#waymarks

[meingesegnetesleben-blog]

Footsteps and Fellowship: Tales from the Camino de Santiago

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, there existed this pilgrimage route called the Camino de Santiago. It was like Disneyland for medieval Christians, right up there with Rome and Jerusalem. Imagine millions of people from all over the world strapping on their sandals and embarking on a journey for spiritual enlightenment, personal reflection, or just to spice up their Instagram feed with some epic adventure pics.

Legend has it that this guy named James, or as his pals called him, St. James the Great, decided to take a little trip to Spain to spread the good word of Christianity. Now, whether he made it there or not is still a topic for history buffs to argue over, but what we do know is that Spain kinda took a shine to him, thanks to his relics chilling in Santiago de Compostela. And thus, the Camino de Santiago was born—a network of routes that crisscrossed Spain and even spilled over into other parts of Europe.

But who was this St. James character, you ask? Well, he was your average Galilean fisherman turned apostle, hanging out with Jesus and witnessing all His miracles, like turning water into wine and walking on water. Unfortunately for James, his story ended on a rather grim note when he became the first apostle to bite the dust, courtesy of King Herod Agrippa I. Ouch.

Now, why on earth would Gladys (@gladiatorGlasyl), one of my closest and weirdest friends, and I decide to tackle this medieval pilgrimage? Oh, let's blame it on Gladys and her wild ideas. She was all set to do the Camino in June, and I just had to chime in with, 'Why not April? I could join!' Because, you know, I just couldn't bear the thought of missing out on her adventure. So naturally, she couldn't say no to me hijacking her plans. Bernard was supposed to complete our fabulous trio, but alas, other priorities got in his way. And that's how Gladys and I found ourselves preparing for a totally "planned" journey—not because we're seasoned hikers (far from it), but because we've always had a knack for turning mundane situations into questionable adventures. Plus, trying to sync our leave schedules was a delightful nightmare, but hey, when opportunity knocks, you grab it, right?

Hence, we settled on the Camino Inglés, the glamorous trek from Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela. Here, blisters became our new best friend, and complaining about sore feet was the main event! So, we strapped on those hiking shoes and got ready for a six-day journey filled with laughter, storytelling, banter, sarcastic quips, and scaring each other—better than any reality TV show.

As we embarked on an unforgettable journey starting from Ferrol, where anticipation filled the air, we passed through rolling hills, occasional glimpses of farm animals, Gladys bullying the dogs (like dogs everywhere and the diva cats!), and the earthy scent of the countryside—nature's unique fragrance. Amidst the chirping of birds and the gentle rustle of leaves, the footsteps of fellow pilgrims set the rhythm for our adventure.

As we progressed from Pontedeume to Bruma, we braced ourselves for a challenging ascent. Yet, this climb was akin to ascending nature's staircase to paradise, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn. The route from Bruma to Sigueiro was among the most remarkable walks we had ever experienced, showcasing the grandeur of Mother Earth in all her glory.

The highlight awaited us on the final leg from Sigueiro to Santiago. We pictured ourselves meandering through an enchanted forest, where the ethereal melodies of Celtic (its actually Galician) music seemed to dance on the breeze—enticing even the most hesitant of dancers to join in the revelry.

Forget about luxurious spa treatments; on the Camino, blisters are the ultimate souvenir. You'll collect them like badges of honor, right Steffi? (at least for me, apparently Gladys has a thick skin), and proudly displaying your battle scars to anyone who dares to ask about your "vacation." And let's not forget the colorful characters we encountered along the way. From the other pilgrims, we chatted with at every rest stop to the mysterious locals who seemed to materialize out of thin air, greeting us with 'Buen Camino,' there's never a dull moment on the Camino. But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. Amidst the pain and exhaustion, you'll forge bonds with your fellow sufferers that will last a lifetime. Nothing brings people together like shared misery, right? What was the saying? It's about the journey, not the destination.

Speaking of colorful characters, I'm always grateful for the belief that everything happens for a reason and that every twist and turn in our lives serves a purpose. We might not grasp it right away, but eventually, it unfolds before us. Coincidences? I'm not sure. The folks we encounter in our journey? They've got their own mission, their own motivation. The late-night chats, the stories swapped—they're like nuggets of wisdom wrapped into one.

