Have you ever thought about walking the 1000 year old pilgrim paths, eighthundred + kilometres, from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain?
I am thinking about it, right now…
This summer we met many pilgrims on our Spanish journey, and what we learned from them, was peace of mind and reflecting thoughts of life… What am I doing here and where am I going – and Why? Pain of course…but as we happened to meet so many different pilgrims, we realized how many different reasons there are for their pilgrimage and the ultimate joy and satisfaction when arriving in Santiago. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walk one of these routes every year, and in a couple of posts I will try to convey something of what we learned about why they choose to go through this 800 – kilometre ordeal.
On our way to Astorga and the great cathedral, we stayed at this pilgrim albergue – our first one. At the entrance we were welcomed by Evilio, and immediately he set the mood: Contemplative and calm – Total Harmony.
Every morning we were awakened by the sound of the pilgims’ sticks. The earlier you are up, the earlier you will be at your goal for the day. First to the albergue gets a bed.
The Camino was just outside our window. And every evening there were new pilgrims lodging – and hopefully telling their story. Some did not want to talk much though. According to the old tradition, you should not talk during your journey. You should stay concentrated on your inner qualities.
Late in the evening, these two friends would come walking after a tour on the Camino. The yellow stone is the mark.
Keep your window open…
Leya 
Wonderful, Leya. So you got a taste of what the Camino was like during your stay in Astorga. I think you have been called to do the Camino. 🙂 I’ll let you know when I’m all done whether I was able to do it with my problem knee. I’m hoping it will get stronger along the way, but that may just be wishful thinking. I hope you will be able to do it one of these days.
I’m going to link this to my next ”Call to Place” invitation, which will post on September 27. 🙂
I do hope you will make it and enjoy it I know you will!
Thanks for your encouragement! Believe it or not, today for the first day in months, my knee is feeling better. I hope it holds. 🙂
Anticipation!
It looks like great trip !
I leave you my post about celebration of New Year’s Eve in Madrid – another amazing place in the world
https://traveltomeetyourheart.wordpress.com/2017/01/07/12-grapes-new-years-eve-spain-madrid/
Just do it! ❤
I should…♥
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I want to do it!
I think you should! A great experience for sure!
I am not sure I could do such a long pilgrimage but I would like to try a smaller pilgrimage.
I’m thinking of doing the Camino road to compostella. I’m not religious at all but I would like to find some answers for myself. But first of all I have to practice while now it’s not possible yet.
Yes, practising is essential. Do you plan to do the whole walk? Had I been younger I would have done it too. My knees are not that good anymore. I’m not religious either, but interested in psychology and philosophy. And sorting myself out. And all interesting people and stories!
I hope you do some of this, A-C!
So do I. I’m in for treatment of my bad knees. So…maybe next autumn?
Yes. When we walked a small part of it from San Sebastian last year, we passed a few travelers with their walking sticks and badges. It was inspiring.
Do it.
I wish I had some years ago. Now my knees are not that good, but it is still possible to walk parts of it. And I will.
80 mil … det gäller att man inte får skavsår!
Det får man. De flesta stapplade haltande i mål i Santiago.