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I do. Still, the most convenient infrastructure is on the Camino Frances, and it has a unique ambience.Why not do another trial or something different?
I totally agree. I have friends that ask me if I'll do the PCT, since it's practically in my back yard. But I'm not really a "hiker", and have no desire to camp out. For me, the Camino has just the right mix of long distance walking, scenery, culture and camaraderie to make it magical.Friends of ours that have never walked a Camino are baffled why we have been back to Spain and Portugal four years in a row.
Why they ask, don't you go to other European destinations? Or if we like hiking so much, why not go to Banff, or Jasper, Alberta which are literally in our back yard and has some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the world? Or others ask why not the West Coast trail in BC, or Pacific coast trail or Appalachian trail?
Those that have not walked a Camino, really have no idea what it is like. I am not sure if many make much differentiation from this kind of travel versus a resort type holiday.
My best explanation always falls short of what a Camino and pilgrimage means to me. I try to explain the magic of a Camino, but if you have not been there, you simply don't get it.
On this first Camino, I had some worries especially in the beginning. I was thinking of how fast could I walk, how far could I walk, how would I cope with this or that ascent or descent, etc. That meant that I didn’t always stop to enjoy places, views and sights, I had a feeling of being a little rushed. It eased off towards the end, but still…
When I go again – and I will- I think I will be more at ease so I can experience things that I missed this time and re-experience things that I remember with joy. That is my reason for wanting to return (beside the general “Camino-feeling”).
So true for me, too. I have no interest in being a "true" backpacker on a long distance hike. I don't want to carry 30-40 pounds of gear, which includes a tent, a cooking pot, and a weeks worth of food before re-supplying them. Oh, and I have a fear/phobia of bears so intense it would ruin any pleasure to be had and every night's sleep...even if I never laid eyes on one the whole way!I totally agree. I have friends that ask me if I'll do the PCT, since it's practically in my back yard. But I'm not really a "hiker", and have no desire to camp out. For me, the Camino has just the right mix of long distance walking, scenery, culture and camaraderie to make it magical.
"Le cœur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît pas/ the heart has its reasons, of which reason knows nothing."
Pascal, Les Pensées
Perhaps the first post of my last camino explains best why I have walked the Camino Frances ten times; thus it may serve as my apologia.
i dont mean to be pessimistic...some cant... i might die longing for why i havent done but a fact accepting that will keep me inspire contented from those generous pictures, videos, blogs or any means of media shared by those who actually done...thanks to them!Answer: Why not?
but those who walked the whole thing or most of the time in one go. Why not do another trial or something different?
i dont mean to be pessimistic...some cant... i might die longing for why i havent done but a fact accepting that will keep me inspire contented from those generous pictures, videos, blogs or any means of media shared by those who actually done...thanks to them!
Thanks for sharing the details of the choices you personally make that helps to fund your Camino trips. Hopefully I will have opportunity to meet you for coffee or lunch in March when I'll be in your area as we discussed some time ago.I understand everything you say. But, to me, the Camino is my avocation. I discovered it five years into retirement.
I live on a fixed income, albeit a fairly generous one. Once I determined that doing the Camino, supporting the Camino, and planning to do Camino gave my life purpose and focus, I adjusted my life priorities to fit this need.
When I had to replace a car a year ago, I bought the least expensive vehicle that met my basic needs. I have no one to impress, and have long outgrown my hormonal needs for cool cars.
Although we recently renovated a home, I have restrained the normal male impulse to fill my garage with a multitude of gadgets and tools that I will not need. Instead I borrow them from a neighbor or rent them.
I do not have children of my own, but I severely restricted my heretofore generous gift giving to nieces and nephews. Similarly, wedding gifts, etc. are more restrained. Whenever someone comments, rarely, I reply honestly, that we are living on a fixed income that is inelastic.
Also, having previously lived in Europe for several years, I have many friends there. In the past, pre-Camino, I would fly over once or twice a year just to visit for a week or so. Those sole-purpose trips are now in the past. If I can swing by for a few days while on a Camino trip, I will do so, but it is now optional. Funny thing...I made more than a dozen visit-only trips there, but my nearly two dozen friends have not opted to visit me in Florida yet, even in the winter. I am not reading anything into this, but parity would be nice.
Overall, I found that if I shaved a tad here and a scoshe there, after a while I had enough to find one Camino trip. Budget differently, watch impulse shopping, plan travel very carefully and I saved enough for a second trip.
