(20.5.08) After walking 800kms across Spain in 31 days, we finally arrived into Santiago for the midday pilgrim mass which was held in the beautiful Santiago cathedral.
What a journey!
This is without a doubt the most incredible experience I´ve had to date. When I spotted Santiago city/Cathedral, tears of joy, gratitude, happiness, accomplishment overwhelmed me... I couldn´t believe I´d finally made it! Seriously, words cannot explain how I felt at that moment. Thank god, I made it!
Monique you were right, I don´t think I´ve lost any weight whatsoever! I´ve been eating it up BIG time, and enjoying ever mouth full...lol...Atleast this is the fittest I've ever been. My biggest walking day was 47kms (the 2nd last day) to arrive into the village and be told the hotel was full...what the? lol Luckily the Universe was on our side and a room at a Casa Rural was available....
We have been living it up for the past couple of nights staying in hotels and eating great food which makes a drastic change from the refugios/municipals we´ve been staying in for most of the Camino. Although to experience the essence of the Camino it lies largely in these places (refugios/albergues). Plus staying in these basic lodging accommodation makes you appreciate the comforts we have in our own lives.
Last night, David and I hit the town! We ate Tapas and drank our way around Santiago, to end up sitting in front of Santiago cathedral chatting about our Camino experiences and then dance with the locals to beautiful Spanish music. This day will go down as one of the best days I´ve had on my Camino.
Today (Wednesday) I went to the midday pilgrim mass again to greet the other pilgrims I met along the road. It was sooo nice to see them walking towards the church. We embraced and congratulated eachother for the massive accomplishment we had all been through. It´s definitely a unique experience... I think it´ll hit me when I get back to Oz just how much land we covered...Crazy stuff hey?
Rod just to let you know, I laid your scallop shell to rest in Santiago. I sent out a wish that one day soon, you will complete your Camino and experience these magical feelings. It brings tears to my eyes as I type this. Thank you my friend for your support and belief in me and my Camino.
With this, I´ve decided to walk to Finnisterre (as 800kms isn´t enough...lol) which should take no more than 3 to 4 days max.. It´s roughly 89kms. Back in the day, they called Finnisterre the end of the world. Only a small percentage of pilgrims walk to Finnisterre, it´s more common to jump on a bus from Santiago to Finisterre.
It´s symbolic to continue onto Finnisterre as pilgrims burn an item which rids themselves of the old/past and makes way for the new. We met this crazy Brazilian guy who walked a bit of the way with David and I the other day, he gave me a great idea.... Make a list of all the negativity, doubts, fears etc etc and burn it.... So that´s what I´m going to do!. Thanks Eddie! Eddie relayed what Spaniards believe the Camino de Santiago is, a mental institution for Spain....LOL.. Ohh, I can see why? I believe you gotta be half nuts to wanna walk under 900kms...lol
Wow, I can finally tick off another lifelong experience from my bucket list. I'd be happy to walk this route again...
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Friday, May 9, 2008
Albergues (hostels)
Since Eduardo left the family, we´ve stayed in some amazing albergues (both on detour routes)
On Monday night (5th May), we stayed in the peregrinos albergue located in Besciano del Real Camino.That night, I experienced the essence of what I believe the Camino life is all about.
The albergue runs off donations and the warm greeting was next to none. One of the hospitalerios (volunteer workers) was named none other than, Jesus! Can you believe it? He definitely had a twinkle in his eyes, that´s for sure.
On that night, I even dreamt he was God and the look he gave me in my dream was of love, support, faith and re-assurance. It was a very strange dream but man did it feel real. I seem to be dreaming alot on the road (but then again that's nothing new). One night I dreamt a man and lady were doing Reiki on me and I could actually feel it in my dream. As some of you know, all this hippy dippy stuff isn´t at all weird for me...lol
Anyways back to the albergue, it slept roughly 40 people, all the pilgrims helped with the dinner preparations and washing up. We then sang songs in our native languages, we watched the sunset, followed by a candlelit meditation expressing the reason why each one of us are walking this road...It was an amazing evening with so many amazing people (approx 25 of us). This is what I feel the Camino life is all about, the spirit of sharing, friendship, reflection, giving thanks for the many many luxuries we have in our own lives...The Camino life is a very simple one, it shows you you don´t need much to be happy. My Camino family have shown me this time and time again and for that I´m truly grateful. All you need is love! :)
Last night we stayed in Leon (Santa Maria convent) this is the 2nd time we´ve stayed in a convent (Eric wasn´t allowed to move his bed close to Gitta´s...lol...Inside joke). We went to the 6pm Mass at Leon´s Cathedral which was lovely, although Burgos Cathedral is sooo much nicer and alot more detailed than Leon. Truth be told I was very disappointed with Leon's cathedal there wasn´t any substance to it. All in all, atleast the outside of the Cathedral was lovely. At the convent the nuns held a 9:30pm pilgrim Mass in their church which was very nice.
