2026 Upper School Intersession Blog

WORD OF THE DAY: LEGACY - ENDINGS & BEGINNINGS

Having reached our destination yesterday afternoon and taken time to bask in the joy of our shared accomplishment, today afforded us a very special opportunity: an excursion to Cape Finisterre on our penultimate day in Galicia. Many believe that no pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela is truly complete without continuing on to this final coastal destination. Armed with picnic lunches thoughtfully prepared by our hotel staff, we boarded a minibus and set out westward to what was once known as the “End of the World.”

The origins of the pilgrimage to Finisterre are not entirely certain, though they are widely believed to predate Christianity, rooted in the site’s ancient identity as the westernmost edge of the known world. Along the roughly 80-kilometer journey from Santiago, we made several memorable stops. In the seaside town of Carnota, we stood before an impressive granite hórreo, the largest in Spain, and an enduring example of traditional methods used to dry and store corn. Shortly thereafter, we paused at the Eden-like Ézaro Waterfall, where fresh water dramatically meets the Atlantic Ocean in one of Galicia’s most striking natural displays.

As we continued along the coast, known as the Costa da Morte (Coast of Death), we were reminded of its storied and often perilous past, marked by centuries of shipwrecks along its rocky shores. Yet today, the coastline reveals a different character: one of quiet beauty. Picturesque seaside villages such as Cee, Corcubión, and Finisterre itself dot the landscape, their colorful facades evoking a sense of charm and timelessness, not unlike the coastal imagery of Prince Edward Island in Anne of Green Gables.

Cape Finisterre is home to a series of stunning beaches—O Rostro, Arnela, Mar de Fora, Langosteira, Riveira, and Corbeiro—many framed by dramatic cliffs that descend toward what medieval Europeans once called the Mare Tenebrosum, or “Dark Sea.” Standing at the edge of this vast Atlantic expanse, it is easy to understand why this place once symbolized an ending.

And yet, like so much of the Camino, it also represents a beginning.

A short distance beyond the town lies the Finisterre Lighthouse, which some pilgrims regard as the true kilometer zero. There, among the windswept rocks, one can still see traces of soot and ash—evidence of a long-standing tradition in which pilgrims burn articles of clothing or worn shoes, a symbolic act of release marking the end of one journey and the readiness for whatever comes next.

Today, we traveled to the End of the World and back.

Tonight, we begin our return home with an overnight journey by bus to Madrid. Tomorrow, we will fly home together, and then each of us will continue our paths beyond the Camino, carrying with us the lessons, memories, and connections forged along the Way. If this experience has taught us anything, it is that journeys do not truly end; they simply change direction.

As acclaimed Spanish poet Antonio Machado so beautifully reminds us:

Traveler, your footprints
are the only road, nothing else.
Traveler, there is no road;
you make your own path as you walk.

Caminante, no hay camino—se hace camino al andar.

Buen Camino.

For photos, please visit the Camino de Santiago Intersession SSFS Vidigami Page (users will need to log in to their portal page for single sign-on access to Vidigami)

THE PATH WE SHARE

After a week defined by movement, growth, and shared purpose, our final day on the Camino had arrived. Following breakfast, we set out together at 9:00 a.m. from O Pino, retracing our steps back to the trail for one last push toward Santiago de Compostela. Though today’s route of approximately 21 kilometers was slightly shorter than the days prior, it offered its own challenges: rolling terrain, steady climbs, and the emotional weight of knowing that the journey’s end was near.

We began as we have so often: together. The now-familiar rhythm of footsteps on gravel, quiet conversation, and the guiding presence of yellow arrows and scallop shells carried us forward through forest paths and country lanes. The morning air was crisp, the skies kind, and spirits, though tempered by fatigue, remained strong.

Our route took us through small hamlets and past markers counting steadily down toward zero. At San Paio, we paused for lunch, sharing a meal and a moment of rest before continuing on. 

In keeping with the needs of our group, we continued to move thoughtfully and intentionally, ensuring that all could share in the final moment. To do so, Meredith once again accompanied a pair of students requiring additional support in a taxi to rendezvous with the rest of our group a couple of kilometers away from the Cathedral, allowing us to reunite as one team for the final stretch and reach Marker 0 together, just as we had hoped.

From San Paio, the Camino pressed onward toward Lavacolla, whose famously blunt name, stemming from the medieval tradition of pilgrims washing before entering the holy city, offered a moment of humor and humanity that felt fitting for this journey.

The climb that followed toward Monte do Gozo—the “Mount of Joy”—was perhaps one of the most meaningful stretches of the day. Legs were heavy, steps more deliberate, but something deeper carried us upward. And then, at the summit, it happened: our weary but excited group was rewarded with its first glimpse of our destination, the distant spires of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela rising above the horizon. It was a moment that seemed to suspend time, a collective recognition that what once felt far away was now undeniably real.

From there, we descended together, drawn forward as if by something greater than ourselves. The Camino widened, the number of pilgrims increased, and the quiet countryside gradually gave way to the energy of the city. Step by step, we entered Santiago, following in the footsteps of millions who had come before us. As planned, we reunited with the rest of our group and resumed our walk together, into the medieval Quarter. With about half a kilometer to go, we agreed to walk in silence, taking some private time to think about what we’ve done to get ourselves to this pivotal moment. After seven days, countless steps, and one extraordinary journey, at last, we arrived.

Emerging into the Plaza del Obradoiro, the journey reached its emotional crescendo. Before us stood the magnificent Cathedral, and beneath our feet, kilometer marker zero. For a brief moment, there were no words, only embraces, quiet reflection, and the unmistakable feeling of having accomplished something deeply meaningful together. It is difficult to fully describe what it feels like to arrive. Perhaps it is enough to say that while many walk the Camino, no two journeys are ever the same.

From the plaza, we made our way to the Pilgrims’ Office to receive our Compostelas, tangible recognition of the journey we had completed. Later, we arrived at our hotel with just enough time to prepare for the evening ahead, including the Pilgrims’ Mass at 7:30 p.m. and a celebratory dinner at 8:30 p.m..

That night, our reflection theme—The Path We Share—could not have been more fitting. For while each of us walked our own steps, faced our own challenges, and carried our own thoughts along the Way, we did so together. The Camino has a way of revealing that the path is never truly solitary. It is shaped by the people beside us: their encouragement, their patience, their presence. We came here as individuals. We leave as something more.

Tomorrow’s journey continues with a drive out and a walk to and picnic lunch at Finisterre, once believed to be the edge of the known world.

Buen Camino.

For photos, please visit the Camino de Santiago Intersession SSFS Vidigami Page (users will need to log in to their portal page for single sign-on access to Vidigami)

REFLECTIONS: THE INNER JOURNEY

After a welcome buffet breakfast and a much-needed team stretch, we set out at 9:00 a.m. from Castañeda for what would be our third consecutive day of walking more than a half marathon, another 24 kilometers along the Camino. Though the physical demands are undeniable, so too is the quiet pride building within the group. There is a growing sense that we are not only enduring the challenge, but beginning to thrive within it.

Today’s route carried us, once again, through the lush Galician countryside along a mix of rural paths and surfaced country lanes, weaving through vegetable orchards, open meadows, and oak groves before giving way to stretches of pine and eucalyptus forest. The terrain, while still demanding, felt a touch gentler than previous days, offering a rhythm that allowed for both reflection and connection.

