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.
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