My point is that I rearranged my life and my finances to afford two Camino-centric trips annually. One is for the purpose of walking a Camino (2-4 weeks). The other, the sacrosanct one, is one month as a volunteer at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago.
I plan to do this as long as finances and my health permit. This fully realizes that the day will eventually come when I am not able to do these trips as I get older. So, I am doing it now, while I can manage to facilitate it.
If other trips are able to be funded, my wife and I also enjoy international travel.
Life is all about choices. I made mine. I simply made the Camino a priority and changed my budgeting and spending accordingly.
I hope this helps.
Why not? Different pace; slow down compared to the first one; because it's there; because you now know the freedom of it; because you know more now.Why do it Again?
I hear you bro, but disagree: Cars are important. But I'll gladly trade it in for another Camino fix, if necessary...When I had to replace a car a year ago, I bought the least expensive vehicle that met my basic needs. I have no one to impress, and have long outgrown my hormonal needs for cool cars.
I wish you could see all the stuff I've sent to the garbage dump as completely unneccessary items in my life... One needs to realize what is important in life: The Camino is ranking high on my list, for many reasons, But I will not act as a teacher here; you'll have to find out for yourself.Although we recently renovated a home, I have restrained the normal male impulse to fill my garage with a multitude of gadgets and tools that I will not need. Instead I borrow them from a neighbor or rent them.
I am right there with you, brother.I was just re reading all of these posts, and something seemed to emerge that is perhaps common amongst them all, if only in some small way.
OK this is just my view, perception and experience, but what seems to happen with 'repeat offenders' is that they experience life changing transformations to some degree.
It's almost like finding some new religion or way of life. The Camino way of life, that permeates many aspects of our lives. We may view the World differently post Camino, perhaps re-evaluate our priorities, reassess our core values, our purpose, how we want to travel through our life's journey.
Certainly in my case, my first Camino was the place I discovered myself and it caused me to re think many aspects of my life and how I interact with others and the World around me.
And maybe this is the interesting bit. At least in my own case, and I'm sure for many, a large part of the Camino 'transformation' effect is engaging with the people we meet along the way. As well of course as the physical environment we pass through.
In that sense for me, the CF is like an 800 km long 'church' where I get to think, ponder, have great deep discussions with complete strangers, meet and overcome challenges, experience a range of emotions that perhaps normally lie dormant.....
And so like devoutly religious people of many faiths, I like to spend time with 'my' community, people who seem to share my 'faith' (not necessarily in a religious sense of course, because we come from so may religions or without religion). People who share my values, openness and hopes and dreams. A supportive environment that listens and gently guides, but does not judge.
In a sense, a large part of that 'church' is right here on the forum.
But my real 'Church' lies in Spain, outside, amongst the beautiful landscapes, in an environment so different from my own, that it almost forces me to operate in a different 'mode' from the day to day. It's there that I feel truly alive, and free, closer to our mother earth, and closer to my maker.
Why do I want to walk the Camino every year, if I can?
Simple.
Because it's my 'church'.
It's where I feel at home.
Where I feel most alive.
Where I feel most at peace....
One of my favourite Camino related quotes is from Hank Leukart's short film, 'To the End of the World'
How does it go?
The Camino is God's dream of how people should be when they are with each other.........
Why wouldn't you want to experience that............over and over and over........
I was just re reading all of these posts, and something seemed to emerge that is perhaps common amongst them all, if only in some small way.
OK this is just my view, perception and experience, but what seems to happen with 'repeat offenders' is that they experience life changing transformations to some degree.
It's almost like finding some new religion or way of life. The Camino way of life, that permeates many aspects of our lives. We may view the World differently post Camino, perhaps re-evaluate our priorities, reassess our core values, our purpose, how we want to travel through our life's journey.
Certainly in my case, my first Camino was the place I discovered myself and it caused me to re think many aspects of my life and how I interact with others and the World around me.
And maybe this is the interesting bit. At least in my own case, and I'm sure for many, a large part of the Camino 'transformation' effect is engaging with the people we meet along the way. As well of course as the physical environment we pass through.
In that sense for me, the CF is like an 800 km long 'church' where I get to think, ponder, have great deep discussions with complete strangers, meet and overcome challenges, experience a range of emotions that perhaps normally lie dormant.....
And so like devoutly religious people of many faiths, I like to spend time with 'my' community, people who seem to share my 'faith' (not necessarily in a religious sense of course, because we come from so may religions or without religion). People who share my values, openness and hopes and dreams. A supportive environment that listens and gently guides, but does not judge.
