Camino Ingles Update and An Unsurpassed Treasure

[Deleted member 67185]

That distinction belongs solely to Jill.

She has really taken to Camino preparations, including changing her fitness focus for long distance walking. It is so wonderful to see her so excited about doing the Ingles, and pouring over simple details because they are fun for her as part of getting ready to depart.

For me, this is a unique situation. I get to closely observe and interact with someone who is a brand new pilgrim. . . I get to see this all from an external point of view. I remember how exciting it felt as I prepared for my first Camino, it being a whole different type of adventure from traditional backpacking, complete with international travel.

It makes me wonder if what I am seeing with Jill, is the same as what SHE saw from me on that first Camino. Maybe so, maybe not quite the same. . The main difference between her and I is that I was very experienced at walking long distances from backpacking, so I had no anxieties or concerns about THAT part of the Camino. My wide-eyed innocence was how day-to-day life on Camino would actually be, versus what my pre-conceptions were.

Jill is having fun dealing with BOTH newbie long distance walking, PLUS anticipating day-to-day Camino life, PLUS the excitement of her first trip to Europe.

I am really cherishing this time: observing Jill the new Pilgrim, and interacting with her, and being caught up in the waves of her excitement as time is getting close; our departure date on October 15 is only about a month away.

It is funny, but I want time to slow down. This is one of those 'Roses of Life' that is worth stopping for, and smelling and enjoying

 

[Mike Savage]

I am happy for you Dave and wish you both well. I do love October in Galicia.

Buen camino and safe travels to you both!

 

[Kanga]

Glorious stuff Dave. Keep on enjoying!

 

[Vancouver pilgrim]

Dave,
Thank you for putting into words the excitement I feel as prepare to fly out of Portland Oregon a week from tomorrow for my first Camino. To plan well and yet hold those plans loosely as I live into the Camino He has invited me to is very exciting.
Your enthusiasm for another’s journey is wonderful.

 

[t2andreo]

Don't forget to plan to take 'tourist time' afterwards. As this is Jill's first European trip, you might as well deliver the full course meal. It will make a difference, especially to her.

I recommend some time in Santiago, followed by a stop in Madrid, Lisbon, or Porto. It depends on your flight routing.

Consider using an 'open jaw;' fly into one city and out of another. It does not cost much more and can really expand your touring possibilities. Example, fly into Ferrol, via Madrid, then home from Madrid, Lisbon or Porto, via Madrid, or wherever...

Also, deposit, or mail ahead a suitcase using the Correos from Ferrol to Ivar at Santiago, or to your reserved Santiago hotel. It is easy to do and not very expensive. This way, your street clothes and other stuff that Jill or you might need or want are waiting for your arrival.

Hope this helps.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Don't forget to plan to take 'tourist time' afterwards. As this is Jill's first European trip, you might as well deliver the full course meal. It will make a difference, especially to her.

I recommend some time in Santiago, followed by a stop in Madrid, Lisbon, or Porto. It depends on your flight routing.

Consider using an 'open jaw;' fly into one city and out of another. It does not cost much more and can really expand your touring possibilities. Example, fly into Ferrol, via Madrid, then home from Madrid, Lisbon or Porto, via Madrid, or wherever...

Also, deposit, or mail ahead a suitcase using the Correos from Ferrol to Ivar at Santiago, or to your reserved Santiago hotel. It is easy to do and not very expensive. This way, your street clothes and other stuff that Jill or you might need or want are waiting for your arrival.

Hope this helps.

Believe me, great minds think alike

After the Camino, we have a 21 day European Road Trip planned. We fly out of SdC back to Madrid to take a look around and visit the Prado, etc. Then a flight to Paris for three days of seeing stuff. Jill's only hard request is to visit the Louvre (we have the tickets purchased already). My big thing is an arranged private tour/class at a family run bakery.

We pick up a rental car at Orly airport, and then it is driving and stopping and seeing and eating wherever and whatever we want - - there are a few things are on the must see and do list, but things are fluid. We will be traveling and stopping all through France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, and Germany.

The car gets dropped off at Frankfurt where we are catching our flight home.

 

[t2andreo]

Outstanding...! Last August (2018) by wife flew over to join me at Santiago in week three of my four-week volunteer stint. We moved from the free, albeit more spartan digs I was in, to a three-star hotel. Over more than 40 years together, I have learned what SHE demands.

