Stillman in Spain

About Me:

I was born & raised in the Midwest and as a kid I was outdoors in all four seasons, every day. I moved to New York City for college, where I studied literature and have worked as a paralegal, photographer, nanny, hiking bum, and TV producer for the past 5 years. I draw guidance and meaning from my communities as a practicing Buddhist, student of Krav Maga, and aspiring counseling psychologist. Without my communities and my friends, the city would’ve eaten me long ago.

 

My Journey:

I'm hiking parts of the Camino del Norte, an ancient Christian pilgrimage route that runs along the northern coast of Spain and is the more rugged counterpart to the Camino Frances. I first discovered my love of mountains in Spain as a study abroad student, in the Sierra de Guadarrama, and I've been wanting to come back and trek ever since. Normally the 'Nortes should take about five weeks to complete, but I'm dropping down in to the magnificent Picos de Europa for a 5-9 backcountry trek - a trip within my trip! It's taken me years to arrive at this journey, and I'm ready to meet it with attention, improvisation, and appreciation for the land and history around me.

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Friday
Jul062012

The Prostitutes on Gran Via are Persistent

DateFriday, July 6, 2012 at 7:25PM

I crashed hard at a budget motel and got out for dinner at 12 AM. After walking around looking for a half hour, jet lagged and hungry, I quit the search for something healthy and headed to Gran Via for fast food.

Walking around side streets near Gran Via I noticed loitering girls in mini-skirts. This isn't unusual in New York. They're usually in front of a club and from New Jersey. These girls were prostitutes (a  superficial distinction, perhaps). They approached, made kissing noises, and one even grabbed my arm. I vaguely remember prostitution having a presence from my fall abroad but nothing like this, right on a main thoroughfare in central Madrid.

I'm looking forward to catching the train to Irun bright and early tomorrow. I don't think the Camino has prosties.

AuthorThe Dusty Camel | Comment1 Comment |

Reader Comments (1)

Gran Via... Madrid! All too familiar, my friend! I remember the first time I walked up that street at night. Have a great time and keep posting!
July 6, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterNatalie

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