In a sense, a large part of that 'church' is right here on the forum.
But my real 'Church' lies in Spain, outside, amongst the beautiful landscapes, in an environment so different from my own, that it almost forces me to operate in a different 'mode' from the day to day. It's there that I feel truly alive, and free, closer to our mother earth, and closer to my maker.
Why do I want to walk the Camino every year, if I can?
Simple.
Because it's my 'church'.
It's where I feel at home.
Where I feel most alive.
Where I feel most at peace....
One of my favourite Camino related quotes is from Hank Leukart's short film, 'To the End of the World'
How does it go?
The Camino is God's dream of how people should be when they are with each other.........
Why wouldn't you want to experience that............over and over and over........
@Robo - Much of what you stated is absolutely the truth for me and I didn't even realize it until I read your post. Thank you !
Great thought. When I can afford it I'll be back. (Been there twice, want to return.)"Le cœur a ses raisons que la raison ne connaît pas/ the heart has its reasons, of which reason knows nothing."
Pascal, Les Pensées
Perhaps the first post of my last camino explains best why I have walked the Camino Frances ten times; thus it may serve as my apologia.
I have had friends and family ask me that. Why would I want to walk the Camino de Santiago again? I always find it a bit of an odd question as most that ask it have made multiple trips to same destinations on holidays. One friend that asked it has made more trips to Las Vegas than she can remember. Another visits New York City every year. Yet another does a ship's cruise every couple of years. That's just to name a few. So when they ask me why I want to walk the Camino de Santiago again I ask them why they want to go to NYC, or Las Vegas or a cruise, etc again. They answer that question by saying they enjoy those destinations and so look forward to going again and again. I tell them they just answered their own question.
I have been asking myself why would anyone want to do it again and again and again.
Thanks for sharing the details of the choices you personally make that helps to fund your Camino trips. Hopefully I will have opportunity to meet you for coffee or lunch in March when I'll be in your area as we discussed some time ago.
I support the same financially from childhood(these are young ones that i could not afford to see them out from school).I do not have children of my own
Thumbs up, and ditto from me. You expressed many of my own feelings so well! Thanks for your poignant reply.I think maybe could ask yourself, "Why wouldn't I do it again"
That might actually give you more answers.
Without getting into the whole debate of what makes a walk different from a Pilgrimage, I will keep going back because:
The question I ask myself is "Why wouldn't I do it every year if I can"?
- The Camino for me has a clear purpose. A hike anywhere else is merely a hike, and for me at least is a pointless pursuit.
- The whole mix of the Spiritual, Emotional and Physical challenges and discovery is what brings me back. I don't believe I can find quite the same thing anywhere else.
- The deep sense of history,the people, the Churches is all part of the mix for me.
I'll be doing the CF again next year, only because I think it will suit my wife who is coming with me. It has the right balance of terrain, infrastructure, distance (long enough to be a) a real challenge and b) to allow enough time on the road to go through all the phases of discovery that occur).
I think based on my limited experience, for me at least, I need to be 'on the road' for at least 3 weeks to gain the most from the experience. And as we walk slowly, St Jean to SDC gives us 6-7 weeks!
I expect to be doing lone Caminos again after that. I'll want to try different routes within Spain then.
Coming back to your original question........
If you find yourself asking "Why would I do this again"?..........maybe you didn't get what you expected from your first Camino.
I thought at first I would never do a 2nd, or 3rd or more. But for different reasons.
Because my 1st one was everything I could have possibly hoped for.
And to do another one would merely lead to disappointment. As it would only be 2nd best.
But like others, I'm finding that each is different and valuable in its own way.
If after a few months you don't find yourself thinking about your next Camino, that's fine. Maybe it's not for you
I agree with all the replies and add one little part: I have begun discovering who I really am on my first Camino. I’ve learned a little more on the second. I’m now planning my third as I’m finally accepting who I am and have been, through time, through kilometers and through other people’s smiles. Gratitude.I am not home yet after completing the Camino Frances at the end of October. I am taking some time out to reflect before getting home but while I have reflecting, I have been asking myself why would anyone want to do it again and again and again. Now you are home what is it that makes you want to go back? And I'm not talking about the people who just do a section each year until they have finished it. That I can completely understand but those who walked the whole thing or most of the time in one go. Why not do another trial or something different?
Love doing the camino.Because it is in my favourite country in the world : Spain.