Tonight we´re staying in another awesome albergue (alternate route) called Jesus albergue (Jesus is everywhere...lol) and it´s donation based as well. You can write on the walls like naughty school kids...lol..The albergue has a backyard and hammock (what luxury) you should have seen our faces when we scoped out the joint, we thought we were in heaven...lol
Tomorrow we´re off to Astorga which is a 30km clicker...Wish us luck, cause we´re sooo going to need it...lol
Love, light and smiles to you all
On Monday night (5th May), we stayed in the peregrinos albergue located in Besciano del Real Camino.That night, I experienced the essence of what I believe the Camino life is all about.
The albergue runs off donations and the warm greeting was next to none. One of the hospitalerios (volunteer workers) was named none other than, Jesus! Can you believe it? He definitely had a twinkle in his eyes, that´s for sure.
On that night, I even dreamt he was God and the look he gave me in my dream was of love, support, faith and re-assurance. It was a very strange dream but man did it feel real. I seem to be dreaming alot on the road (but then again that's nothing new). One night I dreamt a man and lady were doing Reiki on me and I could actually feel it in my dream. As some of you know, all this hippy dippy stuff isn´t at all weird for me...lol
Anyways back to the albergue, it slept roughly 40 people, all the pilgrims helped with the dinner preparations and washing up. We then sang songs in our native languages, we watched the sunset, followed by a candlelit meditation expressing the reason why each one of us are walking this road...It was an amazing evening with so many amazing people (approx 25 of us). This is what I feel the Camino life is all about, the spirit of sharing, friendship, reflection, giving thanks for the many many luxuries we have in our own lives...The Camino life is a very simple one, it shows you you don´t need much to be happy. My Camino family have shown me this time and time again and for that I´m truly grateful. All you need is love! :)
Last night we stayed in Leon (Santa Maria convent) this is the 2nd time we´ve stayed in a convent (Eric wasn´t allowed to move his bed close to Gitta´s...lol...Inside joke). We went to the 6pm Mass at Leon´s Cathedral which was lovely, although Burgos Cathedral is sooo much nicer and alot more detailed than Leon. Truth be told I was very disappointed with Leon's cathedal there wasn´t any substance to it. All in all, atleast the outside of the Cathedral was lovely. At the convent the nuns held a 9:30pm pilgrim Mass in their church which was very nice.
Tonight we´re staying in another awesome albergue (alternate route) called Jesus albergue (Jesus is everywhere...lol) and it´s donation based as well. You can write on the walls like naughty school kids...lol..The albergue has a backyard and hammock (what luxury) you should have seen our faces when we scoped out the joint, we thought we were in heaven...lol
Tomorrow we´re off to Astorga which is a 30km clicker...Wish us luck, cause we´re sooo going to need it...lol
Love, light and smiles to you all
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Thank you for your support
Thought I´d write up a quick entry as I´m overwhelmed with so many upflifting, loving and encouraging comments and emails. I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to you all!
Monique and Nancy, you ladies would understand what it feels like to recieve encouragement especially on those hard days. I had another hard day yesterday and today. The 3 of us (Gitta, Eric and I) have come down with a cold and walking isn´t making it any easier. I´ve also obtained 2 new blisters (total of 5) and very slight pain in my heel. God, I hope it´s not tendinitous.
They are predicting rain, thunderstorms, lighting and hail tonight (3rd time it´s rained on the Camino) and for the next few days, with a maximum temperature of 9 degrees. Talk about the Universe throwing curve balls. Let the game begin! lol
So the moral of this entry is, thank you all for your kind words, thoughts, prayers and love. You have no idea how much they have helped me along the road. Thinking of you all and once again, I'm placing little stones along the way filled with good wishes for you all.
xxx
Monique and Nancy, you ladies would understand what it feels like to recieve encouragement especially on those hard days. I had another hard day yesterday and today. The 3 of us (Gitta, Eric and I) have come down with a cold and walking isn´t making it any easier. I´ve also obtained 2 new blisters (total of 5) and very slight pain in my heel. God, I hope it´s not tendinitous.