At the same time, we continue to improvise thoughtfully and purposefully in support of the well-being of every member of our team. The reality of a taxing quest like this is that, despite a shared determination to persevere, different bodies respond differently to the sustained physical demands. What has been most inspiring is how our group has met that reality, with empathy, flexibility, and care. Sometimes that means small, selfless gestures: offering to carry a classmate’s backpack for a stretch, sharing water, or simply walking alongside someone who needs encouragement. Other times, it requires more significant decisions. With continued gratitude to Meredith, we arranged for her to accompany one of our students by taxi to meet us in Arzúa this morning, sparing them the toll of the first four kilometers, and perhaps more importantly, the steep climbs that came with them. Later in the day, we made a similar decision, arranging for Meredith to accompany that same student, along with another for whom it had become the right and supportive call, by taxi for the final six kilometers. These are not easy choices, but they are the right ones, grounded in care, trust, and a shared commitment to one another.

Aware that morale is as important as mileage, we built a series of small but meaningful surprises into the day for everyone to enjoy, gestures intended to lift spirits and celebrate the journey as much as the destination. 

By late morning, we reached the town of Arzúa, home to our guide Bruno. Originally from Belgium but a longtime resident of Spain, Bruno has become far more than our guide; he is a storyteller, philosopher, and steady presence whose warmth and curiosity have made him a cherished member of our traveling family. Seeing Arzúa through his eyes was a gift.

As Bruno and I had planned, we followed the irresistible scent of freshly baked bread off the Camino and into a traditional wood-fired bakery. There, the baker welcomed us behind the scenes before offering us still-warm baguettes and rounds of rosca, their warm crusts crackling, and their interiors soft, airy, fragrant, and steaming. It was one of those unscripted moments that becomes unforgettable: simple, generous, and deeply human. With bread in hand (and often already half-eaten), we continued on.

A short distance beyond Arzúa, we arrived at another of Bruno’s passions: El Muro de la Sabiduría—The Wall of Wisdom. This ongoing personal project, free of politics, religion, or profit, is a collection of quotations and questions designed to spark reflection on travel, humanity, and our shared world. It served as our lunch stop, but also as something more, a place to pause not just physically, but intellectually and spiritually.

In a gesture that captured his thoughtfulness, Bruno gifted each of us two small pamphlets. The first, Travel Broadens the Mind, offered a curated collection of reflections on the meaning and power of travel. Among them were reminders that felt especially resonant along the Camino: that “the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only the first page” (St. Augustine); that “travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness” (Mark Twain); that it “makes one modest” by revealing how small a place we occupy in the world (Gustav Flaubert); and that “there are no foreign lands… it is the traveler only who is foreign” (Robert Louis Stevenson). The second pamphlet, Pilgrims & Philosophy, drew from an even wider circle of thinkers—Socrates, Einstein, Gandhi, Confucius, Nietzsche, Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, and others—exploring themes of wisdom, empathy, fear, change, and the human condition. It was an intimate and generous gesture, one that reminded us that this journey is as much inward as it is outward.

As the afternoon unfolded, we continued pressing westward, with another surprise pitstop, this time for ice cream, under skies that have remained astonishingly kind to us. Galicia is known for its rain—more, in fact, than places like Manchester, England—but not a single drop has fallen during our time here. Whoever coined the phrase “The rains in Spain fall mainly on the plains” clearly never spent time in Galicia. It is called Green Spain for a reason, and everywhere we look there’s verdant evidence to the why, but we have been, without question, blessed.

Weathered and weary, we arrived at our hotel in O Pino at 5:40 p.m., greeted by the promise of well-earned rest. Showers, quiet moments, messages home, and even the occasional siesta helped restore both body and spirit before dinner.

Speaking of dinner, it feels impossible not to pause and reflect on the remarkable culinary experience Spain continues to offer. What has surprised us most is not just the quality, but the generosity. Meals routinely arrive in three abundant courses—primeros, segundos, and dessert—with portions that could easily stand alone. Early in the trip, we found ourselves overwhelmed by the quantity, concerned that our inability to finish might seem ungrateful. Bruno later explained that this cultural generosity is, in part, a lingering response to the austerity of the regime of Francisco Franco, when food was scarce and tightly controlled. Today’s abundance, then, is not excess, it is memory, resilience, and hospitality expressed through food.

Among the many Spanish and regional delicacies we have enjoyed thus far are churros con chocolate, pulpo a la gallega, pimientos del padrón, torta de Santiago, jamón serrano and jamón ibérico, queso de tetilla, caldo gallego, tortilla española, and empanadas de atún. The variety and regional richness have been extraordinary. Just as meaningful has been the care shown toward those with dietary needs, with our hosts consistently going above and beyond to ensure that everyone feels included and nourished. We are deeply grateful.

Following our meal, we gathered for our nightly silent reflection, writing, and group sharing. Tonight’s theme, Reflections: The Inner Journey, encouraged each of us to pause and consider not just the miles behind us, but the growth and discoveries within, using the quotes from Bruno’s Travel Broadens the Mind pamphlet to inspire us. Tonight, the words and quiet encourage us to look inward with curiosity, gratitude, and openness, understanding that the inner journey, like the Camino itself, is built one step at a time.

By day’s end, the numbers themselves told part of the story: another 24 kilometers completed, carrying us from Castañeda through Arzúa and onward to the hamlet of Rúa. Three consecutive days of such distance is no small feat, and yet what stands out most is not the mileage, but the spirit with which it is being met.
Tomorrow we conclude our Way like pilgrims, but as I read today at El Muro de la Sabiduría, “It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” (Ernest Hemingway)

Buen Camino.

For photos, please visit the Camino de Santiago Intersession SSFS Vidigami Page (users will need to log in to their portal page for single sign-on access to Vidigami)

On the last day of the trip, we started the morning with amazing breakfast sandwiches while writing notes to ourselves. Following soon after was a group reflecting circle where we shared and gave gratitude to our fellow peers, recognizing everyone’s triumphs and accomplishments on the trip. We said our final goodbyes to Amanda soon after, and Barbara guided us on a walking reflection meeting for worship on the beach. We ended the meeting by getting our feet wet in the water. Before the airport, we had time to relax and share our final moments together on this amazing trip.

By Aaron, zoë and Stephen

Today was the last day of Intersession, and we went the furthest away. To start the morning, we enjoyed hot cocoa and had a Worship Share activity where we said something that was unexpected and/or a joy. We then went to McFadden Glass in Baltimore where they showed us how they make different glass objects. Everyone had a lot of fun getting to hold the equipment themselves (with guidance) and to work with the soft glass, which many people said looked like soft candy. We made ornaments, pendants, spoon rests, and really cool flowers.

After that, we had a catered lunch by local business BlackSauce Kitchen and then went to the Walter’s Art Museum. They had all types of medieval art from all around the world.

Today was fun because we learned a new art form and were able to see some great artists from the past. We also got to see the new Kehinde Wiley stained glass portrait, which was an example of artistic representation—showing a Black figure in an art form they don’t often feature in. We had a lot of fun this week and are excited to see how much our items go for at the auction.

To start off our fifth day of Intersession, we woke up for breakfast and said goodbye to the Big Yellow House. We then went to a swimming hole in the middle of the rainforest which we enjoyed for an hour and a half. Then we went to a shopping area along the beach for lunch, and did some souvenir shopping. We checked into the Casa Coral and spent some downtime at the beach. Then we went down the docks where we boarded kayaks to set off on the short paddle to the bioluminescent bay, where we had an incredible time. We then went back to Casa Coral where we had a nice pizza dinner and went to sleep. What a wonderful day.