Big shoutout to Steffi, our towering pal (we're vertically challenged, okay?). And to Veronica and Theresia, longtime pals who've been traversing this camino many times over. Thanks for the wild tales, ladies. And to Sharon, the queen of suggestions and hype, cheers for keeping us going. And to our tapas-and-tinto-de-verano companions—Kathleen, Janine, Noah, Jasmin—y'all rock for sharing your journey with us.

What made our experience even more ridiculous is the fact that Gladys and I are about as outdoorsy as a penguin in the Sahara. We're more likely to be found at a hole-in-a-wall restaurant than trudging through rugged terrain. But hey, life's all about stepping out of your comfort zone, right?

As we stumbled our way to the Cathedral of St. James, I had a revelation: I actually missed writing. Like, with a pen and paper, not just typing away on a keyboard. Who knew walking for miles could reignite my passion for writing? So here I am, not really scribbling but typing away on my phone (I was on the plane, okay?), realizing that life is full of surprises, like finding a gourmet meal in a gas station or discovering a hidden talent for playing bagpipes!

Well, well, well, looks like our Camino expedition is just getting started! Picture this: another journey awaits, but we'll need to put our persuasive hats on for BK. Resistance is futile; he's joining the fun! What do you say? Portuguese Way, perhaps? And so, with a grateful heart, I bid farewell to the Camino de Santiago (for now), carrying with me a renewed sense of purpose and a treasure trove of memories (and perhaps a few extra pounds, that's more on Gladys though, I gave all mine to her). For some time, it's the adventures that leave us weary, longing for a hot shower, that truly enrich our souls. Here's to the journey, my dear amigos, filled with somber reflection and boundless joy. Until our paths intertwine once more in our next grand adventure! May we meet again, fueled by the memories of this unforgettable journey.

[wild-e-eep]

When your path marker-posts look like this, you know you are in for a boggy time! ^_^

These posts, show the insigna of the Dalriada Project, which built a path network around The Kilmartin Glen area. 

The path was new (and posts completely devoid of lichen) in 2010. 

The path I took - between Cairnbaan and Dunadd - is holding up fairly well. It has some really excellent plastic boardwalk sections, but there are some slippery stone slab sections and some very slippery wooden plank sections, which would make me shy of recommending it for anyone without good balance.

[fraidycat-art]

間

[thesilicontribesman]

Ancient Mount Cross, Todmorden, Calderdale

[scotianostra]

Auchintaple Loch and Mount Blair by Richard Barron Via Flickr: Day 5 on the Cateran Trail

[fisherrprince]

dawntrail final quest

my discord reaction compilation is coming. Along

[myrfing]

well I would like to know more about it :bloodshoteyes:

[astralflows]

what the fuck is going on with these waymarks

[caminostar77]

Follow the arrow... 📎 Visit my shop for Camino de Santiago Art products: http://caminoestrella.com/shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/CaminoEstrella ✈️ Worldwide shipping

[urbanfunscape]

#UrbanFunscape: Daniel Clifford's work Balancing Act, made up of three giant Staedtler HB pencils, is a sculpture embedded in the ground along Riverside Drive in Wanganui. / North Island, New Zealand https://bit.ly/3W3ZstI

[windupaidoneus]

interphos ex is gonna go so fucking hard. fuck. i should try clearing everkeep ex one single time before it drops

[anarkhebringer]

I just had a realization. Arkhe's tribe could have an aetheryte in their village to teleport to. He could test his luck and try to teleport to it, and that be when his possession gets cut short.