They are predicting rain, thunderstorms, lighting and hail tonight (3rd time it´s rained on the Camino) and for the next few days, with a maximum temperature of 9 degrees. Talk about the Universe throwing curve balls. Let the game begin! lol
So the moral of this entry is, thank you all for your kind words, thoughts, prayers and love. You have no idea how much they have helped me along the road. Thinking of you all and once again, I'm placing little stones along the way filled with good wishes for you all.
xxx
Monday, May 5, 2008
Halfway (according to my guidebook)
Well, we made it to the halfway mark (according to John Brierley´s guidebook). The place is called Terradillos de los Templarios and last night we stayed in a new albergue which turned out to be luxurious by Camino standards. Gitta, Eric and I decided to shared a room. I was so excited because it had an ensuite. Ahhh, how we take for granted our everyday luxuries. This place has turned out to be the best albergue we´ve stayed at so far.
Yesterday was a sad day. Due to a knee injury and a limited time frame, Eduardo decided to leave the group (and then there were 3) and continue forth from Ledigos to Sahagun by taxi and then by train to Leon. From Leon, he will continue his walk to Santiago.
Good luck my Camino friend. Remember, ´piano piano arriviamo´! Thank you for everything. You have been one of my Camino angels on this grand adventure. I will miss you. Ciao and buen Camino bello.
Eduardo was our motivator and alarm clock. Every morning, like clock work he would wake us up. But this morning was different. Man, we are sooo lazy without him! We started our Camino at 9:30am! Usually we start around 6:30am! Eduardo, where are you? lol... Ok, I'm taking responsibility. I'm happy to step up and be the next time keeper. Once we arrive in Leon, I think I'll purchase an alarm...lol
Anyways my friends, it's time to hit the road now. I´ll try and jump on later, but for now, it´s time to walk, walk, walk...
Yesterday was a sad day. Due to a knee injury and a limited time frame, Eduardo decided to leave the group (and then there were 3) and continue forth from Ledigos to Sahagun by taxi and then by train to Leon. From Leon, he will continue his walk to Santiago.
Good luck my Camino friend. Remember, ´piano piano arriviamo´! Thank you for everything. You have been one of my Camino angels on this grand adventure. I will miss you. Ciao and buen Camino bello.
Eduardo was our motivator and alarm clock. Every morning, like clock work he would wake us up. But this morning was different. Man, we are sooo lazy without him! We started our Camino at 9:30am! Usually we start around 6:30am! Eduardo, where are you? lol... Ok, I'm taking responsibility. I'm happy to step up and be the next time keeper. Once we arrive in Leon, I think I'll purchase an alarm...lol
Anyways my friends, it's time to hit the road now. I´ll try and jump on later, but for now, it´s time to walk, walk, walk...
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Nearly half way
My Camino family has shrunk yet again. This is the way of life on the road.
Today Eduardo and I left Gitta and Eric in Bodarilla (or something like that) and we continued on to Fromista after 34kms of walking. We were greeted to the last 2 beds in the village. Thank the Lord...lol
This time we´re sleeping in the corridor, it´s the funniest thing to witness...lol There are people even sleeping under the breakfast table! Man this is what one calls an adventure..lol.. So far we´ve been rejected from 6 refugios due to overcrowding... Once we settled into the refugio we had a look around the village where Eduardo and I were fortunate enough not to pay to enter the church, talk about the Universe looking after us... Thank you God...lol
At the moment we´re making excellent ground, more that I thought... In 13 days we´ve walked approx 330kms and most of the people we met at the beginning of the walk are well behind us, which is a little sad. The quickier we walk means we bump into new groups of people, which has a toally different feel. Although there´s 2 young fit German guys we keep bumping into and I think they´re trying to race us...lol. As I say to Eduardo ´slowly but surely wins the race´.
Another guy we met at the beginning of the walk couldn´t believe how much ground we covered. He had to jump on a bus as his boots we´re hurting him. When I told him we walked all this way, he honestly thought I was kidding. That´s when I realised, damn, we´re firing ahead.
Tomorrow will be another massive walk, roughly 36kms in 28 degree heat. We´re planning on getting up around 5:30am to avoid the heat as there´s not much shade throughout this part (Meseta).
Our plan is to get to Leon in 4 days.Eduardo needs to complete the walk in 29 days (total) I´ve decided to hang in Leon until Gitta and Eric arrive, which should be a day or 2 after I arrive.