By Matthew, Ash and Dylan

Today started with breakfast at 7:00 AM at the Tex-Mex restaurant. Afterward we had a short 5-minute walk to the beach, where we had our surfing lessons for a couple of hours. Following our surf lessons, we headed back to the hotel to change and get ready for lunch at a buffet nearby. We then headed out for our forest hike, where we planted trees to help restore the forest, and then to a waterfall. In the waterfall, we took lots of pictures and got to play in the water. After the forest hike, we were surprised to watch the sunset on a small beach. Following that, we returned to the hotel, where we had free time to shower, relax, or play in the pool before dinner. We ended our day with dinner at the Tex-Mex restaurant again and then enjoyed extra free time because we’re coming towards the end of our trip.

By Teni, Derek, Steve, Malcolm

Hi everyone! Today marks the fourth day of our Puerto Rico Intersession trip. We visited the cacao farm and divided into groups to assist in the replanting process. We opened the cacao pods and learned about the tree’s ability to produce more cacao. Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious home-cooked lunch of chicken, rice, and potatoes followed by a chocolate tasting session featuring various cacao percentages.

On our final day at the Big Yellow House, we rested and visited the beach one last time. We took a hike to watch the sunset during a group meeting for worship, reflecting on our time here. We returned to the Big Yellow House for dinner, which consisted of chicken, potatoes and salad, followed by a salsa dancing class taught by a local mother and daughter.

This incredible experience brought us all together for one last time before we leave the Big Yellow House. We are filled with excitement for our final day and eagerly anticipate the experiences that await us in our future activities. Thank you for listening, everyone!

By Guliana, Eli and Liam

This morning we started our day around 7AM, making it one of our earliest mornings. We started with a tour and cheese making experience at Crisley’s farm. We learned how to milk cows, and some students even participated and started to fill the bucket. After that, we spent time hearing Crisley share the story of his farm, which included how long he owned the land, how he got it, and what inspired him to start his cheese-making business. We then got to see how the cheese was made, watching the step by step process. We were able to try the cheese afterwards, and it was very delicious. 

Afterwards, we started our 5-hour road trip to Aparthotel Playa Luna, the next hotel we were planning to stay at. Along the way, we stopped for lunch to have a delicious meal at a restaurant buffet and buy souvenirs at a shop. We ended our day with a nice dinner at a Mexican restaurant after our road trip, and relaxation time at our hotel.

By Alex, Fifa, Nigel, Justin

SEEING WITH NEW EYES: PERCEPTION VS. REALITY

Understandably sore from the accumulating physical toll, our morning mental fog would surrender by breakfast’s end to another glorious day. Weather has a measurable effect on the spirit, and we remain blessed thus far to be uplifted by the inviting warmth of the sun. So after another generous buffet breakfast at 7:30 a.m., we set out at 8:20, continuing our westward journey along the Camino. Before the day fully unfolded, however, we paused as a community to hold space for something more important than miles or momentum.

One of our students has been navigating a significant physical challenge, meeting the demands of this journey with courage and determination. Wanting deeply to participate as fully as possible, she has pushed herself in ways that are both admirable and, at times, difficult. In response, our group gathered for an impromptu moment of reflection and silent worship, grounding ourselves in compassion, patience, and shared responsibility. These are the moments when a journey like this reveals its deeper purpose.

In partnership with her family, a thoughtful plan was put into place, an excellent example of teamwork between the student, chaperones, and home. Our generous and thoughtful Head of Upper School, Meredith, stepped forward with characteristic grace and selflessness, accompanying the student by taxi from our cabins to the town of Melide, our planned lunch stop, bypassing the first 15 kilometers of the day’s 24. This allowed the rest of the group to continue on foot while ensuring that she could rejoin us in a meaningful way. By early afternoon, we would be all together again, sharing a well-earned meal before setting out as one for the final 9 kilometers. By design, crossing the day’s finish line together would help make that reunion feel especially significant, earned not just through effort, but through care, flexibility, and collective resolve.

With that spirit firmly established, we continued our walk. Driven by endeavor, today’s walk would be our second of four consecutive half marathons (24 kilometers to be precise), from Palas de Rei to Castañeda. While an indisputable challenge, success would mean that our destination, Santiago de Compostela, would go from a distant dream to a tantalizing reality, leaving us 46.5 kilometers away and two days to get there. The landscape unfolded in a familiar and comforting rhythm: wooded paths, medieval bridges, grazing cows, stone walls, and small Romanesque churches appearing like quiet sentinels along the Way. The route carried us through San Xulián, O Coto, Furelos, Melide, Boente, and Castañeda, each step bringing us closer not only to Santiago, but to one another.

Early in the morning, we stumbled upon a small open-air market, where tables overflowed with fresh fruits, vegetables, and local cheeses. Yet the undeniable highlight was the simple joy of freshly made churros dipped in rich, warm chocolate, a perfect indulgence on a crisp Galician morning and a reminder that sometimes the smallest pleasures leave the biggest impressions.

Later, in O Coto, at about the 10-kilometer mark, we paused at a beautiful outdoor café with manicured gardens for rest and refreshment. By coincidence, or perhaps by the quiet magic of the Camino, we were joined by a large group of Spanish high school students from Madrid, whom we had begun to recognize along the trail. What followed was one of the most memorable moments of the day. Two of their teachers, both musicians, invited our group into an impromptu musical sing-along with their students. With Ian on guitar, joined by a teacher on ukulele and another on harmonica, voices from both groups rose together in song: “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and a beautiful duet of “Landslide,” led by Julia and Annelise. It was something special: two schools, two cultures, united not by language, but by music, the most universal language of all. What followed was just as meaningful, as students from both groups mingled, practicing Spanish and English with one another, laughing, connecting, and discovering how quickly barriers dissolve when openness leads the way.

Our midday stop in Melide offered not only reunion, but also a taste of one of Galicia’s most beloved culinary traditions, pulpo a feira, prepared simply yet beautifully, while also providing a delectable spread of other options for those for whom octopus was not quite their cup of tea. Melide also marks an important convergence point, where the Camino Primitivo merges with the Camino Francés, adding an ever-growing stream of pilgrims to the journey.

From there, we pressed onward through gently rolling terrain toward Castañeda, before reaching our hotel in O Pino at approximately 5:30 p.m. The timing was perfect. After a full day on the trail, two precious hours of downtime offered a chance to rest, recover, and reconnect.

We gathered again at 7:30 for dinner, followed by our now familiar rhythm of evening reflection: silent writing, group sharing, and our nightly debrief. Today’s experiences, both joyful and challenging, gave depth to our conversations. Undoubtedly, the Camino de Santiago has a defined target on which pilgrims are singularly focused. However, the journey, that is the process, is often the most satisfying and revelatory part of any trek. To say the least, there’s a lot to be learned along The Way. In Quaker terms, eventually the way really does open. In our case, The Way has been opening. For example, the mundane seems exceptional in the wake of our long walks, food tastes better, a smile warms more, kindness is precious, a shower heals, rest is a reward, and sleep’s a gift. Virtues, like gratitude and humility, rise to the surface, just as perspective becomes clearer. We are learning that the Camino is not defined solely by the kilometers we walk, but by the ways we support one another through them.

Finally, a special note from our group: today is Father’s Day in Spain, a public holiday honoring Saint Joseph. From all of us here on the Camino, we extend our warmest wishes to all the fathers reading this entry. Thank you for your love, guidance, and support. Despite the distance that separates us, you are very much with us on this journey.

As the day came to a close, there was a quiet sense that something meaningful continues to take root within this group. Not just endurance, but empathy. Not just progress, but purpose.

May tonight bring sweet dreams, as tomorrow will see us working our angels overtime. As we reflected together last night, “coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success.” 

Tomorrow, we walk on.
 

