Video Foncebadón – O Cebreiro with Jorge de la Rosa
Chapter 9 | Foncebadón – O Cebreiro with Jorge de la Rosa
- Stage 22 | Foncebadón – Ponferrada (27 km)
- Stage 23 | Ponferrada – Villafranca del Bierzo (25 km)
- Stage 24 | Villafranca del Bierzo – O Cebreiro (31 km)
Jorge de la Rosa had reached a crucial point in his journey along the Camino de Santiago Frances. The journey, which had begun as a way to escape the shadow of a deep depression and let go of the emotional weight he was carrying, had turned into an unavoidable encounter with each of his inner demons. Step by step, heading towards the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Santiago de Compostela, he found himself forced to face them.
Now, heading into Galicia, Jorge felt the excitement of a new chapter in his spiritual journey. This ninth stretch promised extraordinary scenery, and one place in particular captured his heart: “La Cruz de Fierro”. This spot, with its symbolism of leaving the past behind, resonated deeply within him. Along this stretch, he would also meet a pilgrim from the Netherlands, who had set out on his journey straight from his own front door and would share how many days he had been walking this path towards transcendence. The day would end with the climb up to O Cebreiro, a legendary place where the rain would strengthen the bond of friendship with Martín, a fellow traveller he had met on earlier stages.
Along the way, Jorge stopped in charming towns such as Ponferrada, with its imposing Templar castle, and reflected deeply on his life. Sometimes he walked the trails alone, and at other times he enjoyed the company of a group of wonderful people who were gradually becoming an essential part of his life.
Foncebadón – O Cebreiro with Jorge de la Rosa
The day began in Foncebadón. Jorge, with a clearer and calmer mind, set off towards the Cruz de Fierro. He had received signs telling him that he needed to hold on to hope and belief in the path he was walking. On this stretch, Jorge found himself on a mountain that felt like his place in the world. He felt the peace, the calm, the clean air. He reflected on the emotional challenges he had faced, such as the breakdown of a strong emotional bond that had plunged him into an anxiety crisis. Even so, he had decided to work on himself, to learn to let go and trust his inner voice, without fear of the future.
On reaching the Cruz de Fierro, Jorge got ready for a moment of release. He watched as other pilgrims left part of their past behind by throwing down a stone or an object. Julian, one of his companions, left his tobacco as a sign of his decision to stop smoking. Jorge, for his part, left the bracelet he had worn all year, one that had carried all his sorrow since the Camino of 2021. With tears in his eyes, he left the bracelet and walked on without looking back, following the tradition.
After this cathartic moment, Jorge felt a renewed confidence in himself. He knew that all that was left for him to do was work on his present in order to have a better future. As he carried on, he realised he had learned almost everything he needed to from the past. Now, the focus was on the present, and every step he took on the mountain made him feel more connected to the peace he found there. The mountain, with its purity and stillness, had become his place.
The Camino carried on, and Jorge, with new friends like Nane and Linda, kept receiving what he needed in order to grow. Every experience and every person he met gave him a new perspective and helped him move forward with renewed energy. On reaching Ponferrada, Jorge took a moment to enjoy the city, visit the castle and rest.
The next day began with a few tears, a reflection of the pain he had built up, but Jorge was determined to face the day with a smile. As he walked on, he found himself surrounded by scenery that filled him with wonder, such as vineyards in shades of brown, green and red. He felt joy at being in touch with nature and, although he was filming less and less, he was making a point of enjoying the moment more.
Jorge had decided to take the tougher mountain route towards Villafranca del Bierzo, a decision that reflected his desire to face challenges head-on. The mountain, with its spectacular sunrise, helped him reflect on what was going on inside him. He knew he still had a lot of work to do, especially when it came to breaking down his emotional defences and changing his patterns of behaviour in relationships. Even so, he was determined to keep going, accepting both his light and his shadows, and trusting that he was on the right path to heal and grow.
With renewed conviction, Jorge continued on his way, planting seeds of change within himself, moving forward in the hope of building a future full of peace and stillness.
