging yourself and putting yourself in some uncomfortable/unfamiliar situations for personal growth!! Enjoy every moment!!

Drew— And I have been UNCOMFORTABLE, but the growth makes it worth it. 

Martha H.— I got a lot from the Reese Witherspoon movie when she walks the trail in search of herself. It seems we all need a time to really look at where we have blinded ourselves in so many ways. When it comes down to the essence, we truly just need to focus on our purpose here….love and light. M

Drew— Yes, love and light. I am struggling right now with love and light. This to will pass… 

— Today is 6 days till I reach Santiago. What an amazing journey. I am so new and fresh. Reborn even.

Courtney C.O.— I don’t want it to end. 

Drew— I will still be on an adventure. My flight back is September 29, however I might stay longer. We shall see.

Jeanne L.S.— Ross and I watched, again, the movie “The Way” just to be a little more connected with your journey. 

Drew— That is awesome! 

However the next day when he walked with us he was back and forth with niceness and shortness. I didn’t come on the Camino to walk with someone who was unhappy with my presence and not willing to forgive.

The next morning I chose to apologize again. I let him know I was truly sorry for not being kind and supportive. He reiterated his feeling of being bullied and emphasized, that’s not the way a family treats one another. He said we walked too fast and we shouldn’t be leaving family behind. That’s not how he would handle it, indicating himself, Indiana and the Canadian.

I didn’t say much and left the conversation the way it was. I apologized for the second time. Now it was his turn to see what he wanted walking forward. Interesting how he called her family, since I said that she wasn’t including us in their conversations and walk. I began to wonder about his observation skills on human behavior.

He continued to switch moods throughout the day. I was getting less interested in continuing our walk together if he wasn’t going to forgive me and move forward. I was beginning to see that we were not going to regain what we once had.

Clearly he had made up his mind about my character and had chosen not to forgive. Now it’s time for me to walk away, again. This was too distracting for my Camino.

— Monday, July 4, added new photos— at Casa Cruceiro.

We are 100 km to Santiago. What a thrill! What an accomplishment! What a journey!

— Celebrating the 4th of July with 100 km left till Santiago. What a great day!

Brenda R.— Wait till you walk into Santiago, I found it so, so emotional. I leave Spain Wednesday. If I was to do it again, I would so do it on my own, you are lucky you are. 

I messaged the Brits and found out they were only 13 kilometers ahead. I told them I was coming back to walk with them. They were all excited to hear the good news. They were finishing the Camino Thursday now and catching their flight on Friday.

Added new photos— Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once In a while you could MISS IT!!!

I shared my plans with the German and the Aussie. I told them we will still be together on Friday and Saturday in Santiago. We would still have our time together; I just needed to move ahead. This drama was too distracting for me and not how I want to finish my Camino. Today was Monday night and they were finishing the Camino early Friday morning.

Over dinner, I told all my brothers that I was going to catch up with my British friends and finish early. It was suggested to send my bag ahead to lighten my load on the long walk catching up with my friends. So I made plans the next day to send it to where the Brits were staying. I only kept a small backpack for my water and some food.

That night, after a considerable amount of wine, the Swede and I were doing some joking. Now that I was leaving the Swede seemed a bit friendlier or maybe it was the wine. It was fun and again I thought maybe he was prepared to forgive. I asked him if we could have a few more minutes together and he agreed to another conversation—now influenced by the wine. It was going pretty well. Conversation was flowing along with more wine. Then a disagreement ended the conversation.

— I have been struggling the last several days with emotions, attachments, fear of separation and worthiness. Today I am making another decision that is painful but is what is best for my wellbeing. What I want most I cannot have. What I most want to avoid I must face. Keep me in your thoughts.

Ann A.— You can’t always get what you want… Face the unavoidable… Remember pull up those big boy pants… Mr Camino Man… 

Lori T.— Things are meant to be as they are!

Richard M.C.— Drew – You are a beautiful human being! Enjoy your ability to face life’s innermost questions by bringing them to the forefront! Richard

Michael S.— I can’t help you with some of those things, but I know that you are worthy! You matter! Love ya! — “You is kind… You is smart… you is important…”

With a few minutes of cooling time I saw him sitting alone and attempted tried to finish our talk once and for all.

He said without mincing his words, “You are a bad person for leaving a family member behind. That’s not how we do it. It’s wrong to leave her behind because she is slower. You are a bad person, period!”

I got up and said that “It looks like we are done here” and I walked away. I saw now my reflection in his eyes and I didn’t like it.

I woke up early the next morning and walked away. It felt great, not to have drama, no one angry at me for my actions and no one withholding forgiveness. I was going to walk with people who genuinely wanted me to be with them.

