Meeting a Camino Angel: Amina’s Story on the Via Podiensis

A camino marker showing a pilgrim

“Be mindful of how you treat strangers and speak to them: this is how you meet an angel. They always come as strangers—unannounced.”

It was a warm day on the Via Podiensis, and I had just left the town of Condom, finishing the last crumbs of my picnic. That’s when she appeared.

A young woman passed me, then slowed her pace just enough for me to catch up. It was clear she wanted to talk—to understand why I was walking the Camino, to ask the endless questions that only someone truly curious could ask.

Her name was Amina, and she came into my life as unexpectedly as a gentle breeze.

Amina was from Morocco, and she had a childlike sense of wonder that made every question she asked feel like a gift. Her car was broken, and she disliked having to walk twenty minutes into town. She could not fathom why anyone would choose to walk so much, simply for the joy of walking. Yet, there she was, walking alongside me, eager to connect.

When we reached her house, she invited me in for a drink. I was parched, and I gladly accepted. She offered me two large bottles of mineral water, a precious gift on such a hot day. But more than that, she shared her warmth, her cheerfulness, and her smile.

Without realizing it, Amina gave me “Camino fuel”—the invisible energy that sustains pilgrims when the road feels endless and the sun beats down relentlessly. That day, I understood something profound about the Camino de Santiago: kindness matters. The simplest gestures can lift weary hearts and carry travelers forward, mile after mile.

Amina, a young woman who helped me on my Camino

Thank you, Amina. You were one of my Camino angels on my first Camino, the Via Podiensis, in 2015. I am forever grateful for your generosity, your warmth, and the way you reminded me why this journey is so magical.

Why Kindness is the True Camino Fuel

On the Camino de Santiago, the unexpected kindness of strangers often becomes the most memorable part of the journey. Small acts—offering water, a smile, or simply a listening ear—can rejuvenate both body and spirit. Meeting angels like Amina reminds us that the Camino is as much about human connection as it is about walking.

Tips for Meeting Your Own Camino Angels:

• Be open: Smile, say hello, and engage with fellow walkers or locals.

• Stay present: Listen with curiosity, not judgment.

• Give generously: Even small gestures—a shared snack, a water bottle, a kind word—can make a lasting impact.

• Carry gratitude: Keep a little mental journal of kindnesses you encounter—it will nourish you long after the Camino ends.

About the Author

Kate Forrester is a Camino pilgrim, writer, and storyteller who shares soulful reflections from her journeys on the Via Podiensis and beyond. Through her writing, she invites readers to experience the magic of walking, the quiet lessons of kindness, and the transformative power of the Camino de Santiago.

On my way to the Via Podiensis! 2019