Buen Camino

For photos, please visit the Camino de Santiago Intersession SSFS Vidigami Page (users will need to log in to their portal page for single sign-on access to Vidigami)

This morning we woke up and ate a quick breakfast at the house before leaving for the French Quarter. Our tour guide was very eccentric and knew a lot of the people who we passed. We even ran into his son who was giving another tour. We first visited the cemetery where they use above-ground crypts instead of burying the coffins due to the frequent flooding. We then went to Congo Square where they hold jazz music celebrations. Unfortunately we did not get to see any today. 

After the tour we were each given forty dollars and allowed to explore the French Quarter in groups. I cannot speak for all the groups but mine went to a restaurant near Jackson Square to get some lunch. Then we went and got beignets from Cafe Du Monde; they were good. Then we all regrouped and hopped in the vans to go to a bayou tour. The tour went down the West Pearl River. We saw a lot of alligators; some of them even swam all the way up to the boat. Most were pretty small but one of them that we saw sunbathing on the bank was twelve feet long. On top of that we also saw a ton of racoons which we could feed from the boat. Overall it was a great experience.

For dinner we went to the South Side Cafe. Their fried shrimp Po Boy is pretty good--I recommend it. After dinner we went to Rock and Bowl to see a Zydeco performance. For any one who does not know, Zydeco is a kind of Cajun music popular in New Orleans and Louisiana. It was a really good experience; the music was great. Afterwards we went back to the house to relax and get ready for the flight back to Maryland tomorrow. Today was a great last day in New Orleans. 

The day started with driving to Savage Mills, an old mill turned shopping center. From there, we split up into two groups, one of whom did candle making, and the other, jewelry making, and would then switch. The candle making involved us mixing scents (something we soon learned to be rather a subjective art) and then pouring them, along with some wax, into a candle holder. The jewelry making involved some bracelet making, where we strung beads onto a string for a bracelet, and earring making, a difficult process involving using pliers to shape earrings and their charms. Afterwards, we were able to go shopping before going back to school.

On Tuesday, March 17th, after an early morning flight we arrived in Boston and set out in our vans for the Strawbery Banke museum. At this museum, we were able to witness firsthand the progression of architecture, technology, and daily life in New England from the arrival of colonists to the present day. We had the opportunity to speak to a professional archaeologist and view artifacts from the eighteenth century. 

After our time at Strawbery Banke, we set out in two separate groups for lunch, one opting for a healthy vegetarian restaurant while another took the chance to experience classic Maine lobster. After lunch, we spent time in a cozy local library to relax after the early wake up call. Finally, we visited a local Meeting House filled with a vibrant community of Quakers who welcomed us into their place of worship and told us about their programs and charity efforts, before a short meeting for worship. We shared a lovely meal with them and played games with the elders of the community to the young kids, ending a memorable day with a welcoming community of fellow Quakers.

On Wednesday, March 18th we had a slow morning at the hotel before setting off for a short walk to the Salem Witch Museum. The museum was filled with impressive wax figures that shared the story of the Salem Witch Trials from beginning to end, teaching us about both the trigger that sparked witch mania in New England as well as its consequences. We then talked with a tour guide about what witch hunts look like nowadays and had a chance to look through the witch-themed gift shop. After the museum students were given time to break off in groups and find lunch in the city. 

Once everyone had eaten we piled back into our vans and set off for Franklin Park Zoo; we saw everything from gorillas to prairie dogs to fish. Many students took the time to watch a gorilla named Aziza roughhouse with her younger brother. Around four p.m. we departed from the zoo and took a drive to our second hotel, allowing students to wind down and settle in with their new roommates. We then set off to a major local mosque (ISBCC) to celebrate the last Iftar of Ramadan. One of the women in the mosque gave us an extensive tour and educated us on the religion, deepening our cultural understanding and allowing many who had never been in a mosque to expand their experience. After the sun had set we had a lovely dinner in the mosque.

This morning we ate another fantastic Costa Rican breakfast prepared by the Crisley residence as this was our first ‘flex’ schedule. We then hopped into the vans and headed toward the zip line course by the Arenal Volcano! After the zip line, we then went to the San Isidro school to have lunch prepared by the staff. Then, our work on the community center began, with the main purpose to finish painting the structure before we left. We also played one last game of soccer before saying goodbye to the students. 

After taking a few photos of the group, we awarded ourselves a trip to the grocery store for snacks and desserts. We then headed back to Casa Crisley for dinner. After dinner, we went on a night hike guided by Crisley. On it, we got to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the farm for our last night there.

By Ken, Tyler, Aden, Michael

In the morning we toured the Ogden Museum of Southern Art which features art made by artists from southern states including Louisiana, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and more. We saw art by an artist from Baltimore named Paul "The Baltimore Glassman" Darmafall. After we looked at the "vernacular" art, we did an art activity where we created a collage based on this artist's work.

After the museum, we went to lunch at a flamingo-themed restaurant called Flamingo A Go Go. The restaurant was understaffed so we had to wait a long time for the food but we felt bad because the waitress was also the bartender and had to help cook the food. She had to work really hard to serve our large group. 

Flamingo A Go Go is on Magazine Street, a shopping district that has a variety of stores including vintage clothing, record shops, antiques, books, coffee shops, and gifts. We got to wander around for an hour before heading to another art gallery called Studio Be. The theme of most of the art was what it's like to be a black person living in New Orleans. There was even a piece of a house that had been a Black Panther hide out and was shot up by the police. 

It was a long day and we were really tired so instead of going out to eat, we got Chipotle and Chick Fil A and then watched TV.

We started the day with breakfast at the Big Yellow House and made our way to Villa del Rio for day two of our service. Angel and Willie (the service leaders) gave us a tutorial on how to make cement. We made an assembly line, with some people filling buckets of materials to make cement, some people actually making the cement, some shoveling, and some pouring. We pushed through the morning working really hard before breaking for a delicious lunch made by Maria, Angel's wife. 

After our service, we headed to the beach to relax and drink tropical refreshments. We then came back to the Big Yellow House and got ready for a celebration of our hard work. The entire crew, including the family we were helping build a house for, came over and we shared a meal. We played lots of games like football (both American and not), hide and seek, and freeze tag. After that we came together and Angel and Willie told us more about the projects they have worked on and Global Works as a whole. They expressed their gratitude towards us and made sure any questions we had got answered. At the end we took a picture and said goodbye!

By Melanie, Maxine and Aidan

Today, we took part in our service project for Habitat for Humanity, which is an organization that gives people who may not otherwise be able to afford housing safe places to live. We crawled out of bed at 6:30 am, barely making it to the vans. We helped Habitat for Humanity by painting the interior of a repurposed house. It felt good knowing we were helping in a project greater than ourselves, giving people homes. After a couple of hours at the house, we took the vans to a grocery store called Publix where we got an assortment of funky subs (that were surprisingly good). We then got to have a  period of free time, which included many intense games of basketball. Around 5:30 pm the smell of Felix’s delicious grilling powers filled the air. As an after-dinner treat, we were taken to Jungle Rapids, where we played laser tag, arcade games, and best of all, go-carting. 

On Wednesday, we did Block Printing with Trisha Gupta at the Sandy Springs Museum. Trisha taught us about the levels of traditional Indian block printing, how to coat the stamps with ink, and how to press them onto fabric (which is will be sold at the auction as napkins). We first tested our stamps by pressing them onto paper, which we quickly learned yielded less sharp images than when we pressed them onto fabric. We are so grateful for this opportunity and happy to know that this activity is just a five-minute drive away from campus.

~Zarina Aronson

“COMING TOGETHER IS A BEGINNING, KEEPING TOGETHER IS PROGRESS, AND WORKING TOGETHER IS SUCCESS”

After a rather elegant buffet breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and an 8:15 departure from Lugo, we transferred back to Portomarín, where we resumed our Way along the banks of the Miño River.

