Camino 2011 - Blessed and Grateful

[ElizabethB8246]

Just finished my first Camino and


'Solvitur Ambulando'
- St. Augustine

 

[Rebekah Scott]

congratulations! The Way starts right where you are, right now....

 

[tyrrek]

Great feeling, isn't it? Congratulations and Buen Camino!

 

[grayland]

Have you started planning the next one?

 

[ElizabethB8246]

Okay, so it posted way too early.

I just wanted to say that my Camino was wonderful. Tendinitis, blisters, big bites and all, I had an amazing experience, met many wonderful people who have left an indelible imprint on my life, and am just very grateful.

It's hard to put in words the experience for anyone who hasn't done it. For those that are considering the Camino, I would tell you yes, absolutely, do it. However, here's what I would also advise you:

1) Don't take chances with your health. You don't have to be super fit, but please, don't think that the Camino will solve your health problems. One woman on the Camino had to be taken to the hospital in Castrojeriz because she was having chest pain. Turned out, she didn't bring her blood pressure medication with her, because she thought she'd be fine without it since she was walking. She had to leave the Camino.

2) Listen to the advice from the veteran posters. Especially about gear/equipment, packing and training. You will be thanking them with every step you take!!!

3) Don't rush through your Camino to be what one pilgrim called a 'turigrino' - someone who got up do early and then walked as quickly as they could to the next place to get a bed for the night. You will miss so much and regret not taking in everything around you. Cliche or not, the journey is the destination.

4) Be open to all of the new people you meet and experiences you'll have along the way. You are stronger and have a greater capacity for so Manu circumstances than you realize. The other peregrinos along the way will touch your life in immeasurable ways. Don't miss out on that.

Thanks to everyone who posted all their advice. It made my Camino a great experience!!


'Solvitur Ambulando'
- St. Augustine