The Way of Saint James

“What does SUSEYA actually mean?" I am often asked by customers who look at our logo.
This is always the introduction to a longer history of the Way of St. James, called Camino de Santiago in Spanish, in which some seem to be interested.

The last semester of my studies was like a juggling act between exam preparations, bachelor's thesis and a 25-hour job. The need to simply pack a backpack and go wherever it grew from week to week. A few years earlier, I read Paolo Coelho's book "On the Way of St. James." When this book came back to my mind, I sat down at my laptop and booked my flight to Pamplona. Without thinking, without researching, I just booked. And I couldn't have been more ready. In the weeks before, I bought some equipment, read a few blog posts about former pilgrims. I didn't want to know too much, I just wanted to let the time come to me. Since this was to be my first trip alone, I waited for nervousness, insecurity, fear… but in vain. I have never been so sure about a decision. Until I arrived at the first hostel. Since it was too late to walk, I booked an accommodation for the first night in advance. When I sat there on my bunk bed, surrounded by other pilgrims, I thought "oh what did you do Tamara?".
I felt lonely, a little lost. So I went to sleep early and started my first day. The first day of a total of 28 days. 28 days on which I towed my 12 kg backpack in the rain, wind, sun, snow, downhill, uphill 800 kilometers through Spain. 28 days on which I got to know my body anew. I felt muscles that I didn't know existed. My feet have taken other shapes, changed color regularly, and will probably never be the same again :)

28 days on which I had an incredible number of encounters. Some consisted of only one sentence, one conversation or one sharing one day of journey. Others, in which they have become friends for life. And one, in which I met my love. 28 days on which I was able to marvel at the most remote villages and a wide variety of landscapes. 28 days on which I was able to experience the great luxury of dealing with myself and my deeply hidden thoughts. 28 evenings when I was at home with strangers in strange places. An evening when I went through clubs with flip-flops and rain jacket.

I will never be able to describe the magic that surrounds the Way of St. James.

I often have to think of a conversation because I find this comparison incredibly beautiful. Manfred said: "I already know what you mean Tamara. You're going through a little life here. You run through sun, rain, snow, steeply up and steeply down. Sometimes fast, sometimes slow. Some days you cry, others you laugh. Keep going, going until you arrive."

My mom said during a phone call I found my happiness here. It was only 28 days. I just think I was so ready for everything that was coming and yet I didn't expect anything. 28 days on which you are only looking forward to a shower with a changing set on your back, which may even be a little lukewarm, and just with that you are happier than ever, enough to ground you. To see what it's really about on our great journey.

Ultreya used to be a greeting on the Way of St. James, Suseya the answer. Which figuratively means "to grow beyond oneself". Since the Camino is our origin and thus also the origin of our common company, it bears this name.

Mario told me on the Way of St. James that the real WAY doesn't start until we get back home. Because then it becomes clear whether we can implement what we have learned there. Whether we can integrate the feelings, the magic in our everyday life. For me, this means above all THANKSGIBILITY and EQUALITY. To be grateful and to appreciate what we have. And that every person can be your friend. Age, origin, status, whatever, are only barriers that you set yourself.

Suseya was born with this idea and we would like to live this idea.

I went through a little life. And I have arrived. In Santiago and especially with ME.

-Tamara