A New Adventure is on The Way

[MWerda]

Hello, Bonjour, Buenos Días,
I leave for my Camino in 148 days. I can’t believe it’s actually happening. My name is Mike. I’m a school teacher from coastal Mississippi, in the United States. I’ve been a lurker on this forum for a couple years. This past fall the bug hit and everything started falling into place. I previously explained in my introduction in the Class of 2020 thread ( https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/class-of-2020.58941/post-683888 ) how I was introduced to the idea of walking the Camino when a friend shared with me the movie, “The Way.” I thought about it, and eventually put it on the back burner. This past year some friends from my church parish did a pilgrimage to Fatima, Santiago, and Lourdes. One of the ladies posted a picture of the Botafumeiro, and my fire was stoked. When I finally told some friends that I was thinking of doing the Camino, that was all it took to manifest my dream.
So, now that most of my plans are solidified, what am I doing? The day after teachers finish for the school year, I’m on a flight for Paris. I’m spending the weekend (Pentecost weekend) in Paris and then taking a train to Lourdes. I’ve never been on a train, let alone a high speed train - I’m excited. I’ve been trying to learn a little French with Duolingo, both for Paris and Lourdes, but also because my Camino begins in Lourdes. On 03 June, I begin walking from Lourdes to Saint Jean Pied de Port. So, a little French might just help a week of walking in southern France. On 10 June, I begin walking the Camino Francés. I’m also taking a couple of Spanish classes to brush up on the Spanish I learned in middle school and high school. I’ve got reservations at Orrison and Roncesvalles. I’m not planning on rushing this pilgrimage. I’m going take 40 days to walk the Francés, attempting to stay between stages as much as possible. I’ll get into Santiago toward the end of July. The plan is to walk to the Atlantic and then bus back to Santiago for the weekend of 25 July, the Feast of Saint James. I made sure to get reservations in Santiago both before going to Finesterre/Muxia and for the return and weekend. I’m hoping the Cathedral will be open for Masses once again, not because it’s a culmination, but because it’s potentially part of the Camino experience.
I have learned so much from the posts I’ve been reading here on the forum, as well as vlogs on YouTube. And now, I have 138 days to wait, get in shape (strength training and training walks), and fine tune my packing list.
I’m sure many of you know the feeling, but the days I got my Orrison e-mail (that sounded a little like Harry Potter getting his Hogwarts letter, ) and booked my flight I was tingling, giddy even. Even today, I just booked my flight from Santiago back to Paris and I’m grinning from ear to ear.

Buen Camino!
Mike

 

[Robo]

Buen Camino. The Grins will only get bigger

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Hello! I can just feel all your enthusiasm bubbling out in your post! I still get excited and will be walking my 6th and varied Camino route this coming spring. It sounds like you have gleaned all the help you have needed in preparation from this wonderful forum. I hope your camino experience will be all you hope for it to be...and more!
I wish you well and Buen Camino!

 

[naplesdon]

You will love it. Don't let your fear of your language skills spook you. You will never speak like a native and I for one who have lived there on and off for over 10 years still rely on my Franglais and Spanglish.
Also prepare yourself for an eye popping experience in Lourdes. Believe me and and others it is nothing like the rest of the Camino. Once you start walking from there you will get your rhythm. Forty days is perfect, parfait, perfecto.

 

[TaraWalks]

Buen Camino Mike!
My sister and I are hoping to walk around that time but we will probably be on the Madrid Camino. No flights booked yet but definitely itching to go!

 

[Dani7]

I also can feel your excitement and share your joy and anticipation Mike. I will also be experiencing the Camino for the first time in early April 2020 and like you, am counting the days. Wishing you a safe and memorable journey. Buen Camino

 

[MWerda]

You will love it. Don't let your fear of your language skills spook you. You will never speak like a native and I for one who have lived there on and off for over 10 years still rely on my Franglais and Spanglish.
Also prepare yourself for an eye popping experience in Lourdes. Believe me and and others it is nothing like the rest of the Camino. Once you start walking from there you will get your rhythm. Forty days is perfect, parfait, perfecto.