It was officially time to bid adieu to our “training wheels.” Since our arrival four days ago in Madrid, we have had the luxury of traveling aboard our faithful Rocinante, skillfully driven by Reuben, our ever-reliable Sancho Panza to Bruno’s Don Quixote. From this point forward, while our primary luggage would continue ahead by transport service, we would no longer have the option of the bus. The path ahead offered a single, simple directive: walk on.

Having already completed our “warm-up” days, today presented our longest trek yet, a full 24 kilometers, extending beyond the standard stage to make up for distance from the previous day. Without the reassuring presence of our mobile support, we began the morning feeling a natural mix of anticipation and anxiety. And yet, in its own way, the absence of choice brought clarity. Whether taken literally or philosophically, there is truth in the idea that moving forward — together — brings us closer.

It didn’t hurt that the day itself was nearly perfect. Under overcast skies and mild temperatures, we set out, placing one foot in front of the other, guided by the familiar yellow arrows and scallop shells. The Camino carried us through the lush, rolling landscapes of Galicia’s verdant forests, open meadows, fertile farmland, and quiet stone-built hamlets scattered across a deeply rural countryside.

After an initial uphill climb, through forest, the path opened to gently undulating terrain, at times paralleling the road before giving way to narrow country lanes. Along the route, we passed through Gonzar, Castromaior, and Ventas de Narón, where we paused for a well-earned lunch, before continuing on through Eirexe and Lestedo.

As the kilometers accumulated, so too did the physical toll, often creeping in quietly, almost unexpectedly, despite the beauty that surrounded us. And yet, step by step, the group pressed on, encouraging one another, adjusting pace when needed, and drawing strength from a shared sense of purpose. By the time we reached our destination in Palas de Rei, where we are staying in charming timber cabins, we were undeniably weathered and weary, but also deeply fulfilled. 

One of the quieter but deeply appreciated aspects of this journey has been the food that sustains us along the Way. Across regions, we have been met with remarkable variety and generosity, meals that reflect local traditions, fresh ingredients, and a deep pride in place. This is real food, thoughtfully prepared, far removed from anything processed or rushed. Portions, too, have been abundantly generous, so much so that, in the spirit of responsible stewardship, our group has collectively asked our hosts to scale them back slightly, hoping not to waste what has been so graciously offered. At first, it seemed as though we might unintentionally offend our hosts, despite nothing being further from the truth. Their care extends even further in the thoughtful ways they have accommodated dietary needs within our group. How fortunate we are to be nourished in both body and spirit.

Equally striking is the culture of the Camino itself, a living example of kindness, generosity, and mutual support. Whether among fellow pilgrims or the local communities who welcome them, there is a shared understanding: we are all in this together. Greetings are warm, encouragement is freely given, and small gestures carry great meaning. There is an authenticity to these interactions that feels increasingly rare, a quiet but powerful reminder of how people can, and perhaps should, treat one another. In many ways, the Camino feels like one of the safest and most trusting places one could hope to experience.

And with that comes an equally important realization: this journey is asking something of us. We are learning not only to embrace beauty and connection, but also to accept challenge, sacrifice, and even moments of discomfort. There is, at times, an internal tension between me and we, between the instinct to turn inward and the call to remain open, generous, and selfless. It is often in the more difficult moments, when we are sore, tired, or out of sorts, that our character reveals itself most clearly. In those moments, we are challenged to resist the urge to let discomfort spill onto others. Instead, we are called to our better angels, reminded of something as simple and enduring as the Golden Rule. At the very same time, we are learning to look outward, to offer a helping hand, a gentle word, a warm smile, or a small act of kindness that might ease someone else’s burden. It is remarkable how something so seemingly small can make such a profound difference.

Something meaningful is taking shape within the group. Beyond good humor and shared experience, it is the challenge itself that is binding us together. We are becoming a team,  loyal to one another, attentive to each other’s needs, and collectively driven toward a common goal. It is, perhaps, precisely the difficulty of the journey that gives it its meaning.

Maryland author John Barth captured this idea beautifully in The Tidewater Tales when he wrote, “We will pay the price, but we will not count the cost.” There are, indeed, some things worth the sacrifice. Our group has come to understand that walking the Camino de Santiago is one of them.

Tomorrow, our Way continues.

Buen Camino

For photos, please visit the Camino de Santiago Intersession SSFS Vidigami Page (users will need to log in to their portal page for single sign-on access to Vidigami)

We started off the day with a delicious, traditional Costa Rican breakfast. After that, we hopped in the vans and went to the Proyecto Asis wildlife rehabilitation center. While we were there, we toured the sanctuary and helped out by preparing food for the animals, such as bananas and apples. Afterward, we returned to the community of San Isidro and ate a delicious lunch prepared by the school staff. There we had traditional pasta and salad. Then we continued our service at the community center. Our work consisted of priming and painting the building walls and exterior, along with picking up trash. After this, we returned to Casa Crisley and had some free time. Some people played in the pool, and others rested. Then we attended a dancing lesson where we learned Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue. Our talented instructor was Randy. We then had dinner and ended the day with our nightly meeting.

By Caitlyn, Ethan, Gabby, Julien

This was our first day of service in Villa De Rio. We started with a pancake breakfast at the big yellow house, then we loaded onto a big yellow school bus and drove 30 minutes of steep and winding roads while seeing beautiful nature on the way. When we arrived near the work site we saw many cute dogs and were introduced to Angel, Eggy, Willy. We were told about the family of 5 that lives in the small house on the worksite. Next we geared up and learned about the house plan and how to make molds for the cement walls for the 3 new rooms. The next 2 and a half hours were spent working on building the wood walls of the molds, then we stopped at Maria’s house to have delicious chicken, rice, and beans. At Maria’s house we met their dogs and family and bonded over incredible food. When we got back from lunch, we were introduced to Ashly, who lives in the home we are building. Next we spent a couple of hours finishing the concrete molds, and saying goodbye to Angel, Eggy, and William. 

We then loaded onto the bus and made our way back to the big yellow house. Then some stayed at the house and fought off iguanas, while the other group walked to the beach and spent the evening hours lounging in the sun, enjoying the water, and playing games. In the water we spotted a sea turtle close to shore, which was very special. After this time was over, everyone cleaned up and rested or played volleyball. 

Next we gathered for a meeting shared our positive observations about the person we were told to watch. Then we had catered dinner from Rickie’s restaurant and had grilled chicken and plantains. After, we had dessert and reflected about our day, our impact in the community, and what our works means to the people. We hope to have another fun and successful day of service tomorrow.

By Tyler, Zoe, Rohan

Our group volunteered for an organization called Hands On New Orleans, refurbishing a community garden so that the neighborhood was able to use it. We took down and remade the garden beds, replaced the soil, and painted the beds. We learned a lot about the poverty level and the state of the city of New Orleans, and how 80 percent of the people in the city are living paycheck to paycheck. Chris, the executive director of the organization, talked about the constant volunteers he gets which helps his cause, and the wide range of different projects they do other than refurbishing gardens. After we finished on the farm, we gathered food and supplies for the unhoused and dropped them off at a center for them to be distributed. We got ready for dinner, and headed into the French Quarter to eat at Mambos. After dinner, we walked home and went in the hot tub before we all went to bed.
~Gabriela Maleski

Today, the Group awoke bright and early to pick up trash in a local park, with a lake. Together, our team removed 91 pounds of trash from the area. We then drove to Cape Fear, and embarked on a tour of the USS North Carolina, a decommissioned battleship that served America during World War II. 