[dabgr23]

Waymarkers: A Unique Intersection of History, Design, and Utility

When it comes to bridging the gap between historical charm and modern necessity, few things do it as seamlessly as waymarkers. For centuries, these navigational aids have served as practical tools for travelers, providing directions at crossroads and guiding the way through uncharted territories. Today, in an era characterized by digital maps and GPS technologies, waymarkers have found new relevance as iconic elements of urban design and local culture. Waymarkers take several forms, including fingerposts and discs, each with its own unique design and practical purpose. Fingerposts, with their characteristic arms pointing in various directions, were traditionally used at crossroads to direct travelers to different cities or landmarks. Each arm, or 'finger', indicates a different destination, often with the distance marked. They are an endearing feature of the British landscape, particularly in rural areas where they harken back to a simpler time before the advent of modern transportation systems. Discs, on the other hand, are typically used for marking trails, especially in national parks and conservation areas. They provide a valuable tool for ensuring the safety and convenience of walkers, hikers, and cyclists, allowing them to navigate the trails with ease. Discs are often color-coded or carry symbols to denote the type of trail and difficulty level, which is particularly useful for novice adventurers. Despite the rise of digital maps and satellite navigation, waymarkers have not only survived but thrived. There is something undeniably charming about these physical signposts, which carry a sense of permanence and tangible connection to the place. They also serve a critical role in rural and wilderness areas where network coverage can be unreliable, demonstrating that sometimes the old ways are still the best. But the importance of waymarkers extends beyond their practical uses. They are an essential part of the landscape, adding character and charm to both urban and rural environments. Many towns and cities have recognized this, investing in beautifully designed waymarkers that not only provide a functional service but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area. Whether it's a traditional cast iron fingerpost or a modern disc with a unique design, a well-crafted waymarker can contribute to a town's identity, turning a simple directional tool into a landmark in its own right. Moreover, waymarkers play a crucial role in preserving history. Many of the old fingerposts, for instance, are protected by local heritage groups because of their historical significance. These markers serve as tangible reminders of the past, each one telling a story of the journeys made, the people who passed by, and the evolving transport systems. However, creating these enduring symbols is no easy task. It requires a delicate balance of practicality, design, and a deep understanding of the local culture and history. DAB Graphics, for instance, is a company that specializes in the production of waymarkers, fingerposts, and discs. Their attention to detail, craftsmanship, and commitment to maintaining historical accuracy while incorporating modern design elements, make their creations stand out. Each piece is carefully designed and constructed to be resilient against the elements, ensuring that they will continue to guide travelers for many years to come. In conclusion, waymarkers are much more than mere direction pointers. They are a testament to our journey as a society, embodying a rich tapestry of history, design, and utility. Despite the technological advancements in navigation, there is still a place for these traditional signposts in our world. So, the next time you come across a waymarker, take a moment to appreciate its significance - it's not just about where you're going, but also a reminder of where we've all come from.

Discover the charming world of waymarkers and appreciate their historical significance and modern utility. From the intricacies of their design to their enduring presence in our landscapes, these navigation aids serve as both practical tools.

[pigeondrone]

Doing the raid callouts when tired and tried to warn of incoming damage as "spicy"

Called it sexy and caused a wipe

[geo-wolves]

A peaceful place...

[selfaware-bungou-stray-dogs]

hi!! i was wondering if you could do adult! gn reader that got transported to teyvat with verlaine? i love your works!

If you were not alone

Part XII

Characters: Self-Aware! Paul Verlaine

Reader: GN! Adult! Reader

Warning: OOC. English is my second language. Some violence.

🇫🇷 You and Paul were on a walk, when that happened. One moment, you two were in a park. Next moment you were laying on the ground. You were dizzy, the world was spinning before your eyes. Verlaine was luckier than you. At least, he was standing. And, perhaps, he didn't get a headache, or, at least, was better at keeping himself together. He was holding good enough to walked to you and effortlessly pick you up and put you back on your feet.

A few minutes later, the world stopped having a rolling party, and you finally managed to look around. You looked at grass, at trees, at water and at familiar giant blue blocks of Fontaine Research Institute.

You felt Paul's hand squeezing your shoulder.

"[Y/N], since when your..." Paul noticed the side glance you gave him and corrected himself. "Our world's technology became that advance to have an antigravity?"

Your chuckle was bitter.

"We aren't home."

🇫🇷 You took your time to explain To Paul what Teyvat (and Fontaine) are. During your explanation, Paul nodded from time or hummed, showing, that he understands. However, when you tried to share the Idea of Genshin Impact Characters also being self-aware, Verlaine shook his head in disagreement.

