Entrepreneur on the Way of St. James: “It was time to really put yourself out there”

COURIER: Why did you go?

Manuela Lindlbauer: It was time to really step out after 30 years. I needed a stop board. If you work constantly when you’re self-employed, you’ll eventually run out of batteries. In my mid-50s, I’m probably at an age where you can reflect. Where am I? What do I want? What should my next 15 professional years look like?

They took two weeks – all alone.

Yes, that was easier than expected. Every now and then you ask yourself why you do this. You have to deal with yourself, you’re not used to that anymore. I had the cell phone with me but barely used it. For the first time in 25 years, I set up an out-of-office reply.

You go. And otherwise?

You think a lot. I listened to music and podcasts, but not excessively. I wanted to be free in my head. You get up in the morning and have nothing else to do except walk. This is a freedom and takes on a lightness. When you can’t do it anymore, you sit on a stone. The monotone makes something. You are no longer oriented towards the outside, you turn inwards and come into a very relaxed state.

They left without a day off.

I have a sporting tendency and am ambitious. They say: The Way of St. James shows you who you are. You also learn a lot of tolerance. Everyone goes their own way. It was clear to me that I had to get to my destination quickly.

What surprised you?

One learning was how little you need. Seven kilos of luggage, hiking clothes, washing items, shoes, socks. After the fifth day you get into the river. Thoughts come on their own, without distractions. They are topics that concern you. But everything is pleasant and calm. Suddenly there is space and things can sort themselves out. I returned with more clarity and calm.

How was your body?

I didn’t have any problems, just my shoulders hurt. I saw this as a burden that I had to carry. But I didn’t want to let anything go and carried everything on. On average I walked 32 km a day, once 40 km or 67,000 steps. That was almost twelve hours of walking with two short breaks.

Isn’t this also a mass pilgrimage?

Yes. Definitely. The closer you get to Santiago, the more everything is marketed. Some are taken by bus to the finish, so to speak, to the arrival. But everyone is still incredibly friendly and supportive. Of course, many people make a business out of it along the way.

What do you take away from your experience?

I have become more tolerant, I have learned that everyone has their own way and there is no one right way. I feel that I am also more relaxed and less outwardly oriented. I can manage my energy and resources better. And I really enjoy going now, it has become part of my day. Walking does something to you and I continue to do it. Not 32 km in a row, but at least half an hour every day in the morning.