Because I do need the simplicity of walking, just being in the moment and meeting wonderful people.
Because in no other country you can find pilgrim accomodations as in Spain.
Because for me as a European it is very simple to get to any part of departure in Spain.
Because I still have to discover so many more Camino routes and pueblos...
Because every year there will be a new Albariño or Rioja wine to taste.
Because there is no " whole thing or Camino ".
The night before I returned home from my first Camino Frances a French pilgrim I'd just met told me that I would return. I protested that this was a one off for me. I am presently considering my fourth. Maybe Via de la Plata. The experience, the people, the spirit, the country, the Camino. Thought I was done. Feel like I've just begun!I am not home yet after completing the Camino Frances at the end of October. I am taking some time out to reflect before getting home but while I have reflecting, I have been asking myself why would anyone want to do it again and again and again. Now you are home what is it that makes you want to go back? And I'm not talking about the people who just do a section each year until they have finished it. That I can completely understand but those who walked the whole thing or most of the time in one go. Why not do another trial or something different?
You will find out in 3,6,9 months when you can't stop talking about it and thinking about it. Your friends will tire of the topic but you just can't help yourself.I am not home yet after completing the Camino Frances at the end of October. I am taking some time out to reflect before getting home but while I have reflecting, I have been asking myself why would anyone want to do it again and again and again. Now you are home what is it that makes you want to go back? And I'm not talking about the people who just do a section each year until they have finished it. That I can completely understand but those who walked the whole thing or most of the time in one go. Why not do another trial or something different?
On this first Camino, I had some worries especially in the beginning. I was thinking of how fast could I walk, how far could I walk, how would I cope with this or that ascent or descent, etc. That meant that I didn’t always stop to enjoy places, views and sights, I had a feeling of being a little rushed. It eased off towards the end, but still…
When I go again – and I will- I think I will be more at ease so I can experience things that I missed this time and re-experience things that I remember with joy. That is my reason for wanting to return (beside the general “Camino-feeling”).
Finally, Heaven is where you find it for yourelf.
Yes see the beauty of the Camino,and interact with the pergrinos for me is the best part.I have one reason to return right now. I failed the first time due to injury.
However, the second time will be due to the prolonged, meditative beauty of the Caminos in Spain. And let's face it. Few places in the World can offer the charm, beauty and infrastructure for self determined touring.
Finally, Heaven is where you find it for yourelf.
I read once when I was researching people's travel habits that people come in three categories regarding what kind of experiences (read holidays) they want:
New-New: Everything must be new, different, spectacular. Sensation-seekers, often risk-takers.
Old-Old: Everything the same as the last time, meeting the same people, eating the same food. Family holidays at the same place, little interest in learning something new.
Old-New: Doing something similar, but different enough that they notice and appreciate the difference.
All the replies are correct, of course. But maybe the question is wrong...
I will NEVER do the Camino again. The first Camino was, for me, truly amazing. Much of what has been said/written above echoes a lot of my experiences along the way: the solitude in Belgium and France in winter, the camaraderie in Spain, the friendly people and helping hands you meet when you most need them, the sense of achievement after a particularly cold/hard/wet/whatever day, et cetera. Whatever else it was, it was a once in a lifetime experience.
Now having said that I'll never do the Camino again, I must also admit that I will, if all goes well, try and do a couple more Camino's. Which might sound somewhat contradictory.
I think I can explain, though. For me 'doing it again' suggests something an 'old-old' sort of traveller would do:
I'm not into this 'old-old' kind of thinking. Trying to repeat an experience can only result in disappointment, because 'again' implies expectations that you'd really like to be met. Which probably won't happen... I'm actually more of a 'new-new' kind of guy (though not necessarily a risk taker...) who can thoroughly enjoy the 'old-new' as well.
The real beauty in being out there is all the new experiences, unexpected encounters, and surprisingly moving moments that the world keeps throwing at you. And to me, the ancient roads to Santiago just happen to deliver these experiences in abundance. So no, I'm not going to try to relive the experience, and yes, if all goes well I'll be on some camino or other quite a few more times.
I am not home yet after completing the Camino Frances at the end of October. I am taking some time out to reflect before getting home but while I have reflecting, I have been asking myself why would anyone want to do it again and again and again. Now you are home what is it that makes you want to go back? And I'm not talking about the people who just do a section each year until they have finished it. That I can completely understand but those who walked the whole thing or most of the time in one go. Why not do another trial or something different?
