The book 'Journey to the West' written by Czech priest Štěpán Smolen is an intriguing travel diary of a young seminarian who undertakes a walking pilgrimage from the Czech Republic to the French town of Lisieux. Inspired by the local saint, Thérèse, and her spiritual 'little way,' which emphasizes living love in everyday life, the author embarks on this journey without money or prearranged accommodations. His experience relies solely on divine guidance, manifested through the kindness of local people he meets along the way.

One notable aspect of Smolen's pilgrimage is his chosen motto, 'I will say 'yes,' I will say 'thank you,' and the rest will reveal itself along the way.' This motto reflects an Evangelical sentiment and stands in contrast to the mindset of some people, who may refuse help out of a sense of propriety, waiting for multiple offers. This notion is humorously illustrated by a story about Slovak folklorists in Canada, who turned down offers for food following a long day, mistakenly anticipating that they would have to refuse multiple times.

Smolen's journey not only sheds light on his personal growth and faith but also critiques a cultural tendency to be overly polite at the expense of gratitude and acceptance. It highlights how a heartfelt acceptance of help and openness to experiences can lead to profound journeys, both spiritually and communally, even in the face of initially uncomfortable situations.