In two weeks...

[vintagebang]

I'll be on my way to walking the Camino Frances!!

My name is Anisia. I'm 17 years old, and I'll be walking it with my 15 year old sister and my dad!

I'm from Ontario, Canada and I love camping/backpacking and music. I'm doing a biolgoy course right now and the exam is on the date of my departure so it's been really hectic preparing for this and getting through my studies!

I've been reading this forum a lot lately just for those little extra tips and pieces of advice to pick up before I leave. Really helpful stuff.

So, hello!!

 

[lillypond]

I'll be on my way to walking the Camino Frances!!
I'm doing a biolgoy course right now and the exam is on the date of my departure so it's been really hectic preparing for this and getting through my studies!

Hello Anisia, (what a great name),

Good luck with your biology exam and the Camino.

I haven't walked yet. I am an 'armchair pilgrim' so far but hope to walk in 2008.

I am reading two books at the moment "The Art of Pilgrimage" by Phil Cousineau where he quotes an old Arabian proverb -

*It's not the road ahead that wears you out - it's the grain of sand in your shoe*

so leave behind any concerns about your exam results

The other book is "It's Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump, And Other Life Lessons I Learned from Dogs* by John O'Hurley.

From this I love these lessons/tips -

*A Cold Can of Meat is Still a Feast* and

*Every Fifteen Minutes Is A Brand New Day*

Enjoy yourselves ................ in 1.5 million steps, it'll all be over!

Adios, Buen Camino.
lillypond.

 

[vintagebang]

Thanks Lillypond .
What lovely lessons!!
I will be sure to follow the advice!
Thanks for your encoraging words.

 

[peskywabbit]

Hello, vintagebang -

If you can, leave your iPod inside your backpack while you are walking. You'll be surprised at what your senses will pick up from your surroundings: grandmothers gossipping, mnothers scolding, birds arguing, leaves rustling, the sound of approaching cars, the smell of eucalyptus (or cow patties, depending were you are)... it's a great way to give your ears a rest from all the commercial noise we've become used to.

And EAT. Be adventurous, pop into a small eatery and see what's on the menu. Try something you've never eaten before, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Allow yourself the luxury of a good meal in a good restaurant or cafe periodically. For me, there's no better way to connect with a culture on a more personal level than through the food But, hey, I confess I'm a foodie at heart

Buen Camino....

PW

 

[vintagebang]

Hello, vintagebang -

If you can, leave your iPod inside your backpack while you are walking. You'll be surprised at what your senses will pick up from your surroundings: grandmothers gossipping, mnothers scolding, birds arguing, leaves rustling, the sound of approaching cars, the smell of eucalyptus (or cow patties, depending were you are)... it's a great way to give your ears a rest from all the commercial noise we've become used to.

And EAT. Be adventurous, pop into a small eatery and see what's on the menu. Try something you've never eaten before, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Allow yourself the luxury of a good meal in a good restaurant or cafe periodically. For me, there's no better way to connect with a culture on a more personal level than through the food But, hey, I confess I'm a foodie at heart

Buen Camino....

PW

After I read this, I decided I'm not even going bring my ipod!
And I'll definetely be sure to try new things to eat!!
Thanks for the advice

 

[Minkey]

Good plan, ditch the iPod! The only time I'll miss mine is when I'm waiting for my flight.

With regards to the food... Erm... Brace yourself... and don't be lulled into thinking that the 'steak' on the menu is going to be nice or else you'll be in for a horrible surprise! Also expect to have flan... lots and lots of flan. Sometimes it'll pretend to be cheesecake or something else, but in reality it's just the menu trying to deceive you!

I'd say yes to having nice food every now and again. Pulpo in Galicia is a must!

Buen Camino!

ps. Are you doing the whole thing?

 

[lynnejohn]

Hey to a sister Ontarian!

I have walked two caminos (the Frances and the Via de la Plata). First of all, congratulations on your (and your family's) adventurous spirit and decision to walk the camino.
There's lots of advice I could give you but here are two:

1. Stop IMMEDIATELY and tend to anything hinkey going on with your feet (a sensitive spot, a grain of sand or pebble). Your feet will thank you and you will not spend a chunk of time every day tending to blisters.

2. Pay attention to every little creature, every person, every landscape on your way. Don't take anything for granted - it is too soon over and you will only have your memories. (Well, OK, your journal and pictures too). Oh, and I totally agree about the food. Indulge and be brave (and sometimes forgiving) with some of your food experiences.

Buen camino to you and your family!

Peace,

lynne