I walked 40 kilometers that day. But the walk did not go smoothly, It was a difficult day.

To be continued

Ruben C.H.— Drew this a beautiful opportunity to stretch out of your comfort zone that you’ve co-created with your band of brothers. The constant lesson of letting go. The only thing that is ever constant in this life is change. Change of our thoughts, perception, beliefs and experiences. As you continue on your “Camino” be mindful and present of your thoughts and energy and allow them to flow through you. Love is love no matter what so allow yourself to share the love 🙏🏻💓🙏🏻

Meeting my Band-of-Brothers on the Camino, the trials and tribulations of a pilgrimage. June 2016, El Camino de Santiago, my Journey-of-Self-Discovery Can I do this, can I make a Camino Family?

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Weekend Getaway: Mexico City

Annika Lehtonen is originally from Finland.  She went to Mexico in 2008 for a short 6-month internship after finishing her university degree in Madrid, Spain… and those six months turned out to be nine years (and counting) in Mexico! She’s married to a Colombian man and now has two young children. She has a demanding day job in fashion and her husband has a startup company. Despite the everyday craziness, she tells us she tries to enjoy travelling with the kids as much as possible. As foreigners, Mexico City has been their own ��little” macro travel destination during these busy years with children and they felt like they got to rediscover the amazing city after they had children.  We were so excited when Annika got in touch and offered to share her family-friendly tips for exploring Mexico City.

While this city might not be the first to come to mind when thinking about family holidays, it is totally worth extending your Mexican holidays to spend a weekend here. As a huge city, it has everything to offer, besides very pleasant weather and extremely friendly locals. Here is Annika’s guide for a weekend getaway to Mexico City:

DO

Street Art tour & Playground Hopping: I have a hyper active 2-year-old and walking 10-month-old and I can assure you there is no better way to feed them art than just walking around this city where every other neighborhood wall is a constantly changing art exhibition. Street Art Chilango organizes curated street art and graffiti spotting walking tours every Saturday, leaving from the street corner of Alvaro Obregon and Orizaba in Colonia Roma, at 11:30 am. If you can’t see yourself or your wild monkeys behaving well enough for a tour, don’t worry, many of the most amazing street art paintings are next to the best playgrounds of the city:

-Parque Pushkin (Av. Cuauhtémoc s/n, Colonia Roma Norte) -Parque Lincoln (Emilio Castelar 163, Colonia Polanco) -Parque de Los Venados (Eje 7 Sur Municipio Libre, División del Norte y Vértiz) -Parque Infantil la Hormiga (Av Constituyentes s/n, Colonia San Miguel Chapultepec)

Xochimilco: The floating gardens of Xochimilco are hard to describe but easy to enjoy! You will love this magical Mexican experience where you ride through the green canals on a rented colorful flat-bottomed boat (trajineras). Just sit back, enjoy the colors and listen to the mariachis swinging on the boat next to you. Kids will be busy eating steamed corns and spotting their name on the boat arches. Xochimilco is one of the UNESCO´s World Heritage Sites and popular among locals and tourists, especially on Sundays.

Teotihuacán: One should not leave Mexico without visiting pyramids. One of the most impressive sites, Teotihuacán, is just one hour driving from Mexico City center. Depending on the season, it can get really hot so remember to bring hats, sunscreen and plenty of water. Teotihuacán was the largest city in the pre-Columbian America, most well-known for its Sun and Moon pyramids, on top of which you can actually climb. No better way to tire active kids! Stroll around the site by yourself or take a guided tour from the entrance gates.

Historic centre: There are more than 21 million inhabitants in Mexico City and you can meet all of them downtown, in the historic center. Or so it feels, at least! For the Aztecs the main plaza, Zócalo, was the center of the universe, the magical spot where everything from good and bad, ugly and beautiful, holy and unholy was met. For today’s Mexicans, Zócalo and the Historic city center still hold an important meaning. The downtown today is above all a merchandising and political hotspot rather than a residential area. You´ll notice that each block here has a specialty in what they sell; one street is full of tiny shoe sops, other one specialized in wedding dresses, the next one in jewelry, etc …

Spots to visit downtown: – Zócalo and Templo Mayor for sightseeing – Palacio de Bellas Artes and Alameda Park for people watching – Torre Latino for The View over the city – Restaurante Azul Histórico for a great lunch

Lucha Libre: Once in a lifetime experience, especially with slightly older kids, is experiencing a Mexican wrestling match, Lucha Libre in Arena Mexico, close to La Condesa neighborhood. Lucha libre is definitely more entertainment than sports, but it is fun to live the atmosphere and observe how the locals get really emotional for their favorite luchadores. The neighborhood near Arena Mexico (Colonia Doctores) is not the prettiest but definitely not dangerous either. Take Uber to the arena and back, just to be on the safe side. The tickets are sold at the kiosk outside (taquilla) on match days Tuesdays and Friday, or online (www.ticketmaster.com).

