CAMINO STAGE 32: Melide to Arzua Joining of the Camino Primitivo to the Camino Frances of El Camino de Santiago, 10 miles, Day 34, 3 days to go
Patina is a thin layer than forms on surfaces. It takes time, and the right conditions to create it. There has been such lovely brown and green patina produced by oxidation or other chemicals all over wood doors and outdoor furniture in Galicia.
efflorescence 
Along with the patina there’s another interesting effect called efflorescence on almost all the natural stone and concrete surfaces in Galicia. Efflorescence creates white or grayish deposits when moisture on a stone’s surface evaporates and leaves behind salts & minerals. Or, moisture from inside the stone brings the internal salts & minerals to the surface which creates crystalline “blooms” on the stone.
The word Efflorescence comes from the Latin word – florescere – which means to bloom.
I see efflorescence on myself after walking for over a month— salt crystals have formed on my sports bra from lost calcium and magnesium from sweat. But most notable are the invisible efflorescence blooms that have occurred internally. Everyone walks there own Camino and takes away different lessons.
For me, I’m stamped indelibly, like our Camino credencial (passport), from the beauty of the Basque lands, Asturias and Galicia nature, the kindness of Spaniards, the confirmation that I can not only endure but thrive during challenging moments, and through the stories of the hurting but determined people around me, and their friendships. This blooming is marked on us forever.
“I am blooming
into something radiant.”Melody Lee, Moon Gypsy
“The best kind of change, is the change that blooms from the inside and begins it’s way out until it emerges on the outside; a change that is born underneath then continues and spreads until it has reached the surface is a true change.” Joybell
The Unhurried Traveler 
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