jbear
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- SJPdP to SdC march-may 2015
Having recently completed my first Camino I may be slightly obsessed, but I have already started planning a second. While my first Camino was on the Frances, my next will be along part of Via de la Plata.
Some of my favorite parts of the Camino were when I was able to reconnect with my Spanish family. My father's family come from two small towns west of Salamanca- La Redonda (maternal) and Cerralbo (paternal). Over the years, and generations, we have lost contact with the paternal side of the family. However, we still have a strong connection with the maternal side- visits from both sides as well as frequent letters.
All of that lead to a desire that began while I was still walking. Just as pilgrims of old walked from their home, I want to walk from my family's home. La Redonda is about 60 miles (100 km) west of Salamanca. While I considered going through Portugal many of the older generation now live in Salamanca. Also, Salamanca is where I first learned about the Camino, so VdlP makes more sense.
Which brings me to my question. What to do with my credential? I assume there will be no albergues. I'm ok with that, I know I'll find somewhere to sleep. When I stayed with family for two days in Burgos there were plenty of places to get stamps, but I know this won't be the case here. There is nothing official in La Redonda, not even a church anymore, so what do I do as far as a stamp? Can I get one one of my family members to sign it? Then what about the towns along the way towards Salamanca (3-4 days)? Again, signatures? Would that be expectable at the pilgrim's office? While it's not the most important thing, I would really like my Compostela to show the starting point as La Redonda, not Salamanca.
My starting point:
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Some of my favorite parts of the Camino were when I was able to reconnect with my Spanish family. My father's family come from two small towns west of Salamanca- La Redonda (maternal) and Cerralbo (paternal). Over the years, and generations, we have lost contact with the paternal side of the family. However, we still have a strong connection with the maternal side- visits from both sides as well as frequent letters.
All of that lead to a desire that began while I was still walking. Just as pilgrims of old walked from their home, I want to walk from my family's home. La Redonda is about 60 miles (100 km) west of Salamanca. While I considered going through Portugal many of the older generation now live in Salamanca. Also, Salamanca is where I first learned about the Camino, so VdlP makes more sense.
Which brings me to my question. What to do with my credential? I assume there will be no albergues. I'm ok with that, I know I'll find somewhere to sleep. When I stayed with family for two days in Burgos there were plenty of places to get stamps, but I know this won't be the case here. There is nothing official in La Redonda, not even a church anymore, so what do I do as far as a stamp? Can I get one one of my family members to sign it? Then what about the towns along the way towards Salamanca (3-4 days)? Again, signatures? Would that be expectable at the pilgrim's office? While it's not the most important thing, I would really like my Compostela to show the starting point as La Redonda, not Salamanca.
My starting point:
View media item 2880View media item 2879