Following the walking tour, the group split up for several hours for lunch, and a variety of shopping opportunities. (Our cabin walked to two different comic book stores.) In the afternoon, the team re-united and enjoyed a ferry ride accompanied with informative dialogue throughout the rest of Cape Fear. 

We closed out Tuesday with several hours of free time at camp, a leftover dinner of barbecue chicken and pizza, and the nightly debrief. As I write this, we’ve each returned to our cabins to relax and wind down, although some of us are watching the United States lose the World Baseball Classic as Venezuela goes up 2-0 in the 5th.

DAY 1 (Travel Day): 
We all got to the airport at 4:30 AM (!!!!!) for our flight to San Francisco, California. After landing, we stopped to get In-N-Out Burger (a California staple!). We made it to the hostel and went to Cannery Row for dinner. After we ate, we made it back to the hostel. We all had an early night and went to bed. 

DAY 2: 
The next day, we woke up early to head out to the Garapatta State Park, located on the coast south of Monterey. We removed invasive wild radish plants from the coast line and earned 3 hours of service. After that, we hung out by the beach and ate lunch. We hiked along the Garapatta mountain trails and saw redwood trees, beautiful hills, cacti and crossed a stream many times. After the long hike, we made it back to the hostel and went to a pizza place for dinner. We finished off the night by revisiting Cannery Row and looking at souvenir shops. 

DAY 3:
On Tuesday, we went whale watching, where we saw a pod of orcas and some sea lions, otters, and pelicans. After that, we went back to the hostel to eat our lunches. We then drove to Jack’s Peak and hiked along those trails where we saw beautiful views from the mountain top. During the hike, we enjoyed a Meeting for Worship before driving back to the hostel. We ate Mexican carry-out and seat-belted our burritos so they wouldn’t fall out of the seat (for the block and a half drive back to the hostel). 

WORD OF THE DAY: TEAMWORK

After another European breakfast smorgasbord in our charming hotel in Villafranca del Bierzo, with stunning views of the Burbia River flowing through town and the mountains of the Montes de León rising in the background, we checked out at 8:45 a.m., loaded up our bus — our faithful Rocinante, driven by Reuben, the Sancho Panza to our Don Quixote, our loyal guide, Bruno — and began our journey toward Sarria, the gateway to the final stretch of the Camino, and our quest to reach Santiago de Compostela. 

Our first stop brought us high into the mountains to the emblematic pass of O Cebreiro. From Villafranca, we climbed steadily for nearly forty minutes, winding our way up a series of dramatic switchbacks until reaching the summit at 1,270 meters (4,167 feet), the highest point of our journey. There, seemingly suspended in time, sat a village unlike any we had yet encountered, a place where imagination and history seemed to meet in quiet harmony, sprinkled with hobbit-like dwellings called pallozas. Atop O Cebreiro, we also acquired our pilgrim shells, the iconic symbols of the Camino that now mark us as members of this centuries-old tradition. The centerpiece of the village is a 12th-century Romanesque church that claims to house a simple goblet under glass: the Holy Grail!

Following this mountaintop visit, we embarked on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Camino, walking through verdant chestnut forests, grassy meadows, fertile orchards, and quaint stone-built hamlets. The first half of the walk rose gently along corredoiras — narrow, often stony country tracks connecting villages — until reaching Ferreiros, the high point of the day. From there, we descended into the Miño Valley to our destination, Portomarín, perched on the banks of the Miño River. Step by step, the group began to settle into a shared rhythm, learning that the Camino is as much about patience and presence as it is about progress. Today’s trek was a remarkable introduction to the Camino: the weather was perfect, the terrain challenging enough to test our stamina, and the sense of accomplishment at reaching Portomarín was shared by all. 

From Portomarín, we continued on to Lugo, where we will spend the night at the lovely and modern Hotel Mercure Lugo Centro, right in the heart of downtown. After some well-earned downtime, an optional tour before dinner allowed us to explore Lugo’s historic treasures: the Roman walls that encircle the city, among the best-preserved examples of Roman fortifications in Spain, and the cathedral, a striking combination of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements reflecting centuries of devotion and architectural evolution layered in its walls. A few students elected to remain at the hotel, choosing to rest, recover, and reconnect with family and friends, a wise and welcome pause in what has already proven to be a demanding yet deeply rewarding journey.

We all reconvened at 8:00 p.m. for dinner, sharing stories from the day before gathering once again for our evening reflection, a quiet time of silence, writing, and thoughtful sharing. Centered on our Word of the Day, Teamwork, students reflected on the importance of moving beyond individual pace and comfort, learning instead to support one another selflessly. As the Camino begins to ask more of us physically and mentally, we are discovering what it means to move together as one, adjusting our pace, encouraging one another, and ensuring that all can thrive along the Way.

The Camino continues tomorrow.

Buen Camino

For photos, please visit the Camino de Santiago Intersession SSFS Vidigami Page (users will need to log in to their portal page for single sign-on access to Vidigami)

We had a really fun day at Clayground in Ellicott City making mosaic mirrors and plaques. It was cool getting creative and putting together all the little pieces, and everyone’s designs turned out different. We designed our own artworks and cut most of the glass ourselves. After that, we explored around the city for a bit and grabbed lunch, which made the day even better. We look forward to finding out how much the mosaics go for at the auction!

Hello everybody! Today is March 16th, 2026, and it was our first full day in Puerto Rico! We started our day by having breakfast all together at the big yellow house and enjoyed eggs, sausage, and French toast sticks. After our lovely breakfast, we headed out on the bus to Old San Juan, where we met our tour guide, Alvin. We toured around the city learning about many historical landmarks and churches. We ended our tour with a self guided walkthrough of El Morro, which had plenty of beautiful views. We then went to get lunch, which was a good taste of the local culture. After this we were able to walk through some tourist shops and buy unique souvenirs that were made by local artists. We then got popsicles and headed back to the big yellow house. Once at the big yellow house, we changed and headed to the beach for a relaxing few hours. We ended our day by coming back to the house and sharing one more delicious meal for dinner. We had a fantastic first day!!!

By Jake, Sadie, and Anthony

The first day started with everyone being sorted into vans which we then drove to the Glen Echo fairgrounds. When we got there, our guide Mac introduced us to the cyanotype medium that we were using. We had almost 200 cards that we had prepared the previous Thursday by coating them in a photosensitive fluid. The process involved arranging flat objects on part of the card, so that some of it turns cyan, while the covered part turns white. This exposure was done with UV rays, some of which were done in a light box, and some put in the admittedly rather cloudy outdoors. We then continuously flipped the papers in various baths that would fully develop them, and then hung them up to dry.

Once we finished, we were given a brief lesson in early photography, and got wet plate photos taken in the same process used in the Civil War. We had to plan all of our poses for the photos as they took time to set up and a few seconds of holding completely still for the photos to be taken. We then got to see our wet plate photos go from negatives to positives in real time, which was an incredible process.

Afterwards, we helped clean up and got pizza, but we had to leave early due to inclement weather. After an hour long drive in the pouring rain, we got back to school and ate some delicious pizza. The day was very fun despite the weather, and the photos came out beautifully.
By Mia Rosenthal

We woke up around 5 to 6 AM to shower and get everything together for the next stay. We then went down to the beautiful backyard around 7 to enjoy the breakfast that the hosts graciously made for us, including gallo pinto and fresh local fruits. Once we finished the amazing food, we headed to the buses and began our 3-hour drive to our next stay. The moment we arrived at the community of San Isidro, we were greeted with kindness and excitement for the service that we were helping them out with. We then began our work once we stepped foot into the community center. We were given tools to complete various tasks such as chipping paint off the exterior walls, shoveling mounds of dirt out of people’s way, and used sand paper to help with the painting as well. Once we finished our service for the day, the elementary school across the road challenged our group to a 10 to 20 minute soccer match. Afterwards, we headed back to the farm and had an amazing dinner with some spectacular performances displayed by the local folk dance group.