Thank you for words of encouragement. I agree, I’ll never speak like them. But, hopefully I will be able to speak with them. I love languages, and I’m hoping some immersion will improve mine.

 

[MWerda]

Buen Camino Mike!
My sister and I are hoping to walk around that time but we will probably be on the Madrid Camino. No flights booked yet but definitely itching to go!

Buen Camino!

 

[MWerda]

I also can feel your excitement and share your joy and anticipation Mike. I will also be experiencing the Camino for the first time in early April 2020 and like you, am counting the days. Wishing you a safe and memorable journey. Buen Camino

Buen Camino!

 

[Deleted member 67185]

I anticipate that you will have a wonderful and fulfilling time ahead.

It seems as though it is a long ways to when you board the plane and depart for Camino, but the time will suddenly evaporate, and you will be left amazed at how quickly the time has past.

So, enjoy all the time ahead as you prepare, as well as the time when you are on Camino. We are here to support you, and to help you as we can.

 

[Kevin Jackson]

Buen camino Mike. First timer here too, but only 86 days. Leap year makes the wait a day longer.

 

[nycwalking]

Mike,

Sounds great.

Buen camino.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Mike,

Sounds great.

Buen camino.

I like your new avatar

 

[nycwalking]

I like your new avatar

Thank you.

I am lioness; hear me roar.

 

[MWerda]

Buen camino Mike. First timer here too, but only 86 days. Leap year makes the wait a day longer.

Buen Camino!

 

[Tassie Kaz]

Don't you love when a seed is planted? It simmers away on the back-burner until it simply must be addressed.
Buen Camino for your first walk @MWerda ...I can tell you already, it most likely won't be your last, sending you on a whole new path (pardon the pun) like thousands of us before you.
Enjoy!

 

[Mima1965]

Hello, Bonjour, Buenos Días,
I leave for my Camino in 148 days. I can’t believe it’s actually happening. My name is Mike. I’m a school teacher from coastal Mississippi, in the United States. I’ve been a lurker on this forum for a couple years. This past fall the bug hit and everything started falling into place. I previously explained in my introduction in the Class of 2020 thread ( https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/class-of-2020.58941/post-683888 ) how I was introduced to the idea of walking the Camino when a friend shared with me the movie, “The Way.” I thought about it, and eventually put it on the back burner. This past year some friends from my church parish did a pilgrimage to Fatima, Santiago, and Lourdes. One of the ladies posted a picture of the Botafumeiro, and my fire was stoked. When I finally told some friends that I was thinking of doing the Camino, that was all it took to manifest my dream.
So, now that most of my plans are solidified, what am I doing? The day after teachers finish for the school year, I’m on a flight for Paris. I’m spending the weekend (Pentecost weekend) in Paris and then taking a train to Lourdes. I’ve never been on a train, let alone a high speed train - I’m excited. I’ve been trying to learn a little French with Duolingo, both for Paris and Lourdes, but also because my Camino begins in Lourdes. On 03 June, I begin walking from Lourdes to Saint Jean Pied de Port. So, a little French might just help a week of walking in southern France. On 10 June, I begin walking the Camino Francés. I’m also taking a couple of Spanish classes to brush up on the Spanish I learned in middle school and high school. I’ve got reservations at Orrison and Roncesvalles. I’m not planning on rushing this pilgrimage. I’m going take 40 days to walk the Francés, attempting to stay between stages as much as possible. I’ll get into Santiago toward the end of July. The plan is to walk to the Atlantic and then bus back to Santiago for the weekend of 25 July, the Feast of Saint James. I made sure to get reservations in Santiago both before going to Finesterre/Muxia and for the return and weekend. I’m hoping the Cathedral will be open for Masses once again, not because it’s a culmination, but because it’s potentially part of the Camino experience.
I have learned so much from the posts I’ve been reading here on the forum, as well as vlogs on YouTube. And now, I have 138 days to wait, get in shape (strength training and training walks), and fine tune my packing list.
I’m sure many of you know the feeling, but the days I got my Orrison e-mail (that sounded a little like Harry Potter getting his Hogwarts letter, ) and booked my flight I was tingling, giddy even. Even today, I just booked my flight from Santiago back to Paris and I’m grinning from ear to ear.