Apparently, BSD Cast, before transportation, monitored every last of your apps. To find more about Real World, to take care of you. And to investigate, if someone else has become self-aware.

There was nothing wrong with Genshin wrong. It was just a game.

"I admit, it is possible, that we overlooked something, and they were self-aware all this time. Nevertheless, let's be careful. We don't know, how they will react to us."

With that in mind, you two start moving, using Callas Line as a "waymark" to Court of Fontaine.

You run into Fatui Operatives, tho... For some reason, they insisted on getting into a fight.

At least, now you have mora and operatives will be on a sick leave.

🇫🇷 Plan was simple.

Get to city - Go to the Adventurers' Guild - Ask Katheryne about Traveler's whereabouts (or Alice's)

You two get into the city (with some difficulty). Entrance from institute's direction was a bit hard to reach. And, as Paul pointed out, if he uses his ability to get to the aquabus station, you will get unwanted attention.

It's not like you didn't get it.

The atmosphere in a capital was... strange.

People were staring at you. Their eyes were full of confusion. You heard a whispered "Aren't their Holiness were with Monsieur Neuvillette today?"

"Holiness"? Is there a religion in Teyvat Hoyo still haven't dropped a lore about?

Melusines were looking at you with a mix of disbelief and hope. You overheard Muirne whispering "They are the real one. Who else would be traveling with a living embodiment of a storm". (You sneak a glance at Paul after that words, but, he either didn't hear her, didn't care about her words or did a good job hiding his emotions).

It was hard to navigate through Fontaine. You decided to go to Palais Mermonia and take the elevator here.

You reached Palais Mermonia.

And came face to face with your own doppelgänger and Neuvillette.

Your double... The moment they looked at you, they started to look sick. And you weren't talking about "pale, stuffed nose, have a fever" kind of sick. They looked at you with outright predatory gaze. They were trembling. The white of their eyes looked yellowish.

For some reason, you thought about withdrawal.

Paul grabbed your shoulder and pull you behind him. The emotions in his dark-brown-eyes were... You might call it "time-to-pray-so-Monsieur-Paul-Verlaine-hopefully-will-forget-that-we-exist."

The silence can be cut with a knife.

Your double point their finger at you. Their voice rang in the air.

"Preposterous! Dirty Sinner, how dare you impersonate my Holy Looks. Get them! Lay their body before my feet..."

The sickening crunch cut their speech short. With animalistic howl, your double fall on the ground.

You felt sick, trying not to look at what happened to their legs.

A bloodied mora coin, still under the influence of Paul's ability, hit the wall of Palais Mermonia, sticking deep inside, making a huge crack.

Neuvillette, guards and mekas attacked.

Paul, without looking, grabbed you and threw you on his back. He almost barked.

"Hold on tight!"

The fight begun.

🇫🇷 After the fight (at the end of which half of mekas can be sold for scrap, and Fleuve Cendre got a beautiful skylight, that was snapped like Hydro Archon statue.

While Neuvillette and others retrieve (while taking injured "Creator" with them), you finally reached The Guild.

Katherine, who supposed to be an android doll with a very limited functions and with undying loyalty to Teyvat and Creator, after taking a look at Paul's grin, was not only ready to tell you about Traveler and Alice, but also about the partisans, the smugglers from Snezhnaya, the atheists of Mondstadt, the nihilists of Natlan, the flat, where Pantalone hides his secret stash of mora, Capitano's doll collection and the shop, where Tsaritsa buys scarfs.

After getting all necessary information, you and Paul decided to search for Alice.

🇫🇷 Traveling with Paul Verlaine was like traveling with a portable avalanche/earthquake/volcano eruption/any catastrophic event, that makes people run for their lives. And it wasn't only because of ability, that can turn mountains into flat surface. Paul himself looked imposing and dangerous.

Yes, he was King of Assassins. But, ever since BSD Cast get into the real world, Verlaine was just minding his own business.

He spent time with Rimbaud, helped Flags, if they were in a need of heavy lifting or another pair of hands, talked with Chuuya. He spent time with you, cooked French cuisine, read books. And nothing in his facial expression implied, that he is dangerous.