By Fayha, Michelle, Leo, Hunter

“LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE”

Feeling rejuvenated after a well-earned night’s sleep in our welcoming accommodations at the Hospedería Monástica Pax, we began the morning with a 7:45 a.m. breakfast that could only be described as a classic European smorgasbord. Buttery croissants, homemade Spanish tortilla, cereals, fresh breads with spreads, cakes and tarts, fresh orange juice, and steaming cups of hot chocolate and coffee offered a delicious start to the day.

It was during breakfast that we encountered our first fellow pilgrims: a brother and sister traveling together, one from Indiana and the other from Kansas. They shared that they had already been walking the Camino together for 24 days, with six more days remaining before reaching Santiago de Compostela. That put some things in perspective for us, considering our walk is far shorter. For them, the pilgrimage had become a rare and meaningful opportunity to spend time together again, something that had grown harder to find as their lives filled with families, careers, and responsibilities back home. Their story served as a gentle reminder that the Camino often becomes a place not only for walking, but for reconnection.

After breakfast we set out for a guided walking tour through the historic heart of León, stepping inside the remarkable landmarks we had admired from the outside the day before. Our guide, Blanca, proved to be knowledgeable, engaging, and wonderfully spirited. Our exploration began at the magnificent León Cathedral, widely considered one of the great masterpieces of Gothic architecture. Inside, Blanca helped us appreciate the extraordinary attention to detail demonstrated by the cathedral’s architects, builders, and artisans. Every element was carefully designed to maximize light, color, space, and especially height, creating a breathtaking sense of openness and awe. The cathedral’s famed stained-glass windows transformed the interior into a shifting mosaic of color that has inspired pilgrims for centuries.

We also revisited Casa Botines, designed by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Remarkably, it is one of only two works Gaudí designed outside his native Catalonia, the other located in the nearby city of Astorga, where our journey would soon take us. Toward the end of the tour, Blanca shared a simple but powerful idea about the exchange of energy between people. She promised to give us all of her energy throughout the morning, asking only that we try to offer the same in return; important food for thought.

The second part of our morning brought us to Astorga itself, a town rich with layers of Roman history. Chosen by the Romans for its strategic location and exploited for the gold found in the surrounding mountains, Astorga became an important outpost in the far reaches of the empire. Astorga also offers another architectural treasure: the striking Palacio Episcopal de Astorga, designed by Antoni Gaudí in the late 19th century. Resembling something between a Gothic cathedral and a fairytale castle, the palace was commissioned after a fire destroyed the previous episcopal residence. Today its towers and dramatic stone façade stand as one of the most distinctive landmarks along the Camino. Equally fascinating and considerably sweeter was the discovery that Astorga is also widely regarded as Spain’s chocolate capital.

After a short transfer, we arrived in the beautifully preserved medieval village of Castrillo de los Polvazares, where we enjoyed our first gentle walk along the Camino route. Designed as a kind of introduction, the walk allowed the group to begin finding a shared rhythm and pace while taking in the timeless beauty of the surrounding countryside. Our reward at the end of that first stretch was a delicious lunch in a cozy Spanish tavern, providing both nourishment and anticipation for the afternoon ahead. We were also greeted by the town’s priest who blessed us all right at our tables.

The afternoon brought a more demanding challenge: a stunning climb from the mountain village of Foncebadón. As we ascended through rugged terrain beneath a dramatic sunset, we eventually reached one of the Camino’s most iconic landmarks: Cruz de Ferro, the Iron Cross. Simple in appearance yet deeply symbolic, the cross rises above a mound of stones left behind by pilgrims over many centuries. Each stone represents a prayer, a burden set down, or a hope carried forward. Earlier in the day each of us had selected a stone of our own, and one by one we placed them upon the mound. The moment was both deeply personal and quietly communal, a powerful pause along the journey that many will likely remember for years to come.

From there we descended by vehicle along dramatic mountain switchbacks, passing the remote hamlet of Manjarín, the picturesque village of El Acebo, and the historic city of Ponferrada, home to its imposing Templar Castle of Ponferrada. By evening we arrived at our destination for the night, Villafranca del Bierzo, sometimes affectionately known as “Little Compostela” for its rich pilgrim history and remarkable collection of historic buildings.

Feeling both tired and accomplished after a day filled with discovery, walking, and reflection, we enjoyed another delicious three-course dinner together. The hotel staff graciously allowed us to use their restaurant, now closed for the evening, so that we could gather for our nightly reflection. With some expressing a touch of anxiousness alongside their excitement ahead of tomorrow’s first longer walk, one reflection in particular captured the spirit of the moment. As Jonathan shared: “If you identify and critique your discomfort, you can transform it into discovery.” It was a timely, inspiring, and profound way to close the day before heading off for another well-earned night’s sleep.

The Camino continues tomorrow.

Buen Camino.

For photos, please visit the Camino de Santiago Intersession SSFS Vidigami Page (users will need to log in to their portal page for single sign-on access to Vidigami)

We showed up to the airport at 5:30 and had a 5 hour flight, then waited in a super long immigration line once we arrived to Costa Rica. After getting through immigration, we met our tour guides Lauren and Fab who taught us some Costa Rican phrases like “Pura Vida.” After that we had lunch at La Tortilleria and we all tried some new local foods like sweet plantains and casados. Then, we went to the hotel for the night and got settled in. Some people played basketball and some played card games. Finally we ended the night with a group talk and plan for the next day. Then we had a delicious meal prepared by our hosts and s’mores by the fire to go with. Buenas noches!

By Caitlyn and Malcolm

Travel day 
Students arrived at BWI at 6:00 a.m., ready to board a flight to New Orleans. We went through TSA, made it to our gate, and pulled all our belongings out. While students were getting their breakfast, an announcement was made over the speakers: “Flight to New Orleans gate change!” We all got our bags and made our way to our new gate. We settled back in and people finished their breakfast while waiting for boarding. When boarding came around we all got in our different boarding groups and headed onto the plane. After getting on the plane students switched seats and settled in with their friends. The flight took off and we were heading to New Orleans. The flight was smooth, with a pretty smooth landing; however, we were met with extreme humidity. After getting off the flight we made our way to the car rental on the shuttle. When we got to the car rental we got into our vans and made our way to the boat ride.
- Jituu Negash

Boat ride 
After our lunch stop, we headed straight to downtown to board the Natchez for our boat tour. The large boat had four floors where passengers could view the city from different angles. As we traveled along the river, we passed sugar factories, the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, and various historic sites. During the tour we also learned interesting facts about the city, such as how half of New Orleans sits about six feet below sea level while the other half is about six feet above it. Our guide also pointed out the Whitney Building, the tallest building in the city. In addition, we saw cargo ships, including roll-on/roll-off ships, which are mainly used to transport automobiles on and off the vessel.
- Monica Eden 

Playing outside + Pizza
To end our first night in New Orleans we went outside before dinner and played volleyball and basketball. We played multiple rounds and tired ourselves out just in time to have a meeting about our plans for the following day and Walmart trip for essentials. We then had a pizza dinner and joked around while cleaning up preparing to go for our upcoming Walmart trip. We then went to Walmart to buy essentials for us and the house for the next days of our trip and split the grocery list up into sections for groups of students to collect. 
- Deedee Benson

The Global Works staff have reported that our Costa Rica group and our Puerto Rico group have both arrived at their destinations safely. More updates for each trip group will be available soon! 

