Just a quick note to let you know that the blog may be up and running again shortly. Next Wednesday night, having used every airline point I own for a flat bed on a British Airways flight, I will be making my way to Spain to spend a few days on a pilgrimage. Well, of sorts.
There is now a proliferation of books on pilgrims walking the "Camino" to Santiago de Compostela. A rising interest in walking trips with a purpose has made the route increasingly popular. Consider it the latest craze after eco-tourism! The books are no doubt spurring others on to the route. My own past minister, Paul, preached many a sermon on lessons he learned walking 800 kms. There will be a book published one day about his journey, I am certain. In the meantime, Jane Christmas has written a book called "What the Psychic Told the Pilgrim" which I would encourage you to read if you liked "Eat, Pray, Love" - another book on the bestseller list that deals with the theme of seeking. Another book I am reading right now is called "The Way is Made by Walking" by Paul Boers, a Mennonite minister and professor. A different,more thoughtful approach. But there is one common theme in all Camino books - feet! Aching feet, tired feet, festering, blistered feet. Great stuff!
Why do I call mine a pilgrimage of sorts? Well, I am taking the easy way out. True confession. I will be accompanied by seven very dear friends. I will have a support vehicle to schlep my bags from pillar to post each day. I will not be sleeping in refugios (think eighteen years old and hostelling). And, 150 kms over eight days is manageable - no 40 km marathons daily. I am hoping that despite the relatively pampered approach we are taking will not preclude insights, time for thought and maybe a new appreciation for things normally taken for granted.
There is an expression that there are no coincidences. Maybe this is true. The Camino is famed for them however. Already, I have discovered a couple of friends, without discussing it, are doing the same trek three days after I start. Another woman I recently met will be arriving in Santiago the very same day I will be using the very same schlepping company. We will be able to walk together as our routes crossover a few times. This is the beginning of little frisson moments. Let's hope there are more!
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