Arriving in Spain

After the long  uneventful flight, during which I watched three movies: Twelve years a slave,The book thief,  Captain Phillips and the next four sessions of Downton Abby as well as playing computer games I arrived in Barcelona.  It was easy going through passport control where I met Elizabeth from Brisbane who was on her way to a Buddhist retreat in Tenerife. She works at the Qld State library though she is not a librarian. We caught the bus together. It was only €5.95.
Finding the apartment was rather fraught. I missed the  street and walked around in circles lugging the bag. Even though I asked several people who assured me I was close but missed the fact that the street had another name  at its beginning. I was getting pretty tired lugging the bag and feeling a bit desperate. Eventually I got that little bit of vital information and was wandering up the street when I heard a welcome call from above. It was Daniela who was getting concerned.
The lesson is: get a SIM card as soon as possible and always have a map!
all is good. The apartment is charming and very Spanish. Daniela has decorated with style  on a budget. She is very welcoming and has a lovely daughter.
I am feeling a bit weary now so will head out for dinner soon so I can go to bed at a reasonable time.
It is cold.  Hope it warms up. Though lugging the bag made my glasses fog up.
First day done.

About to depart

I am here at the airport about to board. I am aghast as a man coughs and splutters continuously at the end of the row of seats where I am sitting. If this was the cruise he wouldn't be allowed on to the ship.
After being calm and collected and almost ready I ended up in a flurry this evening trying to clean out the fridge etc.  I was compelled to clean the stove of all things. Anyway I am here and calmly waiting for the call to board.  My bag only weighed 13kilograms with everything so my backpack should be okay. As I am not sharing phone, iPad or camera I have to expect a little more weight. I jettisoned a pair of shorts/ skirt, extra socks(now only 3pairs) and my handbag. I have substituted a 68gm backpack to keep my hands free and carry my technology when I am not walking.
I have been amused and touched by my sons giving me warnings about speaking to weirdos and strangers. Jonathan gave me some good advice about not telegraphing my solo status but mention how I am meeting friends in the next town etc. the child parenting the parent is rather nice.
Barcelona here I come.

Practice blogging

Just back from my walk in the Dandenong's with pack.  I am feeling very happy because it was okay.  The pack is carrying a bit more than I want ideally and yet I had no trouble and walked strongly.  It is a relief.  I was momentarily daunted when I first picked up my pack and slung it over my back.  I thought how rusty I was.  It is really two years since I did the Camino Frances,  or any real backpacking and I am two years older; all those negative thoughts flooded across my mind but it was fine.  It didn't feel heavy at all.

The other diners at the Paradise Hotel were a bit taken a back when we walked in for lunch with our sticks and packs.  We certainly stood out amongst the well dressed patrons with our rain coats and sweat soaked t shirts.

I am feeling a bit embarrassed about recording my thoughts and experiences on this blog.  Ir is a more public action. I have usually kept a handwritten personal travel diary which is of course more private and usually illegible! It seems a bit of an ego trip to do this but it does mean I can share my trip more easily and regularly with those people who are interested.

23/3/2014 Kath with Pack and rain cover

I had expected rain and was not disappointed though fortunately the rain was light.  It was enough to test new jacket, new pants and my ability to put the pack cover on correctly.  Must remember the name goes on right way up!  It is funny what you forget.  All in all a good days walk and a lovely lunch with dear friends. 

Packing the backpack

I packed the backpack and weighed it. 6kg seems good but I have to add water and the iPad mini and camera yet. Ouch.starting to add up. I put it on and walked around. I feel rusty so tomorrow will be a good test. Just as well I've been doing weights as well as walking.

Tomorrow's walk around Belgrave in the Dandenongs with a good uphill finish will test my fitness.

Not long now to Spain and walking the Via de la Plata

I am starting this blog to track my visit to Spain but in particular my second Camino - the Via de la Plata from Seville in the south to Santiago de Compostella in Galicia in the north west of Spain.  The last camino I undertook was the Camino Frances from the French border, commencing at St Jean Pied de Port. This was a long desired ambition which I finally realises as a reward for turning 60. I needed some time out to deal with residual grief over the loss of my dear husband. It was a wonderful experience which  has left me with warm memories of exceptional camaraderie, a feeling of inner peace and a new desire to do another.  In rereading my handwritten diary I realise I had forgotten about all the sore feet I experienced.  Memory is so selective!

Last time I worked feverishly up to the departure with very ordinary preparation for real walking.  My dear friend Lyn did all the reading of forums and gathered all the information we needed. This time I am going solo.  It will be a new adventure and this time I am not time restricted. Hopefully this will translate into a few more rest days.

Time is running out as usual and I am starting to feel very excited but also a little concerned that I have organised everything I need. Tonight I am going over my checklist. I have been walking and going to the gym every day so I am fitter than last time - I hope.

This holiday is my homage to free wheeling. Apart from the Camino the rest of the time in Spain/Europe is relatively unstructured.  The only other specific commitment is my placement at the English emersion program (Pueblo Ingles) which has been confirmed so I need to book a place in Madrid to give them details.

Most english speaker participants are flying in from outside Spain. As I am already going to be in Spain I need to book a place in Madrid, the pickup point. I will be going to Salamanca, a world heritage city.  The accommodation looks amazing. It will be luxury after 6/7 weeks of staying in Albergues and sharing facilities with other pilgrims.  I hope my inner peace can cope with all the talking required on this program!

I have started to lay out my clothes for the trip in the spare room. That is a challenge too as I need to be very disciplined about not taking too much!  I will be carrying them on my back for 1000 kilometres.
I will be flying into Barcelona and staying for four days before flying to Seville to commence walking on the 9th September.

Well the blog is started, Tick.