Hello GW readers, I know you’ve all been waiting for my next post. I’ve missed you, too.
So, let me tell you about one of my favorite classes from my semester in Madrid: El Camino de Santiago (HIST 3148). You may be wondering why it secured such a top spot on my class ranking list. Well, it has less to do with lectures and homework and more to do with the experience the class provides.
For those who don't know, El Camino de Santiago is a religious pilgrimage that honors the Apostle Saint James the Greater through an extensive walk with the goal of reaching the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of the Saint are kept. Students who take HIST 3148 head out on a six-day hiking expedition at the end of the semester, when finals are over, and, for many, it marks the end of their time with the classmates they've come to know so well over the last few months.
This pilgrimage attracts both religious and non-religious people alike due to its popularity and opportunity for introspection. Every pilgrim can stamp their “credential”, a sort of religious passport, at any restaurant or store they wish to authenticate their journey. Before going, students receive a €100 stipend to cover breakfast and lunch. Dinner is always included, and the only time the whole class is guaranteed to eat together—but enough exposition! I want to recount my time from this 114km hike…
~Setting Off from Sarria~
After a five-hour train ride, I arrived at Sarria, the town we would set off from, where my friends and I got our first stamps and ventured on through the town’s streets, slowly turning from backroads to dirt paths and rural pastures.
My friend group spent the afternoon talking leisurely, admiring the natural scenery, and getting a feel for the days to come, before reaching our hostel some hours later as the very last group (something that would become quite the tradition). After a fantastic dinner filled with excited chatter of the day's stories, everyone went to bed eager for the real walk ahead.
~Through the Galician Countryside~
Early the next day, I was feeling the nice contrast between the cold morning fog and the warm rays of dawn on my skin as I passed cows, other people, a horse, and all manner of things while also stopping at each roadside business to stamp my credential (what would become something akin to an addiction for me).
Between lush forest paths and sprawling green hills occupied by herds of cattle, I truly took the time to appreciate what a wonderful opportunity it was to study in Spain and learn first-hand about its history. I even tried to do a little soul searching, failing as it might've been.
After having lunch at an open-air hillside restaurant overlooking beautiful valleys, we made it to our next destination: Portomarin. I took the chance to check for any blisters, and was relieved to see that I had none.
For anyone thinking of taking this class, I urge you to come prepared for this hike. It's important you stock up on bandages and any other supplies or equipment you might need. If you’re not a usual hiker, buy those new hiking shoes ( I know I did) and don't forget proper equipment. Our strategy? Using vaseline to lessen friction while walking.
~The Hill Monster~
I made my stamp-collecting rounds before leaving early the next morning. The trail leaving Portomarin was easy, with a slight upward slope, but, in what suddenly became the hardest part of the entire six-day trip, it transformed into a steep forty-five-degree incline that had me struggling to make it over the top with my backpack.
Finally overcoming the giant hill monster, we kept our momentum going until lunch, where we ate massive slices of tortilla (had to get a stamp there to remember it by). By the time we got to the hostel that afternoon, my feet were starting to hurt, so I made the executive decision to wear my flip flops to dinner.
~Food, Friends, and Funny Encounters~
After a good night's sleep and a reapplication of vaseline, I was ready to go—to breakfast. We stopped at the first restaurant we came across. Orange juice with eggs, bread, and bacon has never tasted so good.
Traversing through rural towns on foot with a backpack can really build up an appetite because, before long, we had walked a respectable distance and felt entitled to a delicious plate of zamburiñas (scallops) and seasoned octopus at “Octopus Ezequiel” in Melide, thus giving us the energy to make it to our next residence.
Our second-to-last day was filled with more sightseeing, stopping at local restaurants, dancing to their music, and, of course, it wouldn't be a stop without a stamp.
On our funny animal encounters, we saw a dog I named “Pan” on an elevated porch, and a little while later, I was shocked to hear what sounded like my friend yelling. I whipped around to see what had happened, only to find a donkey braying at us behind a closed fence. I was so surprised I almost didn't laugh (almost!). My friend, also surprised, didn't appreciate the comparison. We spent around ten minutes taking pictures with the donkey.
~The Reward at the End of the Day~
After finally making it to our last hostel (yeah, as the last group, so what!?) I was dead tired. My feet hurt, my left knee was sore, and I was ready to call it a day.
All that changed when we arrived at our mansion of a hostel, and the receptionist happily informed me that the pool was open. What better way to heal sore muscles than a cold plunge? I’ve never seen my friends get changed so fast. I knew it was gonna be freezing, but even so, it was a nice change of pace to swim instead of walk.
One hot shower later, and we were off to dinner with the rest of GW.
~Reaching Santiago de Compostela~
On the last day, we packed up groggily and walked into the morning fog, passing by fields, trees, distant houses, and all types of flowers. Occasionally, we would stop to take funny pictures to send to our group chat and to Isidro, who we tried to keep up to date on our whereabouts.
After a quick lunch (and a sweet treat), we finally made it to the destination we’d been walking to for six days, Santiago de Compostela. Seeing the city on the horizon was a liberating feeling; I couldn't wait to get there.
Finally making it to the cathedral, it was breathtaking, and getting there on foot made it all the more satisfying. It's true that it was also a bit sad, knowing that this marked the end of the course and that I would miss this class and the people who made it so special. While it was a bittersweet feeling, I was proud to have done it.
~A Perfect End to the Semester~
The following night, the city was hosting a festival with live music, dancing, and even carnival rides. Taking advantage of the festivities and celebrating surrounded by good company, the whole GW Madrid program danced and rode attractions well into the night, marking a pretty good ending to a pretty fantastic semester.
Lucas Bouchard
Spring 2026
GW Madrid (GW Study Program)
School of Business
Business & Finance Double Major