Burgos is a lovely city. The cathedral was absolutely stunning. I just can´t believe we had to pay 2.50 euros to go in, but hey, it was worth it.
The weather has been out of control. From the blazing sun to freezing winds and rainy conditions. It honestly felt at times it was about to snow. We´ve walked in them all! It´s crazy, but we´re having sooo much fun laughing like lunatics...lol. Walking an average of 7-10 hours a day, you need to entertain yourselves, so you end up playing different kinds of games just to pass the time. Man it's funny!
It´s been sad to have people from our group drop off one by one. At the same time, I´m grateful to have met and exchanged many memorable moments with these gorgeous souls. I can´t wait to upload my pics when I get home for you all to see the beauty of this place and people. Spain is different in Spring compared to to the Summer time. There's nothing like walking across a country, one truly experiences the essence of the culture. Beautiful!
I´ve taken to drinking vino tinto (red wine) every night (No, I'm not an alcho? lol). I'm enjoying the different types of wines from the different provinces.
Anyways my friends, I best be off as the bar closes shortly and I have to prepare our beds for the night in the corridor of the hostel (the owner is soooo lovely, another one of God's angels). I´ll write more when I get to Leon.
Take care, hope you're all well. Thinking of you and placing little stones along the way with good wishes for you all.
Lots of love and hugs
Sonia
Today Eduardo and I left Gitta and Eric in Bodarilla (or something like that) and we continued on to Fromista after 34kms of walking. We were greeted to the last 2 beds in the village. Thank the Lord...lol
This time we´re sleeping in the corridor, it´s the funniest thing to witness...lol There are people even sleeping under the breakfast table! Man this is what one calls an adventure..lol.. So far we´ve been rejected from 6 refugios due to overcrowding... Once we settled into the refugio we had a look around the village where Eduardo and I were fortunate enough not to pay to enter the church, talk about the Universe looking after us... Thank you God...lol
At the moment we´re making excellent ground, more that I thought... In 13 days we´ve walked approx 330kms and most of the people we met at the beginning of the walk are well behind us, which is a little sad. The quickier we walk means we bump into new groups of people, which has a toally different feel. Although there´s 2 young fit German guys we keep bumping into and I think they´re trying to race us...lol. As I say to Eduardo ´slowly but surely wins the race´.
Another guy we met at the beginning of the walk couldn´t believe how much ground we covered. He had to jump on a bus as his boots we´re hurting him. When I told him we walked all this way, he honestly thought I was kidding. That´s when I realised, damn, we´re firing ahead.
Tomorrow will be another massive walk, roughly 36kms in 28 degree heat. We´re planning on getting up around 5:30am to avoid the heat as there´s not much shade throughout this part (Meseta).
Our plan is to get to Leon in 4 days.Eduardo needs to complete the walk in 29 days (total) I´ve decided to hang in Leon until Gitta and Eric arrive, which should be a day or 2 after I arrive.
Burgos is a lovely city. The cathedral was absolutely stunning. I just can´t believe we had to pay 2.50 euros to go in, but hey, it was worth it.
The weather has been out of control. From the blazing sun to freezing winds and rainy conditions. It honestly felt at times it was about to snow. We´ve walked in them all! It´s crazy, but we´re having sooo much fun laughing like lunatics...lol. Walking an average of 7-10 hours a day, you need to entertain yourselves, so you end up playing different kinds of games just to pass the time. Man it's funny!
It´s been sad to have people from our group drop off one by one. At the same time, I´m grateful to have met and exchanged many memorable moments with these gorgeous souls. I can´t wait to upload my pics when I get home for you all to see the beauty of this place and people. Spain is different in Spring compared to to the Summer time. There's nothing like walking across a country, one truly experiences the essence of the culture. Beautiful!
I´ve taken to drinking vino tinto (red wine) every night (No, I'm not an alcho? lol). I'm enjoying the different types of wines from the different provinces.
Anyways my friends, I best be off as the bar closes shortly and I have to prepare our beds for the night in the corridor of the hostel (the owner is soooo lovely, another one of God's angels). I´ll write more when I get to Leon.
Take care, hope you're all well. Thinking of you and placing little stones along the way with good wishes for you all.
Lots of love and hugs
Sonia
Monday, April 28, 2008
Longest Day so far.....