First Impressions & New Beginnings

By the time our bus rolled into the historic city of León early Sunday afternoon, the long arc of travel was beginning to settle into our bones. Though the Camino itself still lay ahead, the excitement of finally arriving at one of its great starting points was palpable. Bags were dropped, rooms claimed, and after a brief moment to freshen up, we set out with Bruno for our first gentle introduction to the rhythm of Spain and a taste of the Camino spirit.

Our walk served a simple but important purpose: to stretch our legs after a long journey and start adjusting to the pace of the pilgrimage. Wandering through León’s medieval streets, we quickly discovered that this city has been welcoming travelers for centuries. The old city is still embraced by portions of its ancient Roman walls, first built in the 1st century, a quiet reminder that León has long been a crossroads of history.

The first official step of our Camino adventure came when we visited the Pilgrim Office in Plaza Santa María del Camino to receive our credenciales, or Pilgrim Passports. The transition from traveler to pilgrim is beginning to feel real, and small moments of connection began to appear as students chatted, shared smiles, and took in the first impressions of the city together.

Bruno also shared a fascinating piece of history and etymology: the name “León” actually comes from an eventual mispronunciation of a Roman “Legion” that once occupied this area, not, as some might think, the lion. Nonetheless, it took hold, all the way to the city’s King of the Jungle emblem. History, it seems, has a sense of humor and a way of leaving traces that surprise you along the way.

Our walk gave us a preview of the city’s incredible landmarks. From the outside, we admired the Hostal de San Marcos, originally a 12th-century convent and pilgrims’ hospice, its Plateresque façade stretching nearly a city block. The soaring León Cathedral, with its world-famous stained-glass windows, hinted at the beauty we will explore tomorrow. Likewise, the Royal Basilica of San Isidoro, home to the frescoes of the Pantheon of the Kings, awaited our closer inspection on the guided tour. Even the modern twist of Casa Botines, designed by Antoni Gaudí, reminded us that León’s story spans not just centuries, but artistic movements as well.

By the time our walk came to an end, the afternoon sun was softening, and although spirits remained high, the realities of two full days of travel were beginning to catch up with everyone. Dinner at Restaurante Bar Latino followed, where conversation flowed easily, appetites were happily satisfied, and laughter carried into the evening. Yet by the end of the meal, it was clear that the miles traveled since leaving home had taken their toll; our beds and pillows back at the hotel were calling to us like sirens.

After returning to the hotel, we gathered for our first Quaker-inspired reflection: a moment of silence, writing, and sharing from our intersession reflection packets. Students paused to consider their first impressions of Spain, how the long journey had felt, and how they might connect with new teammates along the Way. It was a peaceful and grounding way to close our first full day abroad together.

Tomorrow morning, after breakfast, we will be led via a guided tour into a deeper exploration of León, stepping inside the historic places that today we were only able to admire from the outside. Soon after, the Camino itself will officially begin.

Buen Camino.

For photos, please visit the Camino de Santiago Intersession SSFS Vidigami Page (users will need to log in to their portal page for single sign-on access to Vidigami)

Our Journey Begins

Every pilgrimage begins with a first step. For us, that step came not on a dusty path beneath the yellow arrows of the Camino, but in the familiar bustle of an airport terminal back home.

Our journey began on Saturday, March 14, with a 1:30 p.m. arrival at Washington Dulles International Airport, a full four hours before our scheduled departure for Newark Liberty International Airport. The extra cushion was intentional. At the moment, a partial government shutdown back home has meant that many TSA agents are continuing to work without pay, creating understandable uncertainty at airports across the country. Wanting to be cautious and respectful of the added strain placed on those keeping travelers safe, we opted to arrive early.

What happened next was one of the first quiet moments of character displayed by our group. Several students took the opportunity to thank the agents working the security lines, expressing both gratitude and sympathy for the difficult circumstances under which they continue to serve. To the agents’ great credit, professionalism never wavered. Despite the national situation, we were ushered through security with remarkable efficiency and without the slightest inconvenience. It was a small but meaningful reminder that even in hurried travel spaces, simple kindness travels well.

Our short flight carried us smoothly to Newark, where we connected with our overnight transatlantic flight bound for Madrid. Soon after takeoff, the cabin lights dimmed, and the quiet rhythms of overnight travel began. Some students watched movies, others chatted softly, and a few managed the elusive skill of sleeping upright somewhere over the Atlantic. Between catnaps, laughter, decent airline food, and the steady hum of the engines, the miles passed beneath us.

We touched down at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport at 8:45 a.m. local time on Sunday morning, though to our body clocks it felt much closer to 3:45 a.m. back home in Maryland. Because the United States moved its clocks forward a week ago, we currently find ourselves five hours ahead of home rather than six.

Our good fortune continued upon arrival. Immigration lines moved swiftly, luggage appeared promptly, and within roughly half an hour of landing, we had collected our bags and made our way through the arrivals hall. Waiting just beyond the exit doors stood a familiar and reassuring presence: Bruno, our Camino guide for the week ahead. With warm greetings and welcoming smiles, he ushered us toward our private 32-passenger bus, where our driver Daniel, stood ready to carry us on the next leg of our journey north.

From our arrival at Dulles at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time to our touchdown in Madrid at 8:45 a.m. local time (3:45 a.m. back home), roughly fourteen hours of travel had already passed. Add to that the three-and-a-half-hour drive north through the Spanish countryside to the historic city of León, and the full journey from departure to destination stretched into a long but rewarding adventure.

By the time our bus rolled into León, we were a little weary, slightly disoriented by the shifting clocks of international travel, yet filled with anticipation. After all, the Camino itself had not yet begun, but the spirit of the journey already had.

More about our first day in León in the next entry.

Buen Camino.

For photos, please visit the Camino de Santiago Intersession SSFS Vidigami Page (users will need to log in to their portal page for single sign-on access to Vidigami)

Posted before departure

For centuries, pilgrims from around the world have traveled the Camino de Santiago, each step a blend of purpose, reflection, and discovery. Our own journey, though uniquely modern, honors that same timeless spirit. Over the course of the week, our students and faculty will walk side by side through northern Spain — through moments of challenge and laughter, quiet and connection — discovering that the Camino is as much an inward path as an outward one. This daily blog offers a window into our shared experience: the sights we see, the lessons we learn, and the ways we grow together along the way.

PREAMBLE
As I prepare to help lead this pilgrimage along El Camino de Santiago with my colleagues and friends, Meredith and Claire, my greatest hope is to witness moments of genuine connection among our students, with fellow pilgrims from around the world, and with the landscapes that unfold one step at a time. I hope to see eyes light up as the rhythm of walking slows them into presence, to hear the laughter that emerges from shared challenge, and to listen as reflection deepens in the quiet spaces between miles.

The Camino has a way of teaching through experience rather than instruction. I hope our students come to understand that growth often happens not through speed or certainty, but through patience, humility, and attentiveness. Along the way, may they find inspiration in the kindness of strangers, in the stories carried by those who walk beside them for a day or a lifetime, and in the simple yet profound lessons that come from stepping beyond familiar comforts.

More than anything, I wish for this journey to leave a lasting imprint on their hearts: a reminder that while each pilgrim walks their own path, no one walks alone. May the Camino encourage each student to let their life speak, not only through words, but through actions shaped by compassion, resilience, and a deepening awareness of their place in a vast and interconnected world.

Eduardo Polón

For photos, please visit the Camino de Santiago Intersession SSFS Vidigami Page (users will need to log in to their portal page for single sign-on access to Vidigami)