For me the main reasons for wanting to return are mainly practical. I love long distance walking and the lifestyle that comes with it. Walking a Camino has the perfect combination for someone like me
- A good infrastructure with inexpensive albergues, hostals
Places to eat and son on.
- Fellowtravellers, while most of the time I walk on my own, in the evening I like some nice company ( the Camino Frances though is "too much for me")
- I like Spain,the cities, the landscapes and last but not least the people and the language.
- I like the idea that I walk in the footsteps of millions of people before me.
In the eighties I was in Nepal 3 times. Trekking there was also very beautiful and had the same advantages ( except for the cities and the language) The landscape was fabulous.
If I was younger it would be a difficult choice between Spain and Nepal. Being nearly 70 and having had to interrupt my caminos 2 times I will choose Spain, because in Spain you are never far from a road and a fast connection to a "Centro medico".
Oh, I like this video very much.... I can't locate her brilliant short video posted on this forum ...
It's like finding and falling in love with a good woman. Why go looking for another when you have found the perfect companion in life. I just love it. The mountains that nearly kill me, the meseta that burns me dry, the rain, the wind and the sun, the pain exhaustion and joy. The snow on the Pyrenees, the smell of the eucalyptus forests and the sounds of rivers and animals. The camaraderie, the peace and the freedom. The dark of early morning then the beauty of the sunrise. Why would anyone not want to do all that againI am not home yet after completing the Camino Frances at the end of October. I am taking some time out to reflect before getting home but while I have reflecting, I have been asking myself why would anyone want to do it again and again and again. Now you are home what is it that makes you want to go back? And I'm not talking about the people who just do a section each year until they have finished it. That I can completely understand but those who walked the whole thing or most of the time in one go. Why not do another trial or something different?
It's like finding and falling in love with a good woman. Why go looking for another when you have found the perfect companion in life. I just love it. The mountains that nearly kill me, the meseta that burns me dry, the rain, the wind and the sun, the pain exhaustion and joy. The snow on the Pyrenees, the smell of the eucalyptus forests and the sounds of rivers and animals. The camaraderie, the peace and the freedom. The dark of early morning then the beauty of the sunrise. Why would anyone not want to do all that again
Okay, time to do it again! Good luck y que la luz de Dios alumbre su camino.I’m still trying to get it right. Slow learner. Might take me a while.
Well spotted!Original Poster has not returned to read responses, so we are now are talking to each other, not Busybody!!
I am not home yet after completing the Camino Frances at the end of October. I am taking some time out to reflect before getting home but while I have reflecting, I have been asking myself why would anyone want to do it again and again and again. Now you are home what is it that makes you want to go back? And I'm not talking about the people who just do a section each year until they have finished it. That I can completely understand but those who walked the whole thing or most of the time in one go. Why not do another trial or something different?
Hugging a statue does nothing for me but kneeling before the reliquary of a man who walked with, talked with, ate and drank with Jesus is, to say the least, truly awesome. To think his mortal remains are almost within touching distance astounds me. I know many say its a myth, it is not really him, but I am a believer, otherwise, its just a long walk that I probably would not have repeated and plan to go back in 2018. So, yes, it is as you say 'an enchanted moment'You just missed out the enchanted moment when you arrive at the cathedral and climb the little step that enable you finally to embrace James at the back of the altar and to prey for few moment under where you can find the sarcophagus of saint James the Apostle James, thanking him to have looked after you safely on your pilgrimage, (which is the reason way you just accomplished it). Is it ????.
Hugging a statue does nothing for me but kneeling before the reliquary of a man who walked with, talked with, ate and drank with Jesus is, to say the least, truly awesome. To think his mortal remains are almost within touching distance astounds me. I know many say its a myth, it is not really him, but I am a believer, otherwise, its just a long walk that I probably would not have repeated and plan to go back in 2018. So, yes, it is as you say 'an enchanted moment'
All my releases happened when I stood in front of the cathedral for the first time. I bawled my eyes out, then I cried at mass and down in the crypt and went to mass and cried again. Went back two years later and cried all over again then last year going through the Holy Door it happened again. Obradoiro seems to do it for meDo you know tpmchugh, the first time & year for the 10 second I hugged James; that was the moment my body released all the misery, pain, suffering, that he went trough during my pelgrimage and (I'm glad I din't ) strongly was going to burst into tears.
