Tomorrow I’m heading to Spain with a backpack, a tablet (to keep you all involved), and enough excitement/terror to keep me awake for a few weeks. My goal: to sightsee and walk a bit with my mother (www.jeniseparris.com) and then to walk the Camino de Santiago (Primitivo) all by my onesie.
The Way of St. James was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during medieval times… and a pilgrimage route on which a plenary indulgence could be earned…
Legend holds that St. James’s remains were carried by boat from Jerusalem to northern Spain where he was buried on the site of what is now the city of Santiago de Compostela.
(According the the all-knowing Wikipedia)
Yes, I know I’m not Catholic, and I’m an unbaptized heathen, but that doesn’t mean I’m unwelcome. Many people make the journey for completely unreligious reasons — ranging from writing books to exploring the medieval castles and churches along the way.
I chose the Camino Primitivo (meaning “early” or “original” here, not “primitive”) because it gets less foot traffic, and can be completed in anywhere from 10 to 14 days. This approximately 227 km (141 mi) pilgrimage is considered one of the hardest routes, taking you along long stretches of rural countryside and up and down gorgeous mountains.
The last few days have been a whirlwind of last-minute purchases, last-minute freelance work, and last-minute nerves. Check out this terrible sketch of my shopping today:
Before I sign off and make sure my socks and toilet paper are all in the proper pockets of my pack, I’ll leave you with my hopes and dreams for this trip:
- To remind myself (and others) that anyone can achieve their dreams with a bit of hard work
- To meet new friends and share new adventures
- To remember the saying “the Camino will provide” — and to take it easy for once!
Stay tuned, because I plan on writing and posting pictures along the way. 🙂