Today our Camino family became smaller. Clara (from Spain) had to leave the family and join her friends. Also Leopoldo and Luciana (Italy) left us yesterday. Gitta and I are left with 2 Brazilians guys and 1 Italian guy.
Today has been the best walking day so far, even for 35kms! We started at 7:30am and arrived into Azofra around 7pm. My first blister formed under my foot, but that does not damper my spirit as we are experiencing many adventures, time and time again.
The past couple of days have been tough for me mentally. I question myself from time to time, why the hell am I doing this? Let me tell you, this walk tests every aspect of the human spirit and body, it´s the weirdest feeling. I wanted to give up yesterday, but I¨m so glad I didn´t, as today was well worth the wait. We had sooo much fun, it really does depends on the company you are with and I´m blessed to have made some gorgeous friendships. These people make me laugh so much and we all support eachother in many beautiful ways.
Tonight we arrived at a refugio (hostel) and found out it was completely full, so we´re sleeping in a classroom..lol.. There´s about 10 of us in the room, the rest are a group of guys from Italy cycling the Camino. It´s the funniest thing to be sleeping under the chalkboards. I feel the need to get up and write something on it, and I did! lol.. You´ll have to wait till I get back to Oz to see the pics.
Anyways, I best leave it here as my time is running out. Thank you all for your kind wishes it only makes me stronger and helps me continue on. I´ve been thinking of you all and sending out good wishes.
Ciao for now
xxx
Today has been the best walking day so far, even for 35kms! We started at 7:30am and arrived into Azofra around 7pm. My first blister formed under my foot, but that does not damper my spirit as we are experiencing many adventures, time and time again.
The past couple of days have been tough for me mentally. I question myself from time to time, why the hell am I doing this? Let me tell you, this walk tests every aspect of the human spirit and body, it´s the weirdest feeling. I wanted to give up yesterday, but I¨m so glad I didn´t, as today was well worth the wait. We had sooo much fun, it really does depends on the company you are with and I´m blessed to have made some gorgeous friendships. These people make me laugh so much and we all support eachother in many beautiful ways.
Tonight we arrived at a refugio (hostel) and found out it was completely full, so we´re sleeping in a classroom..lol.. There´s about 10 of us in the room, the rest are a group of guys from Italy cycling the Camino. It´s the funniest thing to be sleeping under the chalkboards. I feel the need to get up and write something on it, and I did! lol.. You´ll have to wait till I get back to Oz to see the pics.
Anyways, I best leave it here as my time is running out. Thank you all for your kind wishes it only makes me stronger and helps me continue on. I´ve been thinking of you all and sending out good wishes.
Ciao for now
xxx
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Walk, walk, walk
The dream has finally arrrived. (Commenced my pilgrimmage on 21.04.2008)
I´m sitting here in Puenta della Reina typing up this entry. To date, we´ve walked just a little over 90kms through rain, wind, mud, sun. Did I mention mud? Heaps of the stuff...lol
This journey has been unbelievable from the word go. I´ve meet sooo many people from the plane ride to England, from the plane ride to the starting point (SJPP). The guy I met on this particular plane ride is part of the group I´m walking with at the moment. There´s 5 of us walking together. 3 from Italy and 1 from Hungary. The majority of people walking the Camino seem to be French, Germans and Italians. I´ve only met 2 other Aussies, one of them used to live in North Narrabeen. It's a small, small, world. It´s an extremely cheap holiday (roughly around 25 Euros a day).
The Camino is a simple life and I´m loving it!!! We get up around 6:30am pack our bags, head out to a bar to have breakfast, then we walk, then we stop at another bar to eat lunch, and we walk some more. Once we arrive to the refugio (hostel) we wash our clothes and shower, check out the village/city, head to another bar to eat dinner (pilgrim menu), drink, chat and laugh. I write in my journal and head to bed around 10pm. That´s it!!! I could do this for awhile and thank god I have awhile...lol
Yesterday my knee went slightly. I was sooo worried my Camino was going to end there and then! So I went to church and prayed for divine intervention and popped a 600mg anti-inflammatory and waaalllaaaa!!! My knee is right as rain today. I cannot believe in Oz you need a prescription for 50mg, here in Spain, they sell 600mg over the counter, thank the Lord...lol
Apologises for any mistakes, the keyboard is slightly different over here and my money is slowing running out. Truth be told, I couldn´t be bothered to go over this post.. lol
All in all, I´m going to leave it here and say ´life requires us to take one step at a time, and in good time one will arrive to their destination'. Let´s pray in my case, I arrive into Santiago in great health, as I´m definitely eating alot...lol
Anyway my dear friends, hope all is well with you all...
