At 90 years old, a former Latin teacher completes his seventh Camino de Santiago
Elisardo López Baleato, a nonagenarian former Latin teacher at the Rosalía de Castro Institute, has demonstrated that the famous phrase "Mens sana in corpore sana" is his life mantra. At 90 years old, he not only maintains an enviable memory and lucidity, but he has also just completed his seventh Camino de Santiago, covering more than 100 kilometers in just five days.
Accompanied by his youngest daughter, Marta, and his Dalmatian Jazz, Elisardo left Vilalba to travel the last stages of the Camino del Norte. Along the route, his advanced age and vitality caused surprise among other pilgrims and at the credential stamping points. «People looked at me strangely. They said: 'What is this old man doing walking towards Santiago?'" says Elisardo, who despite the exhausting stretches, the rain and the difficulties, never lost motivation.
For him, the true essence of the Camino lies in coexistence and cultural exchange. During his journey, he met pilgrims from all over the world: Colombians, Germans, Italians and more. "The Camino invites you to reflect and think about life," says this veteran pilgrim, accustomed to walking and swimming daily.
The tradition of doing the Camino together began seven years ago, and for his daughter Marta, it is an invaluable opportunity to spend quality time with her father and enjoy nature. Elisardo, for his part, invites everyone, especially politicians, to live the experience to learn lessons of "love and tolerance." With his half dozen Compostelas, Fisterranas and Muxianas, Elisardo López is a living example that age is not a limit to adventure and personal growth.
