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I did my 1st Camino from Sarria (well Samos actually) last month and I think it was a really nice 'introduction' to the Camino! You can do it like I did, pre-booking the private rooms through booking.com and luggage transfer from Correos, or any other company that you'd prefer.
Whatever you...
When people asked me why I was so hellbent on traveling and going on the camino during the pandemic -- just as the new variant is surging, no less -- I always had to struggle because I didn't know how to explain my answer. This article did such a brilliant job of articulating my rationale. Thank...
I used the Correos service for my Sarria - Santiago journey. Fees for a backpack, not exceeding 15 kg, was calculated at like 38 euro I think. Very nice service!
Obviously I can't give you any advice but for my own experience, I walked the camino in winter during the pandemic... and before I started, I always thought to myself it was a "bad time" to go. Turned out I was wrong in so many ways. You never know!
Since I've seen other threads inquiring in the past about how to bring the wooden walking stave back home, I want to share my experience just for the record. I flew out of Paris (I was traveling after completing the Camino -- and yes my walking staff went with me everywhere lol) with Emirates...
I'm not an expert by any means but I'd personally advise anyone to just bite the bullet about the pandemic and get back on the camino this year if they are able to do so safely (vaccinated, no serious health issues etc). The solitude and the lack of ppl is a blessing and a curse in itself, but...
EPILOGUE for Jan. 22
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
I'm aware that since my Camino is now completed, this thread has served its purpose, but allow me to overstay my welcome a bit more because of what I experienced in Santiago de Compostela. I guess this thread has become a bit of my travel journal...
I'm in the Pilgrim's Mass right now! Is it customary to stand up and raise your fist into the air ala Olympics medalist style when they announce your nationality?
...a pleasant surprise to see him here! After greeting / high-fiving each other, he let me take in the moment of my goal. My first thought was, holy sh*t, the cathedral is way grander than any photos that I've seen.
It was so perfect the photo almost looks photoshopped!
I won't even attempt...
I also happen to keep a journal that I jot down some stuff I saw / thought about on the Camino in case I forget later (sometimes there's too much "vino tinto" from the Pilgrim's Menu, you know!) I'd really recommend the same hobby to other pilgrims out there who have not done so already!
UPDATE for Jan. 20
ARZUA - O PEDROUZO
I think my body is used to the rhymth and steps of the Camino at this point. I'd sleep 8 hours, wake up just before dawn, wait for sunrise and a bit of sunshine, then head out. I guess I'm getting used to the Camino just as it's drawing to an end.
Manuel...
Hopefully the camino will be more lively by then! I mean it's nice to have quiet time but all the businesses not opening is a somewhat dispiriting sight.
My experience might be a rarity though. Many pilgrims I met told me January is usually very cold and rainy, so I don't know what next January will look like!
UPDATE for Jan. 19
MELIDE - ARZUA
My Camino is now almost coming to an end. It's such a mixed emotion of excitement and sadness.
The churos helps restore my spirits.
Before leaving Melide, I went to take a peek at the medieval San Pedro church. A Mass was ongoing when I arrived, so I...
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