Adios for now
xxx
I´m sitting here in Puenta della Reina typing up this entry. To date, we´ve walked just a little over 90kms through rain, wind, mud, sun. Did I mention mud? Heaps of the stuff...lol
This journey has been unbelievable from the word go. I´ve meet sooo many people from the plane ride to England, from the plane ride to the starting point (SJPP). The guy I met on this particular plane ride is part of the group I´m walking with at the moment. There´s 5 of us walking together. 3 from Italy and 1 from Hungary. The majority of people walking the Camino seem to be French, Germans and Italians. I´ve only met 2 other Aussies, one of them used to live in North Narrabeen. It's a small, small, world. It´s an extremely cheap holiday (roughly around 25 Euros a day).
The Camino is a simple life and I´m loving it!!! We get up around 6:30am pack our bags, head out to a bar to have breakfast, then we walk, then we stop at another bar to eat lunch, and we walk some more. Once we arrive to the refugio (hostel) we wash our clothes and shower, check out the village/city, head to another bar to eat dinner (pilgrim menu), drink, chat and laugh. I write in my journal and head to bed around 10pm. That´s it!!! I could do this for awhile and thank god I have awhile...lol
Yesterday my knee went slightly. I was sooo worried my Camino was going to end there and then! So I went to church and prayed for divine intervention and popped a 600mg anti-inflammatory and waaalllaaaa!!! My knee is right as rain today. I cannot believe in Oz you need a prescription for 50mg, here in Spain, they sell 600mg over the counter, thank the Lord...lol
Apologises for any mistakes, the keyboard is slightly different over here and my money is slowing running out. Truth be told, I couldn´t be bothered to go over this post.. lol
All in all, I´m going to leave it here and say ´life requires us to take one step at a time, and in good time one will arrive to their destination'. Let´s pray in my case, I arrive into Santiago in great health, as I´m definitely eating alot...lol
Anyway my dear friends, hope all is well with you all...
Adios for now
xxx
Friday, April 11, 2008
Useful sites to plan your own Camino
If you're planning your own Camino the following sites/forums have been a godsend towards my own preparations. There is alot of useful and practical information. I've been researching as much as I can on the Camino for over a year now, and I'm still learning something different everyday.
( I find this forum to be extremely informative. The people on here have created a fantastic Camino community)
(Another forum which I found to be very useful)
(I like this forum as it posts different kinds of questions, the other above 2 don't usually have)
(A fantastic place to purchase Camino DVD's, books, postcards, books etc. Easy to navigate)
(Another great site with lots of useful tools)
Happy preparations!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Thank You Everyone!
I knew this time would come, emotions are starting to stir and beginning to surface. I've been feeling really emotional the past couple of days. It's a mixture of excitement, fear, anticipation, adventure, doubt and so much more.Although the strongest feeling is this overwhelming sense of gratitude.
I'm sooooo grateful to the many many people who have helped me get to this very point. From someone recommending a book, to someone giving me a newspaper clipping, to someone allowing me to use their credit card to pay for my ticket, to people sending me gifts, to people helping me with researching, to people offering encouraging words, to someone counting down the days with me, to people advising where the best foreign exchange rates are, to people helping me start up this blog, to someone giving me a lift, to people sitting patiently listening to my fears and desires, to the many people living this dream with me.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you everyone. I'm sure you all know who you are, I can honestly say without your help, I wouldn't be heading off to live this 11 year dream. You are all in my prayers and I'll be sending out good wishes to you all!
Muchas gracias
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
What is the Camino?
I believe the best way to understand the Camino is to watch the following clip:
(Mikey and Scotty, this one's for you)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDOTJHbwRj4
'Thoughts on the Camino'
(to gain the full effect, make sure you wear earphones)
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Why?
Why? Why do you feel compelled to walk 800kms and for what?
Because I feel a strong inner pull to do it! Thanks Paulo Coelho.
This is the question people want answered. There are sooo many reasons why I want to do this, the most powerful reason is this inner calling to slip on my hiking boots and walk this ancient road to Santiago... Am I religious? I like to say I'm spiritual. I believe strongly in a higher spirit. Who knows what experiences, challenges, people or miracles I'll come across, but that's what I can't wait to experience.
