New to Pilgrim Forum

[MaryS]

Hi! may name is Mary and I live in Sydney Australia. I would like to do Camino el Frances next year if possible (work commitments etc pending). Went to a day lecture yesterday. Still have a lot of issues to work out. Length of walk, time to take etc. Would love to hear from other Sydneysiders who have either done the walk or are planning to do so. Plan to learn some basic Spanish befoehand.

 

[lillypond]

Hi! may name is Mary and I live in Sydney Australia. I would like to do Camino el Frances next year if possible (work commitments etc pending). Went to a day lecture yesterday. Still have a lot of issues to work out. Length of walk, time to take etc. Would love to hear from other Sydneysiders who have either done the walk or are planning to do so. Plan to learn some basic Spanish befoehand.

Hi MaryS,
I am a Sydneysider as requested I nearly went to that lecture (at Sydney Uni. right? ) but thought as this forum covers every detail/aspect of the journey I don't really need to !!!! One day I plan to come up with an original question..... BUT I sincerely that will happen!
I have details of the Sydney pilgrim meeting at the Spanish club if you would like to PM me. There are a few good souls here also from Oz.

Welcome and enjoy your initial planning stages ..... the worries, jitters and all !!! I plan to walk for the first time in either Spring (wildflowers) or September (fruit) 2008.

lillypond.
Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it's just hearsay.

 

[Pablo2007]

Hi Mary,
Pablo in Sydney here,
I plan to be walking in a few weeks time for the first time, though I have been to SJPDP and northern Spain before. Happy to help with any general questions you may have (If I can ... Laugh).
Certainly will be in a better position in a couple of months
PM me if you like

Pablo

 

[MaryS]

No it wasn't Sydney Uni but Eastern Suburbs Evening College. But would be interested in another point of view (any details for Sydney Uni?) but when do you draw the line and say no more, and make your own informed decision? I am beginning to get into overload I think. I know what I want, and think I am beginning to get near a decison, but still welcome any information that can be forthcoming..,.... oh! what a delima!!

 

[lillypond]

The feeling of initial overwhelm was a huge part of the process for me. I felt I had to gather up all the information here in case it disappeared !!! However, I settled.
(I realised computers are here to stay ).

The reality is the Camino is literally 'one step at a time' and I challenge anyone to come up with a better researched *blister by blister* detailed forum than this. The huge psychological/emotional journey begins once the decision to go is made. Problems arose for me as I resisted new awareness. So I am s### scared......the hidden message .... take heed and do all the groundwork re preparation and fitness. The sting of fear eases etc. etc.

The October meeting at Sydney University is full. next one -
*Making the journey - a pilgrim's guide to Santiago de Compostela* Sat. 15th Dec.
Centre for Continuing Education. http://www.cce.usyd.edu.au/

lillypond.

 

[Javier Martin]

Hi, Mari,

I'm not from Sidney, from Spain, but I can try to help you if possible.

Try to train yourself to walk 20-25 km a day at least. This is a good distance to enjoy the Camino. If you are trained to walk more than that you will finish less tired so you will appreciate better every moment.

So, if you are thinking of walking St - Jean - Santiago (800 km) you may need five weeks. If you want to arrive to Fisterra (highly recommended) three days more. Don't forget one day to visit Santiago.

More important than train your body is to train your mind!

Buen Camino,

Javier Martin
Madrid, Spain.