Buen Camino!
Mike

Feeding on your excitement and wishing it was my turn! ....but 2021 is my year and savouring it already!
Altreia y buen camino!

 

[Sue127]

Hello, Bonjour, Buenos Días,
I leave for my Camino in 148 days. I can’t believe it’s actually happening. My name is Mike. I’m a school teacher from coastal Mississippi, in the United States. I’ve been a lurker on this forum for a couple years. This past fall the bug hit and everything started falling into place. I previously explained in my introduction in the Class of 2020 thread ( https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/class-of-2020.58941/post-683888 ) how I was introduced to the idea of walking the Camino when a friend shared with me the movie, “The Way.” I thought about it, and eventually put it on the back burner. This past year some friends from my church parish did a pilgrimage to Fatima, Santiago, and Lourdes. One of the ladies posted a picture of the Botafumeiro, and my fire was stoked. When I finally told some friends that I was thinking of doing the Camino, that was all it took to manifest my dream.
So, now that most of my plans are solidified, what am I doing? The day after teachers finish for the school year, I’m on a flight for Paris. I’m spending the weekend (Pentecost weekend) in Paris and then taking a train to Lourdes. I’ve never been on a train, let alone a high speed train - I’m excited. I’ve been trying to learn a little French with Duolingo, both for Paris and Lourdes, but also because my Camino begins in Lourdes. On 03 June, I begin walking from Lourdes to Saint Jean Pied de Port. So, a little French might just help a week of walking in southern France. On 10 June, I begin walking the Camino Francés. I’m also taking a couple of Spanish classes to brush up on the Spanish I learned in middle school and high school. I’ve got reservations at Orrison and Roncesvalles. I’m not planning on rushing this pilgrimage. I’m going take 40 days to walk the Francés, attempting to stay between stages as much as possible. I’ll get into Santiago toward the end of July. The plan is to walk to the Atlantic and then bus back to Santiago for the weekend of 25 July, the Feast of Saint James. I made sure to get reservations in Santiago both before going to Finesterre/Muxia and for the return and weekend. I’m hoping the Cathedral will be open for Masses once again, not because it’s a culmination, but because it’s potentially part of the Camino experience.
I have learned so much from the posts I’ve been reading here on the forum, as well as vlogs on YouTube. And now, I have 138 days to wait, get in shape (strength training and training walks), and fine tune my packing list.
I’m sure many of you know the feeling, but the days I got my Orrison e-mail (that sounded a little like Harry Potter getting his Hogwarts letter, ) and booked my flight I was tingling, giddy even. Even today, I just booked my flight from Santiago back to Paris and I’m grinning from ear to ear.

Buen Camino!
Mike

My first is planned for Sept/Oct but excitement may mean I have to bring it forward.

 

[John R McLean]