A couple of weeks ago a close friend asked me this same question and I replied 'I know I won't find all the answers to life or the actual meaning of life, all I want is to experience something new. I'm ready for newness in my life. A new chapter has opened itself up and is calmly awaiting a new story.
In a nutshell these are my reasons:
Because I feel a strong inner pull to do it! Thanks Paulo Coelho.
This is the question people want answered. There are sooo many reasons why I want to do this, the most powerful reason is this inner calling to slip on my hiking boots and walk this ancient road to Santiago... Am I religious? I like to say I'm spiritual. I believe strongly in a higher spirit. Who knows what experiences, challenges, people or miracles I'll come across, but that's what I can't wait to experience.
A couple of weeks ago a close friend asked me this same question and I replied 'I know I won't find all the answers to life or the actual meaning of life, all I want is to experience something new. I'm ready for newness in my life. A new chapter has opened itself up and is calmly awaiting a new story.
In a nutshell these are my reasons:
- Learn to Risk more
- Travel by myself. I've always travelled with someone. I'm inspired by females travelling solo.
- Challenge myself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually
- Practise Spanish
- Eat, eat, eat....I love Spanish food...Bring on the Tapas
- Hopefully discover what my life's purpose is..Especially in the work arena
- Open myself up to meeting and creating new friendships
- Laugh as much as I possibly can
- Take one day and one step at a time
- Let go
- Give thanks to God for all the blessings in my life
- I'd like to come across healers who can teach me different healing techniques
- I'd also like to give back to other pilgrims by doing reiki on them. It's been awhile
- Send out prayers and good wishes to all the people in my life
- I want to look back in life and say I accomplished something extraordinary
- The majority of people I've spoken to who have completed this walk, seem to go back time and time again, I want to know why?
- I want to experience miracles
- I want to have an adventure of my lifetime
- And ultimately have the time of my life!
Let the journey begin...
A moment of Inspiration
When I start doubting myself whether I'll make it to the end (Santiago), I watch the following youtube clip.I've watched this clip sooooo many times (hence why I've posted it twice within my blog) and it still manages to give me goose bumps.
I've been fortunate enough to chat with alot of people whom have completed the distance and the strongest piece of advice shared with me is, 'it's the journey that counts, not the destination'.
Enjoy and who knows, this may inspire you to plan your own Camino!
;)
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Under 2 weeks to go
Wow, time seems to be flying soooo quickly these days. The 2 week mark (before take-off) hit yesterday. Yeah!Last night I attended my last Spanish class which turned out to be alot of fun. Students bought in bottles of wine, donuts, and nibblies. I gotta say, halfway throughout the class I was struggling to stay focused. The Chilean wine was going to my head...lol
When I signed up for the Spanish class, I made a conscious effort to follow it through until the end without skipping a class. I gotta say, I'm proud of myself. I tend to start alot of things/projects and never get round to completing them, until now. *Pat on the back for me*.
People refer to the Camino as a metaphor for life. I'm starting to understand this metaphor and plan on adapting this into my life, like I have by completing my Spanish course. I wonder what the next lesson will be? Maybe it's to complete the walk from start (SJPP) to finish (Santiago). Fingers crossed I'm able to complete this as well.
People refer to the Camino as a metaphor for life. I'm starting to understand this metaphor and plan on adapting this into my life, like I have by completing my Spanish course. I wonder what the next lesson will be? Maybe it's to complete the walk from start (SJPP) to finish (Santiago). Fingers crossed I'm able to complete this as well.
Stay tuned...
Monday, March 31, 2008
The adventure of the clear quartz crystal
One of my Camino buddies who walked part of the way last October, kindly offered to carry my clear quartz crystal (which was given to me by my dear friend Amy) with him. I've been told our crystals await me in a refugio at Logrono. Just to think, these 2 crystals have been on the road since October and will draw into them the energies of the Camino spirit.
Rod my dear friend, thank you ever so much for adding more adventure to my trip. I can't wait to reunite with our crystals and bring them home... Ahhh let the adventure begin...
Packing List
Ok, I decided to stick to carrying 9kgs. No doubt I'll offload stuff along the road. I've been keeping an eye on the weather over there, and man, it's cold! So, I need to take some warm clothes with me. This means more weight I need to to carry, hence the 9kgs.
I'm keen to hear any suggestions from people who have completed this walk, whether I need to add or leave items behind.
