flying from US 9/11/12 starting St Jean Pied de Port

[MVB63]

Hello!

Thats to all for info on posts. I am starting my trip with little planning (usuall for me) and looking for and advise on something I am missing in my plan that might limit my adventure or experience.

I am from Seattle. been on a Motorcycle trip, bike currently in Florida. Heading up to NYC. I am booking a flight to start Camino leaving NYC 9/11/12, flights are less expensive that day for some reason .
I am thinking of flying in to Paris and just winging it on travel to St Jean Pied de Port starting point. (train, bus etc). I would get a room reserved the first night in Paris just to re-group and get some direction.
I only have a good pair of Ecco Hiking boots, will buy backpack, bag, hiking clothing ect in NY, assuming traveling light is best. In NYC i would apply for same day visa to India.
After doing Camino I was thinking of going to India to work in Mother Therisa's home of dying for 4 to 6 weeks .
Thinking 3 months would be a good amount of time to allow for that and what ever happens.
I was thinking of getting a round trip ticket to Paris (about the same as 1 way) with a Nov or Dec return date, and arange other travel once in Europe.
I have never been to Europe or India but have traveled a little so feel confident, although sure I will face big fears in myself, I think this is a reasonable plan that is do-able and i will learn much along the way.
Any thoughts or advise from my fellow travelers?

 

[Vincentayd]

Dear mvb63,
Your plans are aggressive and admirable, though I fear that without proper training walking the Camino will prove very difficult. Most pilgrims do a modicum of training and those that do not find that problems develop very quickly and severe enough to take them off the path. Your timetable seems that it would allow for a leisurely pace and I would recommend that, in the absence of any pre Camino walks. The first day out of SJPdP will prove to be the most difficult, and the remaining days will become increasingly easier as you develop your walking stamina. Pack light, take trekking poles and pray, your journey will be your reward. Buen Camino.
Vincent

 

[MichaelB10398]

You have made some wonderful plans that will create eternal memories. You seem like the caliber of person that has the ability to remain flexible; this will be invaluable to you as you proceed from Paris, walking the Camino, and journeying to India to serve those in need.

For the pilgrim the first law of joy is learning that the Way is about serving others. It is in serving those around us that we find our greatest joy and we find true selves. Walking the Camino will assist you in learning in how to serve others. Serving is primarily the ability to see what others need and being there to lend a hand. It is the simple things that provide the greatest service: kind words, gentle acknowledgments, and a helping hand. Be cognizant of those who suffer in silence; they will be all around you and are often the ones that no one recognizes as hurting so deeply.

I suspect that you are in relatively good shape. The less in-shape that you are, the slower you should go at first while your body strengthens. Your lack of preparedness may prevent you from seeing as much as you might have been able to, but it will not lessen the value of the Camino. If you are interested in historical sites, special albergues, monasteries, and cathedrals you would do well to seek out those who have planned and ask questions about what is up ahead. Better yet, if you speak the local language, ask them about what they are proud of in the region.

Your journey is spiritual in nature and will provide many opportunities of contemplation, self-reflection, and prayer. I hope that as you lose yourself in serving others that God leads you to understand yourself more fully and completely. Please let us know how things progress for you on the Camino and in India.

May his Peace abide always with you,

 

[MVB63]

Thanks Vincent and Michael- All good advice, really cool, thanks.
I am flying to Pamplona, arive 9/12 from a redeye out of JFK. I have a return ticket 10/23 from Madrid, allowing what sounds like lots of time for the Camino and what ever comes up. I on not sure I will fly out at that time but airfare was less buying a RT ticket.
Also not sure of india from there, looking like I may fly back and finish Motorcycle trip before winter sets in then fly out of Seattle to India (thats another Forum). Kinda just doing a day at a time and see where I end up. Thanks again

 

[MVB63]

a pict of me from this trip, say hi if you see me on the trail