Camino begins -- Spanish immersion

[Lmsundaze]

My camino in Spain starts next April, but my first traveling step begins today! Going to Mexico for 4 week Spanish immersion program, hope to freshen up and improve Spanish from school. Really excited. I am very slow and have some physical issues, and expect to do the Camino Francés much slower than most, and really want to be able to talk to locals and get the most possible out of the experience. My life is my pilgrimage, it continues...

 

[mountaingoat999]

Best way to enjoy a camino if you can take the time out.
I like the part my pilgrimage continues.....

 

[timr]

That sounds a great opportunity. I always come back deciding to make the effort to learn more Spanish, but have never really found (or made!) the time. Every little helps, but a lot more would help a lot - not (only) for practical things, but also to be able to talk to yet more people in a meaningful way. Pulling faces and waving hands can get a lot done...but sometimes something more considered is nice. You should not worry about going slowly: let your own journey unfold at the right speed for you.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

My camino in Spain starts next April, but my first traveling step begins today! Going to Mexico for 4 week Spanish immersion program, hope to freshen up and improve Spanish from school. Really excited. I am very slow and have some physical issues, and expect to do the Camino Francés much slower than most, and really want to be able to talk to locals and get the most possible out of the experience. My life is my pilgrimage, it continues...

I have only basic Spanish but we were able to communicate with local people along our Way and these were some of our most heartfelt moments and fondest memories. Your immersion in the language will be wonderful. Go gently, go well. Buen Camino.

I walk slowly too - for many reasons.

'...Never hurry through the world
but walk slowly and bow often...'

what a joy to savour the path of your Camino - from one of my favourite poets, Mary Oliver:

When I Am Among the Trees

When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, "Stay awhile."
The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, "It's simple," they say,
"and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine."

 

[VNwalking]

Wonderful idea, Imsundaze.
It really makes a difference, being able to say more than "Donde esta el Camino?"...

 

[Bala]

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! It sounds like a wonderful opportunity. And I suspect it will end up far more than a preparation for the camino, but an amazing experience all in itself.

 

[Arminius]

My camino in Spain starts next April, but my first traveling step begins today! Going to Mexico for 4 week Spanish immersion program, hope to freshen up and improve Spanish from school. Really excited. I am very slow and have some physical issues, and expect to do the Camino Francés much slower than most, and really want to be able to talk to locals and get the most possible out of the experience. My life is my pilgrimage, it continues...

lmsundaze, walk at your own pace ... It doesn't matter! Enjoy your travel to Mexico!

 

[november_moon]

That sounds terrific. Being able to speak more than basic Spanish really adds to the experience - you can talk to more people and you'll become very popular with your fellow pilgrims since you will be able to help them communicate