Camino List
9kgs Maximum
2 x Long Pants
2 x T-Shirts
1 x Jacket
1 x Micro-Fleece Jumper
1 xThermal Top/Pants
1 x Face cloth
2 xUndies
2 x Socks
1 x Toe socks
2 x Socks Liners
1 x Flip flops
1 x Boxer shorts
2 x Sports Bra
1 x Sleeping Bag
1 x Sleeping Bag Linear
1 x Toiletry Bag
1 x Ipod
1 x Digital Camera
1 x Ipod/Camera charger
1 x Adapter
1 x Head torch
1 x Knee Brace
1 x strapping tape
1 x scissors
1 x Sunscreen
2 x Plastic bags
1 x Backpack (40L)
2 x Walking Sticks
1 x Hiking Boots
1 x Sunglasses and Cover
1 x Glasses cover
1 x Hat
1 x Journal
1 x Pen
1 x Guidebook
1 x SilkPillow Case
1 x Bum Bag
2 x Suction Hooks
1 x Bandana
4 x Elastic bands and bobby pins
1 x Poncho
1 x Needle/Thread
1 x Bottle Iodine
1 x small bottle of Shampoo
1 x Gel (I've decided to take it...hehehe)
1 x small bottle of Conditioner
1 x set of Ear Plugs
1 x quick dry towel Towel
1 x Toe Clippers
1 x Spork
4 to 6 metres of string
6 x Safety Pins
1 x Tweezers
1 x small bottle of liquid soap
1 x small tube of Toothpaste
1 x Toothbrush
1 x Blister Roll on
8 x Voltaren Tablets
6 x Panadol 15
5 x Stamina satchels
2 x Garbage Bags (big)
1 x Deodarant
5 x Bandaids
1 x Universal Plug
1 x Lip Balm
1 x Tea tree oil
1 x Water Bottles
2 x Copies of Documents
2 x Passports
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Camino Pics
A section of the Camino
Sign posts guiding pilgrims to Santiago
Various footwear
Modern day pilgrims
What a sight! I hope I'm lucky enough to experience various sunrises like this.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Map
Still too heavy
I reviewed all my items and by camino standards, my backpack is still too heavy! Today my pack weighs 9kgs. I seriously tried to cut out as much as I could and it's 1kg heavier than I intend to carry. How the heck am I going to cut another 1kg? Well Monique, I think I'll take you up on your advice and ditch the hair gel... My hair will be wilder than ever before. Move over young Einsten..lol.. It was one of the very few luxuries I intended to take with me. Now I understand why one cannot allow themselves too many luxuries on the road. It's up to you to carry your own load and the body feels every gram. Less weight = happy knees/joints...:)
My knee is coming along nicely. I've seen 2 specialists and they both gave me the go ahead. Yeah! Their advice is, take 2 hiking poles, orthotic inserts, good quality boots, knee brace, and carry as little weight as possible. Just yesterday my high tech knee brace arrived. I'm heading out this weekend to test it out. After forking out $150, it better do the job! Fingers crossed.
I'll upload my packing list next entry.
My knee is coming along nicely. I've seen 2 specialists and they both gave me the go ahead. Yeah! Their advice is, take 2 hiking poles, orthotic inserts, good quality boots, knee brace, and carry as little weight as possible. Just yesterday my high tech knee brace arrived. I'm heading out this weekend to test it out. After forking out $150, it better do the job! Fingers crossed.
I'll upload my packing list next entry.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Blogging can be difficult
Finally! My blog is up and running thanks to Brad and Jonathon. Thanks guys!
Only 19 days to go, before I jet off to Spain to tackle a 800km pilgrimmage walk which dates back 1000 years or so. Far out, I cannot believe how time flies! My dream is quickly awakening everyday. I bought all the gear I require for the trip. At the moment my pack weighs 10.2kgs (water and food excluded) and that's way too much weight! So, this weekend I'm going through my gear and will attempt to cut another 1 - 3kgs...God, I really don't know what else I should leave behind? As most items (I feel) are necessary. No doubt Monique would say otherwise..lol
Stay tuned for more...
Only 19 days to go, before I jet off to Spain to tackle a 800km pilgrimmage walk which dates back 1000 years or so. Far out, I cannot believe how time flies! My dream is quickly awakening everyday. I bought all the gear I require for the trip. At the moment my pack weighs 10.2kgs (water and food excluded) and that's way too much weight! So, this weekend I'm going through my gear and will attempt to cut another 1 - 3kgs...God, I really don't know what else I should leave behind? As most items (I feel) are necessary. No doubt Monique would say otherwise..lol
Stay tuned for more...
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