All my releases happened when I stood in front of the cathedral for the first time. I bawled my eyes out, then I cried at mass and down in the crypt and went to mass and cried again. Went back two years later and cried all over again then last year going through the Holy Door it happened again. Obradoiro seems to do it for me
I walked to Leon, then due to injury could walk no more.I have one reason to return right now. I failed the first time due to injury.
However, the second time will be due to the prolonged, meditative beauty of the Caminos in Spain. And let's face it. Few places in the World can offer the charm, beauty and infrastructure for self determined touring.
Finally, Heaven is where you find it for yourelf.
I am not home yet after completing the Camino Frances at the end of October. I am taking some time out to reflect before getting home but while I have reflecting, I have been asking myself why would anyone want to do it again and again and again. Now you are home what is it that makes you want to go back? And I'm not talking about the people who just do a section each year until they have finished it. That I can completely understand but those who walked the whole thing or most of the time in one go. Why not do another trial or something different?
I've done three routes, and I can tell you that nothing brings the spirit of the Camino out in full force like the Camino Frances. It's the most popular, you meet the most people, and it's the least expensive.I am not home yet after completing the Camino Frances at the end of October. I am taking some time out to reflect before getting home but while I have reflecting, I have been asking myself why would anyone want to do it again and again and again. Now you are home what is it that makes you want to go back? And I'm not talking about the people who just do a section each year until they have finished it. That I can completely understand but those who walked the whole thing or most of the time in one go. Why not do another trial or something different?
Sometimes we can think too muchI am not home yet after completing the Camino Frances at the end of October. I am taking some time out to reflect before getting home but while I have reflecting, I have been asking myself why would anyone want to do it again and again and again. Now you are home what is it that makes you want to go back? And I'm not talking about the people who just do a section each year until they have finished it. That I can completely understand but those who walked the whole thing or most of the time in one go. Why not do another trial or something different?
I loved meeting both of you as well. Some of my precious memories. I pray to return and when I do you'll all know. Goodluck and best wishes on your return.Penny,
Meeting you on the Camino was great! You seemed so strong even after you told Janet and I about your struggles. Your bravery and strength are examples for others to emulate.
I have to return and be a Camino repeater. This time we will be serving as hospitaleros.
When you are able to return to the Camino, please share with us so we can be with you in spirit and hopefully when you share in the forum.
Buen Camino!
This made me laugh.....once The Camino is in your blood it's a bond. The CF in 2016, my partners' bilateral knee replacements in 2017.....now its the Del Norte in 2018.....What an fantastic place this forum is, all contributors resonate with my feelings on this amazing journey. Yes I've been to NYC, loved it so much but won't go back...same with Inca trail, Galapagos Islands, Myanmar, Transmongolian railway...been there, done that, loved them. But, the Camino! 7 weeks of walking every day is somehow an addiction to just being in the moment with nothing else to clutter the mind except for hoping to get a bed at the end of the day, hoping the feet don't get too sore ....oh I think that's all I worried about!!! May 2018 can't come soon enough. Buen CaminoI have had friends and family ask me that. Why would I want to walk the Camino de Santiago again? I always find it a bit of an odd question as most that ask it have made multiple trips to same destinations on holidays. One friend that asked it has made more trips to Las Vegas than she can remember. Another visits New York City every year. Yet another does a ship's cruise every couple of years. That's just to name a few. So when they ask me why I want to walk the Camino de Santiago again I ask them why they want to go to NYC, or Las Vegas or a cruise, etc again. They answer that question by saying they enjoy those destinations and so look forward to going again and again. I tell them they just answered their own question.
Just my response to a question at yesterdays Xmas lunch; ´caus I can and I must.....Because I can!
When are you planning for your Camino in 2018?My husband and I walked the Frances in 2015 to turn the page on our retirement. This was a Camino of exploration...
It was also a pilgrimage of reflection, prayer and penance. I joined the Catholic Church in 2016.
In 2016, the “Jubilee of Mercy”, we walked the Via Francigena from Lucca to Rome - to the Vatican.
We are walking the Frances again in 2018.
Why?
We loved sharing the experiece with so many other pilgrims.
Walking a familar, well marked route allows one to truly live in the moment and appreciate every step.
This is a Camino of praise and thanksgiving - and I’ll be able to fully participate in Mass and the sacraments along the way. I can’t wait!
There are so many ways to experience the Camino - an adventure is one of them.
For some of us, it’s a profoundly spiritual connection to the pilgrims who have walked before us.
And aren’t we blessed to have a Forum like this to learn about all the reasons we walk? Yay Ivar!
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