I want to share a very special story with you — something that touched my heart deeply. Shishito peppers a good surprise from Camino de Santiago!
For me, a good trip is not complete without an amazing food experience!
Last January, I had one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. I walked the Camino de Santiago, a famous pilgrimage route that starts in Valença do Minho in Portugal and ends in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
The journey took me four days, and I walked about 30 kilometers every day — a total of 128 kilometers! It was not easy, but it was totally worth it. Every day, I walked through nature, peaceful forests, small villages, and beautiful open fields. The landscapes were like something from a dream.
I met people from different countries, each with their own story. Some walked for faith, others for healing, and some, like me, walked for the challenge, for the love of long walks, and for the joy of discovering new places.
The time alone on the road gave me space to think about my life — my choices, my dreams, and the future. It was a time to reflect and be thankful for everything I have. Sometimes I laughed, sometimes I cried, but every step helped me feel more alive. What an amazing experience!
And of course — the food! Oh, the food! It was one of the best parts of the trip. The Galician cuisine is simple but full of flavor. Every morning, I enjoyed a traditional peregrino menu. This breakfast included bread with tomato and jamón, a big cup of coffee with milk, a small glass of fresh orange juice, and a piece of cake. It wasn’t fancy, but it gave me the energy to keep walking. And it felt very special because it was part of the local tradition.
During the day, I didn’t stop for big meals. I preferred to keep walking and eat small things along the way. I found delicious grapes growing near the road — they were the sweetest grapes I’ve ever tasted! Sometimes I shared food with other pilgrims. That simple act of sharing made us feel like a family, even if we had just met.
In the evening, when I finally arrived at the hotel, I was so tired! But after a long, warm shower, I felt so happy and proud. Dinner time was my favorite part of the day. I sat with other pilgrims, shared stories, laughed, and relaxed. We all came from different countries, spoke different languages, but we were united by the same path. It was magical.
And I cannot forget the local beer — Estrella Galicia. After a long day of walking, a cold glass of this light, golden beer was the perfect way to end the day. It has a soft flavor, with a little taste of malt and hops. Very refreshing!
One night, I tried an appetizer that was simple but so tasty — shishito peppers, lightly fried and sprinkled with salt. When I came back home, I wanted to bring that memory back to life. So, I tried to recreate the shishito pepper dish in my air fryer, and guess what? It worked really well!
The peppers came out just right — a little crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor. It made me feel like I was back in Galicia, even for just a moment.
Finally, arriving in Santiago de Compostela was an emotional moment. I felt like a winner. I had faced my fears, pushed my body, and opened my heart. I realized that I am stronger than I thought. I can do more than I believe. What a powerful feeling!
It is not just a walk. It is a journey of the heart. It is a chance to connect with nature, with people, and with yourself. If you ever have the chance to do it, don’t think twice. Just go. You will never forget it.
I truly recommend this experience to everyone!