But, Teyvat and constant danger you were in. That makes him show, how dangerous he truly is.

🇫🇷 The journey was rocky. You would say, that after what happened in Fontaine, people won't dare to attack you. Perhaps, it does decrease the number of attackers. But, there were devoted ones, who were going all and beyond during attacks. They would either try to separate you from Paul, or try to lead a large scale attacks.

For now, they didn't succeed. Nevertheless, Paul was on his guard and insisted on you staying where he can see you.

You weren't against it. It wasn't the situation for arguing.

You got to Sumeru. You got help from Nahida and Wanderer. Apparently, Alice was in Natlan. The nation, that still was hesitant in letting "Creator" stepped on their land. Wanderer even shared some rumors about a barrier around Natlan. Barrier, that keeps Creator away.

Dehya and Candace helped you and Paul cross the desert.

You swore, that you could see a barrier made of Phlogiston around Natlan. You braced yourself and made a step forward.

Barrier let you two through.

🇫🇷 You spend in Natlan a mere five minutes, but Saurian population, for some reason, already adored you. On top of it, baby tepetlisaurs and baby yumkasaurs seems to like Paul and his hat. He scoffed and rolled his eyes, but let them nibble on his fingers and hat.

Paul felt relieved. He didn't show it, but he was extremely worried about you. He was afraid, that one day you will get hurt, or you will wander off and get captured, or you will get sick. Yes, you were an adult, but he still was worried. And having a bunch of cartoony dinosaurs helping to protect you was reassuring.

You get to the Stadium of the Sacred Flame without troubles.

And was met with Pyro Archon herself.

🇫🇷 Mavuika asked you and Paul to join her for dinner. Well, it was a mix of interrogation and dinner. Everything went mostly neutral, until Mavuika decided to press further into your supposed "Real Creator" status. She didn't outright say, that you were lying about not knowing anything about being a Creator and just being a simple person, but Pyro Archon made it clear, that she didn't trust you. And, perhaps, it would be beneficial for Natlan to sell you out to the Holy Guard.

Paul didn't like the implication. The stone table was crushed under his hands. He was towering above Pyro Archon.

"If you dared to lay a finger on them, I will crush your precious little nation."

You grabbed Paul's hand. He looked like he was ready to become a Demonic Beast Guivre, and without Dazai it would be a death sentence. To Teyvat and to Paul.

Mavuika took Paul's threat well. She nodded, gave you a half-bow. She spoke.

"I knew what it means to be a mortal in a position of a God. Forgive me for my small performance. I need to make sure. Your companion has a loyalty of a warrior. I will help you. I will send a letter to Alice. She will be here in a few days. Until then, you are my guests".

🇫🇷 Paul felt relieved. You were almost safe. The Stadium of the Sacred Flame was full of music and warmth, and people weren't here to attack you.

In a few days, you met Alice.

While giving your goodbyes to Mavuika, she suddenly asked.

"I understand, that I have no right to give you two that kind of task. But, if you knew someone who can help us to deal with imposter, could you, please, send them here? People of Teyvat aren't bad. They are scared."

You didn't promise anything. But you kept her request in mind.

Alice prepared a portal. You and Verlaine finally returned home.

_______

🇫🇷 The Return was something. You two were gone for almost two months, making everyone worried sick about you two. The story of Teyvat made everyone angry and curious. Kids wanted to see saurians, adults wanted to help people, who helped you, and punish people, who tried to hurt you.

You and Verlaine were sitting under the starry sky. You whispered.

You secretly also wanted to help Mavuika, Alice, Dehya, Candace, Nahida and Wanderer. They didn't deserve to get in trouble because of you.

________

"Paul... If one day I decide to return to Teyvat and save everyone, will you..."

You didn't get a chance to finish, when Paul turned his head towards you and nuzzle the top of your head.

"I will come. You won't be alone, [Y/N]."

______

Tag list: @myluckymoon @cocodrilofeliz @c4xcocoa @vvyeislazzy @whisperingwinters @nervousinfluencertidalwave @ayameshu @izzieg3987