EAT

Everything comes down to food in Mexico. My husband tells jokingly that you can’t throw a coin without hitting a taco booth or a tamal cart. That’s no joke, actually. Just observe how the vendors in the nearest street corners rotate; in the morning come the fresh juice and fruit guys, a little later tortas (sandwiches) and Mexican cafe de la olla (pot coffee with brown sugar and spices). Lunch hour packs nearby office workers for tacos and panuchos (bean filled tortillas). Then come the mango cart offering delicious fruit and chili sauce combo. Along with the night traffic you’ll hear the guy on a bicycle calling for hot Oaxacan style tamales (steamed corn dough with sweet or savory fill wrapped in a corn leaf) and esquites, hot chili flavored corns sticks. So yeah, Mexican food is so much more than burritos and tacos. They don’t call traditional Mexican food “antojitos”, little cravings, for nothing. Traveling with kids, it’s such a relief to have such a wide variety of easy finger food to choose from and fresh vegetables and fruit everywhere, at anytime. I mean, show me a kid who refuses to eat mushed avocado (guacamole) and sandwiches (tortas)? If you can´t handle spicy, ask your plate “sin picante”. For a little descanso (break) from Mexican food, remember that the city is big enough to house restaurants from all parts of the world.

Breakfast -El Moro (. The one and only churro place in Mexico. Check the nearest location here. -Lardo (Augustin Melgar 6, Colonia Condesa). Where do I start? Well, it’s just the best brekkie place in the center- eastern part of the city. Mexican food with a twist. -Monsieur Croque (Av. Tamaulipas 39, Colonia Condesa). Adorable little venue specialized in croques (French breakfast toasts). Vegan and vegetarian friendly. Try also the avocado toasts! -Eno (Petrarca 258, Colonia Polanco). If you are looking for an excellent, fuss free breakfast in Polanco, Eno is your choice. Owner and Mexican super star chef Enrique Olvera is ranked as one of the best chefs in the world. His Michelin-star restaurant, Pujol, is right next door.

Lunch -Hamburguesas a la parrilla. (Colima 41, Colonia Roma Norte) My husband didn’t let this article to go out without mentioning his favorite street booth. No kid will refuse to eat here, guaranteed. -Soul La Roma (Tabasco 101, Colonia La Roma Norte). Delicious comfort food. -Dulcinea (Tabasco 46, Colonia Roma Norte). Bunch of cozy local quality restaurants under one roof. -Entremar (Hegel 307, Colonia Polanco). Hands down the best seafood pleace in town.

Dinner -El Parnita (Yucatan 84, Colonia Roma) Trendy yet kid friendly (fast service!) taco place, excellent for nursing your hipster mama soul. -Huset (Colima 256, Colonia Roma) Don’t get confused by the Scandi-sounding name, Huset doesn’t serve lax buffet or smorgosar, but dishes inspired by real Mexican country side flavors. The restaurant is set up in a small backyard space, open air and beautiful decoration. -Dulce Patria (Anatole France 10, Colonia Polanco). Want to go out and eat in one of the 50 best restaurants of Latin America, not spend a fortune or leave hungry after microscopic plates? Dulce Patria in Polanco serves excellent Mexican haute cuisine and welcomes families.

STAY For a home-away-from-home feel and to make life easy with kids, we personally prefer to stay in short term rentals when traveling. Besides AirBnB and Booking.com, check my husband’s company (coming soon!) for listings in Mexico City. Beautiful, safe and easygoing neighborhoods in Mexico City are Cuauhtémoc, Polanco, La Condesa and La Roma. Polanco is a little more upscale and quieter than SoHo like Condesa or hipster-y La Roma. Cuauhtémoc is just a hop skip and a jump away from the Historic City Center and full of nice restaurants. Uber and Cabify are very popular and safe options for moving around the city. If you want to get adventurous, hop in the world’s second most crowded metro (!) or give Ecobici city bikes a try and take the city driving like a real chilango.

