Hi all,
I am back in South Africa after two months in Spain walking the VdlP. I had to start in Merida due to late Visa application and therefor didn't have the time to start in Seville. The VdlP is a difficult walk and I didn't experience the spiritual moments I had in 2007 on the Frances. I also took the bus a couple of times and therefor didn't apply for a Compostela once I reached Santiago, however it was a good journey. Would I do another Camino? Yes probably in a year or two but that would be the Frances again. A couple of things that I missed on the VdlP:
English-speaking peregrino's There were many Spanish, French, Italian and German people.
The Camino-spirit was not the same as it was on the Frances, it was very much a matter of "Each to his own"
Highlights were: the Albergue in Albergueria - Real old style refugio and the bar ( where one signs in) was fantastic wiith all the scallop shells hanging everywhere, It was cold and the Hospitalero provided lots of wood for the fireplace. Villar de Barrio - Excellent Albergue and Noemi (The Hospitalera) is doing an excellent job there.
On my slow return to Madrid I stayed 3 nights in Astorga and it still has the same charm I experienced in 2007.