I admire the “real” pilgrims on the Way of St. James who for days walk hundreds of miles with the big and distant goal of reaching the cathedral of Santiago. And that in any wind and weather! Now, in December, only a few are on the way, wrapped up warmly and protected against wind and the cold. Most of the hostels along the way are closed.

These are frequently very humble – not to say primitive – and offer a sleeping-place either in a dorm room with bunk beds or in tiny rooms into which only one or two beds fit. With these pilgrims I cannot and must not compare myself when I am lying in my cosy hotel bed at night.