While I finished my last week working, my wife played tourist at Santiago and fell in love with the city. Ka Ching! Following my service, we rented a car and drove along the north coast, visiting friends in Bilbao and seeing the Guggenheim. We ended up after a few days in Pamplona for three full days. On one of those days, we drove over the Pyrenees, backwards on the Valcarlos Route to Saint Jean Pied de Port.

The good news is that we had lunch on the deck at Refuge Orisson... she loved it. The bad news is that she hung out of her seat belt on the drive down the steep road into SJPdP, with pilgrims walking up. But, she loved SJPdP totally!

The bad part is that having seen the up-slope she explicitly FORBADE me from ever walking that segment again. And this was AFTER i received a clean bill of health from my cardiologist. So, when I do it again, it will likely involve using Express Bourricot to take me to the turnoff to walk over the frontier into Spain and Roncesvalles...sigh...

After our day playing tourist at SJPdp we returned to Pamplona. The next day we drove to the airport at Madrid to return the car, then spent a few days in Madrid before flying home. The drive was beautiful, across La Mancha, the fields of sunflowers were like a Van Gogh painting.

Enjoy!

 

[JacTx]

Buen camino!

 

[Dani7]

Believe me, great minds think alike

After the Camino, we have a 21 day European Road Trip planned. We fly out of SdC back to Madrid to take a look around and visit the Prado, etc. Then a flight to Paris for three days of seeing stuff. Jill's only hard request is to visit the Louvre (we have the tickets purchased already). My big thing is an arranged private tour/class at a family run bakery.

We pick up a rental car at Orly airport, and then it is driving and stopping and seeing and eating wherever and whatever we want - - there are a few things are on the must see and do list, but things are fluid. We will be traveling and stopping all through France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, and Germany.

The car gets dropped off at Frankfurt where we are catching our flight home.

May this adventure together go by oh so slowly. After reading your beautiful words and thoughts regarding Jill’s first Camino, I have no doubt you will both savour each moment of joy together. Buen Camino and safe journey.

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Did you consider starting this Camino in Ireland? Do an approved route (there are several), and when added to the Ingles and totaling over 100 km, it qualifies for a Compostela in Santiago. Here is a link to start;

Celtic Camino - Camino Society Ireland

Records the names of those Irish pilgrims who have received a Camino Certificate or Compostela and have requested to have their names included in the Book

www.caminosociety.com

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Did you consider starting this Camino in Ireland? Do an approved route (there are several), and when added to the Ingles and totaling over 100 km, it qualifies for a Compostela in Santiago. Here is a link to start;

Celtic Camino - Camino Society Ireland

Records the names of those Irish pilgrims who have received a Camino Certificate or Compostela and have requested to have their names included in the Book

www.caminosociety.com

Thank you, Michelle. Indeed, I had considered it. I think it is a great option for Camino Ingles.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Just a note: The thread has been moved to the 'Camino Ingles' Forum topic site at my request. I had started the thread in the wrong topic area by mistake, thinking I was placing it in 'Miscellaneous' and failed to notice it until a mention was made in a post.

Sorry for any confusion.

 

[VNwalking]

So may Jill enjoy the month as much as you, Dave...
Remembering my first camino and the mix of wonder and the feeling that I was about to do something a bit crazy. Walk across Spain? what an idea.
Buen pre-camino, you two!

 

[peregrina2000]

When I last left this thread, it was about the excitement and wonder of a newbie heading out for her first camino. So I was as bit perplexed to read the several reports. I have deleted the snarky posts. I do not have the time nor the energy to go back and search through the history of the relationship between these two forum members. I will say that I value both very much, have learned a lot from both, and hope that both will just steer clear of each other. The “ignore” button may be perfect for you two. But please, do not bring these fights back to the forum.

 

[OzAnnie]

@davebugg
from someone who has just found this thread and was feeling so excited reading about your travels and also that of Toms last year.... I was quite confused when I arrived at the post saying there were some negative comments posted that have since been deleted by Laurie.. I'm glad I didn't have to read them and I'm sorry that for you, they stick...the deleting doesn't get to your memory.

For those that have cruel negative thoughts....I wish they would just scan and move on. Best left unsaid for everyone. Surely it doesn't make them feel better., (whatever it was)..

However., the happy note... you have only a month to go. I love this time leading up to the camino… it's like an advance extension of the walk.
I'll be following you ..
Buen Camino to you both
Annie

 

[Paul McAmino]

Sweet sentiment and (by now) a great memory. Not long from now, I’ll be doing the same thing. Your post helps me remember the important things as we prepare bodies, minds and souls: me, again, she for the first time.
Thanks,
Paul