My husband and I are preparing for a new path on our road of life. Literally this time. The 500-mile walk of the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain.
Known in English as The Way of St. James, this path ~ from the Spanish-French border in the east to the city of Santiago de Compostela in the west ~ has existed for over a thousand years. Legend holds that St. James’ remains were carried by boat from Jerusalem to northern Spain where he was buried in what is now Santiago de Compostela. During medieval times, the route was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages and a path on which an indulgence could be earned. That’s right… all my sins forgiven.
While my mother may appreciate that particular fact, I am interested in the walk for more modern day reasons: travel, photography, practicing my Spanish, the challenge of weeks of walking, and 30+ days with my husband. I can see how it will be a spiritual adventure of sorts too. Solitude. Meditation. A retreat, sabbath from my usual way of life.
Please share your thoughts and experiences of this journey: how to train, what to take, the highs and lows… I know there will be lows… why else would I write about travels and travails.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Dee
My husband and I did the Camino starting in 2001 in st jean pied de port. At the time we did not have 40 days to take off of work so we did them in segments finishing in Santiago in 2004. It was a wonderful experience and some of our best memories. I found your website as we are preparing to take a family sabbatical (boys ages 3 & 5) to Spain starting in August this year. From our time on the Camino we met some very good friends from Javea do all places who now live in Alicante where we are planning on living for a year. Would be happy to answer any Camino questions you have. Buen Camino Katie
Hi Katie,
Happy to hear you had a positive Camino experience! Did you train at all or just go for it? How many miles did you walk each day? After our year “sabbatical” in Spain, my husband and I really wanted to craft our jobs so we could work remotely and flexibly so that is what is allowing us our 35 days to hike the Camino through. We’re hoping to spend a week afterwards in Javea to see old friends and “put our feet up!” Are you excited about your move to Alicante? ~ Dee
Great to see you are planning a great adventure! I was in northern Spain last April and walked part of the trail around Santo Domingo de la Calzada. I’d love to walk the whole thing. Check out the new movie by Martin Sheen and his son Emilio Estevez called “The Way” – it comes out on disk next month some time and is supposed to be great. Should wet your appetite!
Hola Dave, I’m eagerly awaiting the movie by Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez… will be fun to have a preview of what I am getting into! ~ Dee
Dee,
I walked in 2010, served as a hospitalera in 2011 and plan to walk again this year (Portuguese Route). Since I’ve been back, I’ve been volunteering on The Camino Documentary, currently in post-production in Portland, OR. You should check out our website, trailer and video profiles. It will give you a good idea of what the Camino is like. I loved “The Way”. Emilio and Martin have given their seal of approval for “The Camino Documentary”….check it out! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!
@ Heather,
Sounds like you are hooked; I hear the Camino has that affect on people. Eager to delve into the Camino Documentary on which you are working, and excited to see “The Way” and share it with my family to give them an idea of this experience.
Buen camino, Dee