If we are talking about July or later during 2014, count me in. However, I will be re-doing the
Camino Frances from late April through the end of May with particular emphasis on covering those sections of the route I was compelled to bus or taxi over due to foot problems. THIS TIME, I will see the podiatrist (foot doctor) BEFORE I leave.
Plus, I volunteered to serve as an AMIGO at the pilgrim office at Santiago for the month of June. They will not make selections until February 2014. If I am selected, I will be in Spain from the end of April through the beginning of July. I suppose my family would like me to return home to see them for a bit in July.
So, I am projecting that mid-to-late August actually works the best for me. I could fly back to Brussels. But, if everyone else needs to do it at another time, just have at it. I do not want to spoil it for others. Although it would be a hoot and a half to have a sizable "peloton."
My notion is that we either all meet at a train station in Brussels or Antwerp on a given date and or time, on our way up to the NL. Or, we could all just meet at the train station in Roosendaal for the local (NL) connection to Bergen Op Zoom. Finally, we could make our way independently to Bergen Op Zoom and plan to meet in front of the main church (now Protestant I think but) originally Catholic in medieval times , Sint-Getrudischruch just off the Grote Maarkt We would then bless our endeavors with beer and start the next morning...
I assume the route starts at Sint-Getrudischruch. Someone local needs to confirm this.
This could work out great! The "Camino Pils" portion of the Via Brabantica... Starts at Bergen Op Zoom and ends at Nivelles, in Wallonia, just south of Brussels. Should we custom design a patch that reads "I "walked" the Camino Pils, with perhaps a beer stein or glass with a scallop shell on it as a logo? I am just thinking...
See this map. Look for the Via Brabantica:
http://www.compostelagenootschap.be/article.aspx?id=512
Also, see this link for more information:
http://pilgrim.peterrobins.co.uk/routes/details/brabantica.html
But, I suspect THIS is the link, and guide book we want.
http://www.st-jacques.be/spip.php?article340 So, how long to do 158 Km, on mostly flat ground from Bergen Op Zoom to Nivelles, allowing for late starts due to beery nights before? I wonder if we can end this segment at an abbey brewery? That would be über cool.
As regards language, I would simply poll all the folks who demonstrate an interest after a date, starting and ending point are set. Simply ask what language they can hold at least a basic conversation in.
If there is a common denominator language - like if everyone speaks at least level-one (tourist) French, we go with that. If it is English, so be it.
I can go with whatever the group decides, almost. While a native English speaker -sort of (US). I can handle Nederlands and Francais okay - at a basic level - I have not yet learned to swear well, but I can speak to my 4-year old Vlaams nephew. But I do a mean pantomime - as I am of Italian heritage and use my hands in every language I speak even barely - even Thai.
Happy New Year to all!