just getting started

[zobiewan]

Hello,
well I became interested in the pilgrimage only just this week after reading Paulo Coelho's biography (what an inspiring man he is!). then I ran into an aquaintance of mine yesterday who is going on the pilrimage next month.
So I have started looking into it, and I have to say already I am drawn to make this journey.
here are my questions:
1.If I have one month to do it , which is the best route to take?

2. if I am coming from the US where is the best place to fly to?

3. what sort of supplies do I need if I plan to go May/June? backpack, sleeping bag, shoes??

I think that is all I have to ask right now, but any and all information would be very much appreciated!

peace,
Zoey

 

[William Marques]

1.If I have one month to do it , which is the best route to take?

No such thing as best route as it all depends what you are looking for. However if this is your first camino and you are not looking for a long solitary journey as the Via de la Plata and some of the other less traveled routes can be, I would suggest the Camino Frances. This has the positive and negative of being the most popular route. Good because there is plenty of comradeship and help, bad because it can become crowded and commercial. Despite its faults I would go with the Camino Frances the first time.

2. if I am coming from the US where is the best place to fly to?

If money is a concern checkout the flights to London, Paris and Madrid there are ways of getting from any of them to SJPP or Roncevalles. London via Ryanair to Biarritz, Paris via TGV to Bayonne, Madrid by coach or train to Pamplona. If prices are similar the Paris option is probably best if you want to start in SJPP as you can catch the TGV train from the terminal without having to go through Paris.

3. what sort of supplies do I need if I plan to go May/June? backpack, sleeping bag, shoes??

Yes to all the Confraternity of St James http://www.csj.org.uk has a packing list and if you read that you will not go far wrong.

Buen Camino
William