Planning my trip in august 2009

[Evelin]

Hi, im Evelin from Estonia (age 26), I study tourismgeography also work in travel office. I plan to start my trip from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela in august 2009. I think it´s great opportunity to challenge myself. Also one purpose why I do this is that I would like to research what is the main reason why people do it. Is it for religious reasons or something else. I belive this kind of trips might be new trend in tourism. Challenging tourism

 

[Anniesantiago]

For me it was a spiritual journey.

I had reached a point in my life where decisions had to be made about relationships with people, with God, how my illness was impacting my life, and how it was impacting friends and family.

It was an opportunity to walk and contemplate where my life was going to go "from here."

It was also an opportunity to think about and pray for the needs of others, instead of myself.
I carried written prayers to Santiago for several people, praying for THEIR needs each day as I walked.

I really did enjoy meeting the people of Spain, seeing the art, the countryside, and visiting the many Catholic Churches along the way. It convinced me to return to the Church, something that has positively impacted my life.

Mundanely, I lost 20 pounds. I really needed! ::laughing::

I have more work to do on myself, mundanely and spiritually, and the Camino is calling me back to continue the work I started 3 years ago.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The recent huge increase in German pilgrims was due almost entirely to a book by comedian Hape Kerkeling. Germany became first in the number of non-Spanish pilgrims two years ago, moving ahead of both Italy and France. I think it is fair to say that tourism is the primary motive for them, though there usually is a religious and spiritual component. A comedian could spur the spiritual senses, I suppose.