Walking the Camino de Compostela: A Day-by-Day Journey of Pain, Connection, and AI Inspiration

Walking the Camino de Compostela taught me powerful lessons about connection, resilience, and mindset—lessons that deeply resonate with the journey of building AI and tech ventures. From joyful conversations over tinto de verano to painful knees pushing me beyond limits, every step was a reminder that progress isn’t just about technology—it’s about people. Strangers became supporters, stories inspired strength, and mental grit outshone physical pain. Just like AI, the Camino is a path of collaboration, reflection, and perseverance. The right people show up at the right time to help us move forward. Grateful for this transformative journey and excited to bring this spirit of resilience and connection into our AI innovations. What’s your “Camino” right now? How are you pushing through challenges and connecting with others along the way?

Day 1: The Joy of New Connections

The first day on the Camino was filled with happiness and excitement. I met people from all walks of life, shared beers and tinto de verano, and engaged in conversations about everything under the sun. This reminded me of how AI and technology bring diverse people together, fostering connections that transcend borders and backgrounds. Just like on the Camino, technology thrives when we connect, communicate, and collaborate. Exited for the new experience!

Day 2: Pain, Solitude and Reflection

After the initial excitement, I found myself walking alone at times, meditating and reflecting on family, adventures, and life’s challenges. The quiet moments allowed me to process my thoughts and emotions deeply. Similarly, in the tech world, especially when developing AI, moments of solitude and reflection are crucial to innovate and grow. It’s in these pauses that clarity and creativity emerge. Pain started to creep in—my right knee began to hurt, slow but persistent. This was my first real test. The Camino, much like building AI solutions, presents obstacles that challenge our resolve. It’s the initial discomfort that teaches us resilience. With encouragement from fellow pilgrims, I learned to push through, understanding that growth often comes from discomfort.

Day 3: Community Support and Inspiration

The hardest day arrived, with pain intensifying and every step becoming a struggle. But this day was also filled with incredible support: strangers offered kind words, shared stories, and helped me keep going. I met a 71-year-old pilgrim with a triskele tattoo, who survived a near-death experience and walked over 566 km. His story inspired me deeply. In AI and entrepreneurship, community and mentorship are invaluable—they help us overcome challenges and keep moving forward.

Day 4: Finding Strength in Small Joys

During the journey, Pain had shifted to my left knee, I took quick breaks to hydrate (sometimes with beers!), chatted with family back in Costa Rica, and even sang along to Cristian Nodal’s music. These small joys recharged my spirit. Making every uphill and downhill five times harder. Yet, the sun shone brightly, and my mentality grew stronger than ever. Fellow pilgrims’ kind words pushed me forward. This final stage reminded me that mental strength is often the deciding factor in success—whether on the Camino or in AI innovation. Similarly, in tech projects, celebrating small wins, staying connected with loved ones, and finding moments of joy help sustain motivation through tough times. The right mindset can turn pain into power.

Day 5: Arrival and Gratitude

I arrived alone at the Cathedral of Compostela—the goal I had set months ago. The journey was painful, joyful, and transformative. I felt immense gratitude for God’s guidance, my family’s support from afar, and the incredible people I met along the way. This mirrors the entrepreneurial journey in AI: setting goals, enduring hardships, and appreciating the network of support that helps us succeed.

Final Thoughts: The Camino and AI—Two Journeys of Connection and Resilience

The Camino de Compostela taught me that every step, every connection, and every challenge shapes who we become. AI, like the Camino, is not just about technology—it’s about people, perseverance, and purpose. As we innovate and build, let’s carry these lessons with us: embrace connection, reflect deeply, persevere through pain, and always be grateful for the journey and those who walk it with us.

What lessons have your own journeys taught you? How can technology and human kindness help you overcome your challenges? Share your story—I’m eager to hear it!

Buen Camino, in life and in tech.