Alise's route- questions

[Alise_itw]

Dear all,
This forum has been a tremendous help with preparing for my Camino so far, so I will continue asking, if you don't mind.

1) The 'classic' starting point of CN seems to be Irun, yet I've read some suggestions here of another place (because of marvellous sights). Unfortunately I cannot remember the name of that city of find the exact thread anymore. Do you know which place is it? Where do you suggest to start CN (I have plenty of time, starting somewhere between 10th and 20th of august, 2015).

2) about Santiago de Compostela. I am not a religious person quite at all, so getting to the city doesn't really mean anything special to me personally; I consider Finisterre as the finish point of my Camino. I am actually thinking I could pass the Santiago city and keep walking along the coast, till I get to Finisterre, but I also want to get my pilgrim passport signed at the end- is it possible without actually arriving in Santiago de Compostela? What do you think about my plan? Please be frank, in case it is a wishful thinking again.

Thank you for your time and advice already in advance.

 

[Josh G]

Hi Alise,
I walked the Camino del Norte last year and, like you, I'm not a Catholic or particularly interested in gaining a Compostela from the church. I made the decision to stay one night in Santiago to see the city and get a stamp. The next morning I quickly continued on to Finisterre. To be honest, I didn't enjoy Santiago – it's a tourist trap with too much hype. When I got to Santiago I felt disappointed and couldn't wait to leave. But the walk from Santiago to Finisterre is one of the nicest sections of the whole journey. When I reached Finisterre I fully experienced a sense of perfect completion. It was a very wonderful experience. I stayed for a few days at a very nice, alternative albergue and met many wonderful people. It was the highlight of my Camino. Let me know if you have any other questions
Best wishes,
Josh

 

[jpflavin1]

Dear all,
This forum has been a tremendous help with preparing for my Camino so far, so I will continue asking, if you don't mind.

1) The 'classic' starting point of CN seems to be Irun, yet I've read some suggestions here of another place (because of marvellous sights). Unfortunately I cannot remember the name of that city of find the exact thread anymore. Do you know which place is it? Where do you suggest to start CN (I have plenty of time, starting somewhere between 10th and 20th of august, 2015).

2) about Santiago de Compostela. I am not a religious person quite at all, so getting to the city doesn't really mean anything special to me personally; I consider Finisterre as the finish point of my Camino. I am actually thinking I could pass the Santiago city and keep walking along the coast, till I get to Finisterre, but I also want to get my pilgrim passport signed at the end- is it possible without actually arriving in Santiago de Compostela? What do you think about my plan? Please be frank, in case it is a wishful thinking again.

Thank you for your time and advice already in advance.

Alise:

Irun is on the French-Spanish border. So unless you want to walk in France it is the Spanish starting point. Others start in San Sebastian, Santandar or maybe Bilbao, these are all post Irun.

I am not overly religious but found the Pilgrim mass moving and a great balance to the commercialism of Santiago. Santiago is also a great place to enjoy a meal and drinks with many you have met along the way. I suggest you stay a day or two and then walk on to Finisterre.

Whatever choice you make, I am sure it will be the best one for you.

Ultreya,
Joe