Reintroducing myself

[jeffnd]

Ten years ago to the day, I returned home from walking the Camino Frances. People asked me if I would do it again, and I said absolutely. I thought I'd be going back in "3 to 4 years." Obviously, that didn't happen. Life gets in the way, I guess. Job changes, life situation changes, etc.

But I just got word from my employer that they are open to giving me the time off next year so I can walk again! They are allowing me to take my vacations back to back and to take a few extra unpaid days off.

Last time, I walked from St. Jean to Santiago in 35 days. I know that's about average, but I still felt rushed at times. And I didn't give myself enough time to walk out to the ocean after Santiago. At this time, my plan is to be on the Camino sometime in early to mid March of next year and to give myself 40 days of walking. I want to take more time to relax at breakfast in the morning, to dwell a little bit longer in churches, to take detours to see historical sites, take more photos, and just "be" on the Camino.

I'm so excited I can barely stand it. I was lucky last time. While I had been wanting to go for around 2 years before that, the choice to go came almost on a whim and there was barely any wait. Now I have almost 11 months to wait! At the same time, I'm nervous too. I'll be dealing with some health challenges this time around. I hope I can be in better shape before I go. I had also hoped to learn more Spanish this time too. 11 months hardly feels like enough time to get ready!

 

[davejsy]

I want to take more time to relax at breakfast in the morning, to dwell a little bit longer in churches, to take detours to see historical sites, take more photos, and just "be" on the Camino.

Sounds wonderful for a second time around Camino, I think you will appreciate and enjoy these things much more on a second Camino., and a good way to avoid expectations that the second one will be the same as the first.

My Camino CF was 32 days, I don't feel it was rushed (even though I had spare days at the end), the Camino swept me along at the pace it was meant to, but if ever I went on the CF again I would probably love to do the same as you suggest.

Buen Camino

 

[Former member 104756]

That's wonderful @jeffnd A suggestion for picking up some Spanish. Try the Language Transfer app - it's free, the lessons are short and practical, the style is user friendly and encouraging. Easy to listen to while you're out walking for the next 11 months. All the best..