Weighing

I have many reasons to travel light. My bad back, flat foot and left knee injury.

That's my Down filled vest that weighs 400 gm.

My goal is to limit to 5 Kg or 11 lbs. That means I have to buy a light backpack, use a sleeping bag liner instead of bringing a sleeping bag. It is also almost certain that my DSLR Nikon D3100 will have to stay at home. The goal is clear, complete the walk, by all means. I understand that the light my load the higher is the chance for me to complete the mission :-)

So, you are still going? Didn't you entertain the idea of going to Taiwan for one month?

Nikon vs Nikon

One of the challenge right now is which camera to bring. One is a Nikon D3100 and the other is a point and shot Nikon Coolpix. For the trip, the biggest concern is their weight. The Coolpix definitely weigh a lot less than the D3100.

How about the quality of the shots? Can you tell?

Back and forth, back and forth, remember, your lower back pain, your flat foot, your torn meniscus! Your body is more important. Listen to your body! That's what you tell your patients. remember?

Well, all readings about the Camino just make me want to hike this weekend. I have the boots, I have a backpack, I have a stick. Let me walk the foothills this weekend and bring the Nikon Coolpix and see what happens.

Shopping

Today, I went for a window shopping. I went to REI, my "candy store".

It is months before your trip, why are you shopping now? You are even sure that the trip will happen.

Anyway, as I was saying, I was a boy in the candy store. Sleeping bag, backpack, wool socks, raincoat, convertible pants, trekking poles, money bag... Well, it is going to cost some money. I did buy the lottery ticket yesterday after I filled up the gas tank. I am not asking for a lot, one million dollars will be enough!

I also bought another kindle book today. A Million Steps. Another person's journey through the Camino. This is the third. I read Bill Bennett's "The Way, My Way". I also read Shirley McLaine's "My Camino". Bill was dealing with his painful knee. Shirley was dealing with her pain as an actress and her past lives. Kurt was dealing with his father and his girlfriend.

What will I be dealing with? My past relationships? My parents? My burnout job as a physician?

Another challenge is: what to bring? Camera or no camera? Notebook or no notebook?

Remember the travel light book? Do you really need a camera? You are flatfooted. You injured your left meniscus. Travel light! Do not bring those. Travel light!

But I am a photographer, I will regret it if I am not able to capture those beautiful images. I also need a notebook to write down my thought, maybe poems! I can manage. Worst case scenario, I will take the bus or taxi.

To bring or not to bring.

Introduction

I am a burnout physician. My specialty is Family Medicine. These days, seeing patients is just like going through the motions. Yes, I understand it is also because I am getting ready for my board exam in 24 days. But even before that, I was burnout.

I made some changes this year. I cut down my hours to 3.5 days a week. I learned Tai Chi Chuan. I returned to playing golf. I tried to meditate. I think it is still not enough.

Last year, I saw a facebook friend mentioned about Camino de Santiago. Later, I watch the movie. Recently, as I dream of getting a three month sabbatical, the idea of doing a walk in Camino de Santiago returned. I got some kindle books and started reading and dreaming.

So what is this blog called "A Conversation with Ben"?
I guess if I do get to do it, I will have a long conversation with myself. Actually, it started now.

Why are you thinking about doing it? Why are you doing a blog again? Don't you remember that you started quite a few blogs and did not finish or continue?

My friends, that was Ben. I believe I will continue to hear that voice.

Anyway, I found a great book by Bill Bennett, "The Way, My Way". He has a great sense of humor. It has been a while that I was laughing while reading a kindle book. I made a review of the book in Amazon. I also found his website for photography. I left a comment there too. Before I went to bed last night, I told myself that if he writes me an email, it will be a sign that I should do the walk. Guess what, I got an email from him this morning!

So, this will be the beginning of a new journey.