Hello, Bonjour, Buenos Días,
I leave for my Camino in 148 days. I can’t believe it’s actually happening. My name is Mike. I’m a school teacher from coastal Mississippi, in the United States. I’ve been a lurker on this forum for a couple years. This past fall the bug hit and everything started falling into place. I previously explained in my introduction in the Class of 2020 thread ( https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/class-of-2020.58941/post-683888 ) how I was introduced to the idea of walking the Camino when a friend shared with me the movie, “The Way.” I thought about it, and eventually put it on the back burner. This past year some friends from my church parish did a pilgrimage to Fatima, Santiago, and Lourdes. One of the ladies posted a picture of the Botafumeiro, and my fire was stoked. When I finally told some friends that I was thinking of doing the Camino, that was all it took to manifest my dream.
So, now that most of my plans are solidified, what am I doing? The day after teachers finish for the school year, I’m on a flight for Paris. I’m spending the weekend (Pentecost weekend) in Paris and then taking a train to Lourdes. I’ve never been on a train, let alone a high speed train - I’m excited. I’ve been trying to learn a little French with Duolingo, both for Paris and Lourdes, but also because my Camino begins in Lourdes. On 03 June, I begin walking from Lourdes to Saint Jean Pied de Port. So, a little French might just help a week of walking in southern France. On 10 June, I begin walking the Camino Francés. I’m also taking a couple of Spanish classes to brush up on the Spanish I learned in middle school and high school. I’ve got reservations at Orrison and Roncesvalles. I’m not planning on rushing this pilgrimage. I’m going take 40 days to walk the Francés, attempting to stay between stages as much as possible. I’ll get into Santiago toward the end of July. The plan is to walk to the Atlantic and then bus back to Santiago for the weekend of 25 July, the Feast of Saint James. I made sure to get reservations in Santiago both before going to Finesterre/Muxia and for the return and weekend. I’m hoping the Cathedral will be open for Masses once again, not because it’s a culmination, but because it’s potentially part of the Camino experience.
I have learned so much from the posts I’ve been reading here on the forum, as well as vlogs on YouTube. And now, I have 138 days to wait, get in shape (strength training and training walks), and fine tune my packing list.
I’m sure many of you know the feeling, but the days I got my Orrison e-mail (that sounded a little like Harry Potter getting his Hogwarts letter, ) and booked my flight I was tingling, giddy even. Even today, I just booked my flight from Santiago back to Paris and I’m grinning from ear to ear.

Buen Camino!
Mike

Congratulations and best of luck as you go through the planning. I envy you getting the feeling of your first Camino. It can be a life changing experience. Savour and enjoy each day.

 

[Bodi]

I can feel the excitement building in your post. It sounds like you have all the necessary planning done, so just enjoy the anticipation. Buen Camino!

 

[JennyH94]

Buen Camino. The Grins will only get bigger

And Mike - as Robo and Pat know, the feeling of that first step out on the Camino is indescribable! Think pure joy and you’re part way there!
Cheers from Oz -
Jenny

 

[Claudia Stephens]

Hello, Bonjour, Buenos Días,
I leave for my Camino in 148 days. I can’t believe it’s actually happening. My name is Mike. I’m a school teacher from coastal Mississippi, in the United States. I’ve been a lurker on this forum for a couple years. This past fall the bug hit and everything started falling into place. I previously explained in my introduction in the Class of 2020 thread ( https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/class-of-2020.58941/post-683888 ) how I was introduced to the idea of walking the Camino when a friend shared with me the movie, “The Way.” I thought about it, and eventually put it on the back burner. This past year some friends from my church parish did a pilgrimage to Fatima, Santiago, and Lourdes. One of the ladies posted a picture of the Botafumeiro, and my fire was stoked. When I finally told some friends that I was thinking of doing the Camino, that was all it took to manifest my dream.
So, now that most of my plans are solidified, what am I doing? The day after teachers finish for the school year, I’m on a flight for Paris. I’m spending the weekend (Pentecost weekend) in Paris and then taking a train to Lourdes. I’ve never been on a train, let alone a high speed train - I’m excited. I’ve been trying to learn a little French with Duolingo, both for Paris and Lourdes, but also because my Camino begins in Lourdes. On 03 June, I begin walking from Lourdes to Saint Jean Pied de Port. So, a little French might just help a week of walking in southern France. On 10 June, I begin walking the Camino Francés. I’m also taking a couple of Spanish classes to brush up on the Spanish I learned in middle school and high school. I’ve got reservations at Orrison and Roncesvalles. I’m not planning on rushing this pilgrimage. I’m going take 40 days to walk the Francés, attempting to stay between stages as much as possible. I’ll get into Santiago toward the end of July. The plan is to walk to the Atlantic and then bus back to Santiago for the weekend of 25 July, the Feast of Saint James. I made sure to get reservations in Santiago both before going to Finesterre/Muxia and for the return and weekend. I’m hoping the Cathedral will be open for Masses once again, not because it’s a culmination, but because it’s potentially part of the Camino experience.
I have learned so much from the posts I’ve been reading here on the forum, as well as vlogs on YouTube. And now, I have 138 days to wait, get in shape (strength training and training walks), and fine tune my packing list.
I’m sure many of you know the feeling, but the days I got my Orrison e-mail (that sounded a little like Harry Potter getting his Hogwarts letter, ) and booked my flight I was tingling, giddy even. Even today, I just booked my flight from Santiago back to Paris and I’m grinning from ear to ear.

