We met back in 2000 in the offices of AstraZeneca, where we were both EAs. As is common in the pharmaceutical industry, this had followed mergers, acquisitions, and reorganizations and we would go through more of the same in the years that followed. Some were tumultuous. But, as is often the case, it’s the trials in life that bond people together – trial by fire, as the expression goes. We had a mostly-solid EA team. Hardworking professionals who had each other’s back.
A few of us found ourselves as a core team and took problem-solving into an art form. And when we each gradually found new roles outside the firm, we made it a point to stay in touch. It’s the sort of friends where the conversation can pick up exactly where we left it, even if it’s been months between visits.
After my divorce, Susie and her husband Dino helped in my home search and we ended up living not far from each other. They were instrumental in me finding my perfect ‘grandma house’. Susie stops by regularly for coffee and a chat – fire in the fireplace during winter months. Never any hurry. Never a lack of good conversation. She has been instrumental in me finding a group of women in our area to hang out with.
My friends have all been cheerleaders in my prior walks, for which I’m grateful. The Camino has been instrumental to me in major life changes and in helping to sort out what I want next in life. I’ve found that many people undertake a Camino when they’re between stages in their lives, between jobs, on a break from school, or when they’ve lost someone important.
Susie underwent the loss of three important people in her life inside of two years. After each loss, I remember writing in my journal that I hoped she might consider a Camino. My friend was a champion during each loss and I just thought she could use some time to unplug and focus on herself, having held it all together for other people during the traumas. But I never suggested it. A Camino is something to which I think people need to be called, not cajoled.
So, when I mentioned after my Camino last year that I wanted to do the Portuguese route, which is only two weeks, and she asked if she might come with, I jumped at the chance to say yes.
I think I could count on one hand the people that I’d do well traveling with – and Susie is one of them.
What makes a good travel buddy? Someone who takes responsibility for themselves, can pay their own way, is organized, has similar / compatible values, is flexible on environments, enjoys other cultures, doesn’t think the world should revolve around them, and is courteous to service personnel. Can’t overstate the last point. I can’t travel with people who are rude to waiters, maids, clerks, and airline personnel.
I found out after we started planning that she also wanted to also find a cause for which she could channel her hiking efforts. We gladly combined efforts to hike for charity: water together. She’s very sensible and understands the critical role that water plays in improving lives. She also appreciates that it’s not controversial. Nobody is going to say water is political. EVERYONE NEEDS WATER!
https://www.charitywater.org/marilyn-peterson/marilyn-s-camino-for-water-2025
So, here we are – over halfway through our trip – and I don’t have regrets to saying yes. Ahead of us now is a quick trip through England for a festival and another few stops and then on to Iceland, a place neither of has ever been.
The adventure continues.
More later…