Hotel options: Camino Real Polanco Hotel Downtown Hotel Condesa DF

SHOP

La Ciudadela (Calle Baldeares s/n, Colonia Centro) La Ciudadela is the biggest arts and crafts market in Mexico City, four blocks away from Alameda Park in the historic center. Watch out, as it is like a visit to Ikea, you just never leave empty handed! Worth looking for the most amazing Huipil blouses and dresses, colorful wool blankets, Oaxacan alebrijes (decorated animal figures) and Huichcol beadwork. Tianguis Tianguis are traditional Mexican open air markets or bazaars. Check out the best of them in:

Polanco On Saturdays, in Polanco there is a great street market (or “Tianguis de Sábado”) around Parque Lincol (Emilio Castelar 163) from 9 am to 4 pm. There are many amazing stalls selling handmade products and a Farmer´s Market section with fresh fruit, cheese and meat.

La Lagunilla About ten blocks away from the main square Zócalo you´ll find La Lagunilla tianguis (Allende s/n, Colonia Centro. This is the best choice for bargain hunt. Selling everything from witchcraft items (!) to healing crystal and antiques, La Lagunilla is definitely the most crowded, unpolished and authentic of the city’s bazaars. Watch out for pick pockets and massive crowds on Sundays. Open every day from 10am to 5pm.

San Angel & Coyoacan Bazaar Sábado in San Angel (San Jacinto 11, Colonia San Angel) is a tianguis specialized in fine art in the southern part of the city. Along with the Coyoacan bazaar (Ignacio Allende s/n, Colonia Coyoacan), it is the oldest market place in the city. San Angel and Coyoacan used to be their own pretty and colorful villages next to Mexico City, but as the capital city expanded they’ve been swallowed into this massive hyperpolis.

The post Weekend Getaway: Mexico City appeared first on Babyccino Kids: Daily tips, Children's products, Craft ideas, Recipes & More.

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Discover the Best American Silver Coins for Sale: A Collector's Guide

For coin enthusiasts and collectors, American silver coins represent a rich history and a valuable investment. From the early days of the U.S. Mint to modern commemorative pieces, these coins offer a glimpse into America's past while providing a tangible asset for the future. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, knowing which coins to look for can enhance your collection and increase its value. Here’s a guide to discovering the best American silver coins for sale.

Tips for Collecting American Silver Coins

When buying American silver coins, consider factors such as condition, rarity, and historical significance. Purchasing from reputable dealers ensures authenticity and quality. Whether you're acquiring coins for investment or personal enjoyment, American silver coins offer a rewarding and enduring addition to any collection. For a seamless and secure experience, you can also buy silver bullion coins online from trusted sources.

Discovering the best American silver coins for sale is an exciting journey. With this guide, you can start building a collection that reflects both your passion and the rich history of American coinage.

Conclusion

Uncovering the best American silver coins for sale is an exciting journey that offers both historical insights and investment opportunities. Whether you are captivated by the stories each coin tells or the financial benefits they provide, American silver coins can significantly enrich your collection. By following this guide, you are well-equipped to make informed decisions, ensuring that each addition to your collection is both meaningful and valuable. Remember to purchase from reputable dealers, such as Camino Coin Company, to guarantee authenticity and quality, and consider exploring online options for a convenient buying experience.

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Unveiling The Beauty Of British Silver Coins: A Collector’s Guide

Dive into the elegance of British Silver Coins with Camino Coin Company. Your ultimate collector's guide awaits! Discover history, rarity, and value. Start your collection journey today!

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Why Gold Investment in Australia is a Smart Choice

Investing in gold has long been considered a safe and lucrative option, and Australia stands out as one of the top destinations for gold investment with reputable gold coin companies. Here's why:

1. Strong Market Stability

Economic Resilience: Australia boasts a stable economy, making it an attractive location for investors looking for security and growth potential.

Reputable Gold Industry: With some of the world's largest gold mines and refineries, Australia has a well-established and trustworthy gold industry.

2. Diversification Opportunities

Variety of Investment Options: Whether you’re interested in physical gold bars, coins, or gold-backed securities, Australia offers a diverse range of investment products to suit different strategies and preferences.

Risk Mitigation: Adding gold to your investment portfolio can help diversify risk and protect against market volatility.

3. Tax Benefits

Favorable Tax Policies: Australia offers competitive tax benefits for gold investors, making it a cost-effective option for those looking to maximize their returns.

4. Global Demand and Liquidity

High Demand: Gold remains in high demand globally, and investing in Australian gold ensures you have a valuable asset that can be easily liquidated or traded internationally.

5. Safe Haven Asset

Economic Uncertainty: In times of economic uncertainty or inflation, gold serves as a reliable safe haven asset, preserving value and providing peace of mind.

Gold Investment in Australia combines the benefits of a robust gold market, economic stability, and attractive investment options. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting, exploring gold investment in Australia with Camino Coin Company could be a smart move for securing your financial future.