Buen Camino!
Mike

What a lovely post! I am headed for my second Camino, this time in Portugal, this summer. Maybe we will see each other! Buen Camino!

 

[Dancing Rain]

Buen Camino!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[kdespot]

Yay, Mike! Love your energy! It's clear that you're a great teacher. Thank you! This experience will change your mindset... mostly for the better, some for the profoundly uncertain as life goes forward. You and everyone that you touch thereafter will be different. Congrats on a great decision, with much Camino love, from a retired teacher.

 

[Mary Doll]

Hi Mike
I’ll be a couple of days ahead of you on the Francés. I leave Saint Jean in 7 June. I’ve also booked Orisson and Roncesvalles and also booked Albergue Suseia in Zubiri. No plans after that. Will just stop wherever I feel like it. I’m taking early retirement from my job at end of April so can take as long as I like to walk. I intend to walk to Santiago and then to Finisterre and Muxia and then be a tourist for a couple of weeks in Spain and maybe Portugal. Currently doing a mixture of strength training and cardio at the gym 6 days a week and walking at weekends. I have 15 days holiday to use before the end of March so I’m going to start taking a day off mid week which will give me another walking day.
Buen Camino
Marie

 

[maruska89]

Hello, Bonjour, Buenos Días,
I leave for my Camino in 148 days. I can’t believe it’s actually happening. My name is Mike. I’m a school teacher from coastal Mississippi, in the United States. I’ve been a lurker on this forum for a couple years. This past fall the bug hit and everything started falling into place. I previously explained in my introduction in the Class of 2020 thread ( https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/class-of-2020.58941/post-683888 ) how I was introduced to the idea of walking the Camino when a friend shared with me the movie, “The Way.” I thought about it, and eventually put it on the back burner. This past year some friends from my church parish did a pilgrimage to Fatima, Santiago, and Lourdes. One of the ladies posted a picture of the Botafumeiro, and my fire was stoked. When I finally told some friends that I was thinking of doing the Camino, that was all it took to manifest my dream.
So, now that most of my plans are solidified, what am I doing? The day after teachers finish for the school year, I’m on a flight for Paris. I’m spending the weekend (Pentecost weekend) in Paris and then taking a train to Lourdes. I’ve never been on a train, let alone a high speed train - I’m excited. I’ve been trying to learn a little French with Duolingo, both for Paris and Lourdes, but also because my Camino begins in Lourdes. On 03 June, I begin walking from Lourdes to Saint Jean Pied de Port. So, a little French might just help a week of walking in southern France. On 10 June, I begin walking the Camino Francés. I’m also taking a couple of Spanish classes to brush up on the Spanish I learned in middle school and high school. I’ve got reservations at Orrison and Roncesvalles. I’m not planning on rushing this pilgrimage. I’m going take 40 days to walk the Francés, attempting to stay between stages as much as possible. I’ll get into Santiago toward the end of July. The plan is to walk to the Atlantic and then bus back to Santiago for the weekend of 25 July, the Feast of Saint James. I made sure to get reservations in Santiago both before going to Finesterre/Muxia and for the return and weekend. I’m hoping the Cathedral will be open for Masses once again, not because it’s a culmination, but because it’s potentially part of the Camino experience.
I have learned so much from the posts I’ve been reading here on the forum, as well as vlogs on YouTube. And now, I have 138 days to wait, get in shape (strength training and training walks), and fine tune my packing list.
I’m sure many of you know the feeling, but the days I got my Orrison e-mail (that sounded a little like Harry Potter getting his Hogwarts letter, ) and booked my flight I was tingling, giddy even. Even today, I just booked my flight from Santiago back to Paris and I’m grinning from ear to ear.

