Hello everyone! A little introduction on this special day.
I am seriously considering walking the Camino (probably Frances?) in the fall of 2012. I do have an option of taking a guided tour, but that may prove more expensive than finding my own way. I am in good shape as I rely on a bicycle or my two feet for my daily extrusions (with the occasional cheating of public transportation), and would definitely consider my lifestyle somewhat bohemian. I could have easily seen myself happy in the mid-60's and feel I am a flower child born in a later, perhaps wrong, era; I will be turning 33 along The Way. I also do yoga, but I would definitely need to start training and hiking, and am considering buying myself a good hiker's backpack. My itinerary for training is to start to walk two hours a day after the holidays, then slowly increase this time and the weight of my pack.
Though I am used to carrying some weight, as I have spent the past two years reading philosophy at University (which definitely weighs one down), taking a course at a time for personal interest. I have felt the bumps that one may encounter in life, and gone through some sad times, and will always have up's and down's (in solidarity with some of the world's best writers and thinkers). I also have dietary requirements; I am celiac and am a vegetarian (I have found threads concerning both on this site).
I am an avid reader and am considering writing my life-story (thus) on paper this spring. I have always been drawn to travel writers or writers with a philosophical leaning; am currently reading Alan Booth's The Roads to Sata after finishing Will Ferguson's book Hitching Rides with Buddha (which was inspired by reading the first). I am also currently reading Bryson's A Walk in the Woods but, thus far, am not that fond of his style, though I, too, wish to find myself. Perhaps some solitude and time for inner contemplation is the key.
To share a little more about me: I am Canadian from South Western Ontario, approximately a two hour's drive from Toronto (and yes, I plan to join the Canadian Company of Pilgrims in the new year). I live surrounded by books, vinyl, and with the company of my hound dog, an elderly cat, and a menegrie of pedigreed Peruvian guinea pigs (a hobby of mine), and am a single parent with the help of my family and my son's father. I have always found writing to be therapeutic and keep in touch with many long-distance friends.
After reading Steinbeck's Travels with Charley, I began considering a road trip, but again, I live a humble life and do not own a car, and many of my friends are stuck to a 9 - 5 and can't just up and go. Strolling the library aisles, I discovered Andy Merrified's The Wisdom of Donkeys: Finding Tranquility in a Chaotic World, and after thoroughly enjoying walking with Gribouille and Merrifield's beautiful reflections, I decided a month ago to seek a road that I could call my own.
At that time I just so happened to watch a screening of The Way, and though I have traveled some of Europe, I had never heard of the Camino (I do not follow one religious path). After giving it some thought for the past three weeks: well, perhaps this is what I have been yearning for, maybe, just maybe, this "may be it!" I stumbled upon this forum two days ago, and have been thoroughly enjoying reading the threads, but am a little confused with the abbreviations.
I would be doing the Camino on a somewhat tight budget and would be traveling alone, but do meet people easily. Though I live a quiet life at home, I am a talker, have performed on stage, and am very open and honest in my speech and doings; hence meeting others comes naturally.
Is there one or two specific books one would recommend I read? I admit that I have poor map reading skills, but am not afraid to meet a new friend whenever I feel a little lost. I speak English, am highly expressive, and my hand gesturing skills are bar none, Eh.
