Peter from N. Ireland-now in India-walking 15 July-10 August

[peterdiamond]

Hello,
I am currently in the mountains of Dharamsala in Northern India at the home of HH the Dali Lama. I plan to return home via Spain arriving either Biarritz/Pau/Vitoria, and then to walk to Santiago. I have only a little information about the pilgrimage, and would appreciate any information re: accomodation/food/expenses. Also if anyone wants to travel together, great! I am 24 years old, and work in finance at home, but recently qualified as a Zen Shaitsu massage practioner, so possibly I could be of some help on the journey!


Many warm greetings,
Peter

 

[peterdiamond]

Pilgrim Hostel 3-6 euro?

Greetings,
I just followed a link to a list of pilgrim hostels along the way, some for 15 euro, but most for 3-6 euro. I would be grateful if someone could indicate if these rates still apply?

Much appreciated.
Peter.

 

[SIBERTOS]

Hi Peter.

I walked to Santiago from St. Jean last autumn, albergue rates at that time varied between 3 and 8€, mostly they would charge you 5€. Many albergues are free of charge, but it?s usual to donate a few Euros anyway since these institutions don?t receive any other income, and rely on such donations only.

The Camino is a truly spectacular journey, you have something to look forward to.

Pelegrinio Sibertos :arrow:

 

[sillydoll]

Albergue Rates

So many new, private albergues have sprung up since the 2004 Holy Year that it is hard to know which are volunteer/municipal and which are private. I would ask what the charges are before you actually 'clock in" . I haven't heard of any charging E15 besides those that offer food as well.
Next year a standard charge of E5 might be introduced along the way.
Have fun planning!

 

[peterdiamond]

Thanks!

Hi,
Thanks for your replys. Leaving India for Spain will definately have an impact upon my travelling budget, and it is comforting to know it wouldn't be so extreme.

I am really looking forwad to the walk!

Peter.

 

[Deborah]

When are you walking?

Hi Peter,
When will you be starting your Camino? Joe and I will start from SJPP around the first of September. We'd love to meet you!

 

[Chris1960]

El Camino in June and about India

Hi Peter,

My name is Chris and I spent January in India: Varanasi, Sarnath and Amaravati. I saw HH at the Kalachakra Initiation with about 400,000 Tibetan and Buddhist practitioners present!! Cool. How do you like India- isn't she wonderful?!

My 20 year old daughther and I will be starting El Camino around June 12th- from St Jean Pied de Port would love to touch base- walk a while and swap stories about India.

Any suggestions as a massage therapist on how to deal with a freshly recovered sprained ankle- this will be my challenge on the walk. Sprained my ankle about 4 weeks ago and am a little concerned about the strain of the walk.

Good luck with everything,
Chris

 

[peterdiamond]

Hi Deborah and Chris,
Many thanks for both your e-mails. My brother is soon to arrive in India and we will volunteer with an organisation involved in village medicine and herbs for the month of June. So I probably won't start the camino until the beginning of July. I was planning to walk from Sompart, France, I worked out a schedule which should have me arrive in Santiago in 33 days.

I hope you have a wonderful time, and maybe who knows we may meet along the way!

Chris, I really love India. I recently took Goenka's Vipassana meditation course, it was quite an experience and I am motivated to continue the practise. I am really glad I got to experience first hand Buddhist practises also.

A sprained ankle.. lukewarm water baths and plenty of rotational exercise should build it up. I hope it is strong enough for the Camino!

Whereever you may be, may you be happy!
Peter.

 

[peterdiamond]

Leaving tomorrow for Pau!!

Greetings one and all,

I am leaving beautiful Northern Ireland for Pau tomorrow morning to begin my pilgrimage to Santiago. I look forward to meeting great people along the way and realising some moments of clarity along the way.

If anyone knows anywhere to stay in Pau I would be very grateful.

Good travels.
Peter.