Hi, I have really appreciated the advice on this forum and made a few posts myself, so I thought it was time I introduced myself. I am female, mid forties, from England.
I first heard about the Camino about 10 years ago, I can't remember how, possibly a travel programme on television or newspaper article. Then soon after, I read David Lodge's book "Therapy" and decided that some day I wanted to walk the Camino Frances myself. Since then, there was always something that meant that I didn't make it a priority: work, weight, lack of fitness, new boyfriend, loft conversion etc etc
I don't now why this is the year I have decided to go, but it just feels right. I'm not religious - probably humanist/atheist. I can get overwhelmed by the sheer difference of foriegn countries. I am not a natural linguist. I find it hard to deal with uncertainty such as finding a bed for the night. I don't like crowds and I worry about meeting new people.
It is easy for me to live within my comfort zone and for this to shrink to a comfortable routine. But, I would like to be a bigger person than that. I want to stay open to the possibilities of new experiences rather than closing down.
So, here I am, out on training walks, Spanish Language CD in the car, and acquiring the items on my packing list including:
AARN Featheright Freedom Body Pack
Running Shoes rather than Boots
2 Season Sleeping bag rather than sleeping bag liner
Poncho rather than waterproof jacket
Oh and I definitely like the idea of being up to see the sun rise, though I intend not to be a plastic bag rustler.
I fly from Stansted to Biarritz on 19th May to start from SJPP the following day with the willingness for this to be more than just a walk. I hope to meet with some of you along the way.
Buen Camino
Mercury
I first heard about the Camino about 10 years ago, I can't remember how, possibly a travel programme on television or newspaper article. Then soon after, I read David Lodge's book "Therapy" and decided that some day I wanted to walk the Camino Frances myself. Since then, there was always something that meant that I didn't make it a priority: work, weight, lack of fitness, new boyfriend, loft conversion etc etc
I don't now why this is the year I have decided to go, but it just feels right. I'm not religious - probably humanist/atheist. I can get overwhelmed by the sheer difference of foriegn countries. I am not a natural linguist. I find it hard to deal with uncertainty such as finding a bed for the night. I don't like crowds and I worry about meeting new people.
It is easy for me to live within my comfort zone and for this to shrink to a comfortable routine. But, I would like to be a bigger person than that. I want to stay open to the possibilities of new experiences rather than closing down.
So, here I am, out on training walks, Spanish Language CD in the car, and acquiring the items on my packing list including:
AARN Featheright Freedom Body Pack
Running Shoes rather than Boots
2 Season Sleeping bag rather than sleeping bag liner
Poncho rather than waterproof jacket
Oh and I definitely like the idea of being up to see the sun rise, though I intend not to be a plastic bag rustler.
I fly from Stansted to Biarritz on 19th May to start from SJPP the following day with the willingness for this to be more than just a walk. I hope to meet with some of you along the way.
Buen Camino
Mercury