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A few posts have been edited or deleted from this thread as they were off topic.
A friendly reminder might be timely here to keep to the subject, and any other interactions might be best kept to PMs.
There are more frequent options for accommodation and refreshments on the Frances, and you will meet more people there. But starting from Valença gives you the chance to walk an international Camino, and the towns en-route are lovely. Book yourself into the hot spring hotel at Caldas de Reis and...
I read Coelho's on the beach in Finisterra - I liked it but like someone else has said, I'm not convinced he was really there. (I also got sunstroke that day which has sort of tainted my memory of that book).
Shirley Maclaine's is self-indulgent nonsense. If she weren't famous no-one would give...
A lot of municipal pools in Spain will insist on you wearing a swimming cap. Sometimes they'll lend you one (nasty) but they don't always sell them. They don't weigh anything so remember to pack one.
The official Compostela certificate doesn't show your starting point. You can however purchase a "Distance Walked" certificate at the same time.
Additionally, at the Pilgrim's mass, the priest will mention how many people of each nationality started from each point. It felt quite special for me...
Remember that despite what others may tell you there is no law mandating that you MUST start in SJPdP. You could start closer to SDC, take more time and still have a wonderful experience.
To me the essence of the Camino comes from the people you will meet, and they're everywhere.
I work opposite the St James Building which is at the end of St James Road in Manchester city centre. I see and walk past my sign every day and it's a battle not to keep walking.
If you follow the route via Campo I'm sure when you arrive in the town centre the castle walls are right in front of you - the arrows on the wall either point you to the albergue or the Camino. I didn't go into the castle but sort of wish I did - if you've read her book you'll recall that this...
I think you've answered your own question. Of course it won't be the same but you'll be able to look forward to revisiting your favourite places again.
Evening all,
please be advised that the moderators will be keeping an eye on this thread. I'm positive that it won't descend to the level of personal attacks but we can't have posters sniping at each other.
Thanks.
But is it the Sphinx Gate or the Southern Oracle?
The Camino is a bit like the Never Ending Story if you think about it. We've all had days when we've thought "But that's so far..." And we've all got people back home wishing us luck on our quest.
Just a shame we don't have a luck dragon to...
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