Buen Camino!
Mike

Congratulations on getting this far in your preparations. It sounds like you have a good grasp of the Camino and I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time. Research and training do help. I gleaned a lot of info from this forum as well. I did the Frances this year in April and may and did continue to Finisterre and that was a great way for me to end my Camino. All the best to you and Buen Camino.

 

[LynneR]

Hello, Bonjour, Buenos Días,
I leave for my Camino in 148 days. I can’t believe it’s actually happening. My name is Mike. I’m a school teacher from coastal Mississippi, in the United States. I’ve been a lurker on this forum for a couple years. This past fall the bug hit and everything started falling into place. I previously explained in my introduction in the Class of 2020 thread ( https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/class-of-2020.58941/post-683888 ) how I was introduced to the idea of walking the Camino when a friend shared with me the movie, “The Way.” I thought about it, and eventually put it on the back burner. This past year some friends from my church parish did a pilgrimage to Fatima, Santiago, and Lourdes. One of the ladies posted a picture of the Botafumeiro, and my fire was stoked. When I finally told some friends that I was thinking of doing the Camino, that was all it took to manifest my dream.
So, now that most of my plans are solidified, what am I doing? The day after teachers finish for the school year, I’m on a flight for Paris. I’m spending the weekend (Pentecost weekend) in Paris and then taking a train to Lourdes. I’ve never been on a train, let alone a high speed train - I’m excited. I’ve been trying to learn a little French with Duolingo, both for Paris and Lourdes, but also because my Camino begins in Lourdes. On 03 June, I begin walking from Lourdes to Saint Jean Pied de Port. So, a little French might just help a week of walking in southern France. On 10 June, I begin walking the Camino Francés. I’m also taking a couple of Spanish classes to brush up on the Spanish I learned in middle school and high school. I’ve got reservations at Orrison and Roncesvalles. I’m not planning on rushing this pilgrimage. I’m going take 40 days to walk the Francés, attempting to stay between stages as much as possible. I’ll get into Santiago toward the end of July. The plan is to walk to the Atlantic and then bus back to Santiago for the weekend of 25 July, the Feast of Saint James. I made sure to get reservations in Santiago both before going to Finesterre/Muxia and for the return and weekend. I’m hoping the Cathedral will be open for Masses once again, not because it’s a culmination, but because it’s potentially part of the Camino experience.
I have learned so much from the posts I’ve been reading here on the forum, as well as vlogs on YouTube. And now, I have 138 days to wait, get in shape (strength training and training walks), and fine tune my packing list.
I’m sure many of you know the feeling, but the days I got my Orrison e-mail (that sounded a little like Harry Potter getting his Hogwarts letter, ) and booked my flight I was tingling, giddy even. Even today, I just booked my flight from Santiago back to Paris and I’m grinning from ear to ear.

Buen Camino!
Mike

Hello,
You have a great plan.
I am also a school teacher, but I am in Michigan. A few days after school ends, I leave from Detroit on June 3rd and plan to begin from SJPP on June 5. You will love every step, even on the most difficult days. I have walked two partial Caminos. This is the first full CF. At first when I was reading your post I thought we would overlap, but now I think not. Anyway, blessings to you! Enjoy!